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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc.
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October 15, 2014
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Welcome to the October 15, 2014 edition of the REALTOR® Review! Some highlights:
Crimes against REALTORS® have become all too common, and all GBAR Members must take every precaution necessary to ensure their safety in the course of conducting business. See our lead article as we share suggestions and tips for staying safe out there.
5 Candidates and Incumbents for state and local office spoke at our recent Government Affairs Business Luncheon. Check out our Luncheon article for a run-down and photos.
Several GBAR Members and Officers attended the NYSAR Fall Meetings held at Turning Stone in Verona, New York. Their Trip Reports are posted in our article below. And the Southern Tier Region, including GBAR, took top honors in NYSAR YPN's Used Cell Phone Drive to benefit victims of domestic violence.
And finally, remember to mark your calendars for the Supra Lockbox Exchange coming October 29 and 29 - see the article under Upcoming GBAR Member Events.
As always, if you have any comments or suggestions for future issues of the REALTOR® Review, please feel free to email me by clicking here.
Barry Arnold, Executive Officer
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REALTOR® Safety Takes Center Stage
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| REALTOR® Safety - A Priority for All
We've all read the news. And the bottom line is that all REALTORS®, no matter where they operate, must take every precaution necessary to ensure their safety in the course of conducting business.
With this issue of the REALTOR® Review, we are establishing a clearing house of REALTOR® Safety Tips that we hope each of you will contribute to over time.
To start, we are providing 3 Forms which brokers and agents can customize and use to collect vital information which may help prevent crimes against REALTORS®. These forms have been provided to us courtesy of our friends at the Elmira-Corning Regional Association of REALTORS®:
- Agent ID Form: Used to collect and provide vital emergency contact information for each agent.
- Agent Itinerary Form: Used to advise someone other than the agent of where that agent expects to be at any given time.
- Prospect ID Form: Used to gather as much information as possible on prospects.
If your brokerage does not already have comparable forms or procedures, we encourage you to adopt them.
And please note the Rape Aggression Self-Defense Course being held at the Association Offices in November. See the article below in the GBAR Real Estate School section, or click here.
Finally, we would welcome any suggestions or tips from all our Members that will serve to protect us all. If you have any suggestions, click here to email them to Executive Officer Barry Arnold. Your suggestions will be published in subsequent issues of the REALTOR® Review.
Thank you!
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2014 Government Affairs Luncheon
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| GBAR Members Hear From State and Local Candidates Prior to Election Day
GBAR Members hosted 5 incumbents and candidates for State and Local Office at our Annual Government Affairs Business Meeting and Luncheon on Wednesday, October 8 at Terra Cotta in Binghamton.
In attendance were:
- Candidate for New York State Senate Anndrea Starzak
- New York Assemblyman Cliff Crouch
- New York Assemblyman Chris Friend
- Candidate for Town of Union Supervisor Frank Palmisano
- Broome County Legislator Mike Sopchak
Each candidate/incumbent was given the opportunity to speak to the Membership about their candidacy and/or the current issues facing state and local government. As expected, the topics focused on those issues important to REALTORS, such as Property Taxes, Jobs, and bringing new business opportunities to the Greater Binghamton Region.
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Fall NYSAR Meetings at Turning Stone
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| GBAR Members Attend NYSAR Fall Meetings
Several GBAR Members represented our Association at the NYSAR Fall Meetings, held at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York from September 28 - October 1. A wide variety of topics were discussed, including NAR's new Core Standards for Associations, Member Education, Professional Standards, MLS Issues and Policies, Member Communications, Government Affairs Advocacy and Technology.
At the General Session for all attendees, hosted by 2014 NYSAR President JP Enders, the winner of the 2014 REALTOR of the Year was announced - Rick Reilly of the Columbia-Greene Board of REALTORS.
Attendee Trip Reports are now available for your review:
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Southern Tier Wins Top Honors in NYSAR's Used Cell Phone Drive
NYSAR's YPN Group staged a used cell phone collection drive at the recent NYSAR Fall Meetings at Turning Stone to benefit victims of domestic abuse. To stimulate participation, they made it a contest between NYSAR's 8 geographic regions. Coming out on top, of course, was the Southern Tier (Binghamton, Elmira-Corning, Ithaca, Cortland and Otsego-Delaware), who collected over 70 phones for this great cause! Thanks to the many GBAR Members who contributed to Binghamton's haul of 20 cell phones!
On Thursday, October 9, NYSAR Southern Tier Regional Vice-President Amy Wood Gonzalez delivered the phones to the Domestic Violence Advocacy Center in Tompkins County: Here's a note from Christie Hillenbrand, Advocate/Counselor at the Center:
"Thank you so much for collecting the cell phones for our agency. It means so
 | | Amy Wood Gonzalez of NYSAR (left) and Christie Hillenbrand (right) |
much not only to us but for the lives of our clients. Some of the cell phones that were collected will become phones that can be used to contact emergency personnel if needed. Any cell phone, even without minutes can be used to call 911. It is a tool that we use with our clients for safety planning purposes. The rest of the phones will be sent to the shelter alliance. From the Shelter Alliance we receive a donation that helps us give the highest level of support to our community. Thank you so much for supporting us in the work that we do!
Thank you again,
Christie"
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Coming October 23!
The New .REALTOR Domain
The National Association of Realtors®' new .REALTOR top-level domain will be available October 23, 2014 to members of NAR and the Canadian Real Estate Association.
The Internet is undergoing vast changes with the creation of over 1,900 new top-level domains, and with nine out of 10 recent buyers beginning their home search online, it has become even more critical for Realtors® to create a branded space online. The .REALTOR domain will help Realtors® stand apart from other real estate professionals, creating a more positive online experience for consumers who are searching for information on buying or selling property. Having a .REALTOR domain will inform consumers that they are working with a Realtor®, a trusted real estate professional who subscribes to NAR's strict Code of Ethics. "This is truly an exciting time for NAR members to be on the cutting edge of Internet technology," said NAR President Steve Brown, co-owner of Irongate, Inc. Realtors® in Dayton, Ohio. "NAR is one of the first associations to be approved to offer a top-level domain for its membership, demonstrating our organization's commitment to its members and showcasing the value of the Realtor® brand. When consumers visit a .REALTOR website they will know that they have reached a source of comprehensive and accurate real estate information as well as someone with unparalleled insight into the local market." Click here for more information, and instructions how to register for your .REALTOR Domain, and click here for a .REALTOR Domain Fact Sheet. |
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Award Nominations Now Open
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Time to Submit Nominations for
GBAR Annual Awards
Know someone deserving of one of GBAR's Annual Awards? Click here for a  nomination form! The Award Categories are: REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Distinguished Service Award and Volunteer of the Year. These awards will be presented at the annual GBAR Holiday Luncheon & Installation Ceremony in December. Nominations must be at the Association Office by 5:00pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2014.
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| Do You Qualify for the GBAR Honor Society? Apply Now!
Are you an active and involved GBAR Member? If so, you may qualify for the GBAR Honor Society! Click here for more information and an application form. Honor Society Members will be honored at our January 2015 Business Meeting and Luncheon. Fill out and return the form to the Association Office by 5:00pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Blank forms are also available from the Association Office. E-mail admin@gbingar.com. Good Luck!
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Upcoming GBAR Member Events
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| Mark Your Calendars - Mandatory Supra Lockbox and Key Upgrade/Exchange is October 28 and 29
On Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29, 2014, Supra and GBAR will be facilitating the mandatory exchange of all current blue iBox Lockboxes for new, low energy Bluetooth® iBox BTLE Lockboxes. The new BTLE Boxes have built-in Bluetooth Technology, which will allow shackle and key access using an app on your smartphone/tablet, rather than carrying around an ActiveKey or an EKey Fob. There is no charge for exchanging your old blue iBox Lockboxes for the new BTLE Boxes.
The Lockbox exchange and app upload event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton at 225 Water Street in Binghamton in the "225 Entertainment Zone" downstairs.
A separate email with full details, instructions and answers to Frequently Asked Questions was sent to all effected GBAR Members on Friday, September 12. To view this email, click here.
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| SAVE THE DATE! GBAR'S ANNUAL TEAM TRIVIA EVENT IS NOVEMBER 8!
A local 5-year old boy, Robbie, has VATERS Syndrome and the Community Service Committee has chosen to devote the proceeds of this year's Team Trivia event to supporting Robbie and his family.
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This rare syndrome refers to a series of 5 birth defects. Robbie is currently 1 out of 5 children in the USA who has all 5 defects.
Tickets are on sale now - Call Sara Reifler at 768-4422 or Alison Donnelly at the Association Offices at 729-6285. Click here for a flyer and more information on Basket Donations and Sponsorship.
DATE: Saturday, November 8, 2014
TIME: Dinner 5:00pm Trivia 6:00pm to 9:00pm
PLACE: Kalurah Shrine, 926 Glendale Drive, Endicott
TICKETS: $25.00 - On Sale Now!
We hope to see you there!
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Sign Up Now for the November GBAR Monthly Business Luncheon and Thanksgiving Food Drive!
Our November GBAR Monthly Business Luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at The Relief Pitcher in Binghamton. The Luncheon, generously sponsored by Hinman, Howard & Kattell, will feature a Catholic Charities Food Pantry Presentation. Registration begins at 11:30 am, and the program and lunch will begin at 12:00 noon.
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For a flyer and registration instructions, click here.
Please also note that the Program & Banquet Committee is asking all Members to participate in the Thanksgiving Food Drive, at the November Luncheon, that will benefit the Catholic Charities Thanksgiving food program and general pantry supply. This year the Program will be a Catholic Charities Food Pantry presentation, and they will be taking the food collected at the Luncheon with them. Click here for a list of needed items. The items should be brought to the November Association Business Meeting at the Relief Pitcher on November 12th or left at the Association Office any time prior to that date. If you have any questions, please call Melissa Burish, Chair at (607) 427-2626.
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We hope to see you there!
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| The Binghamton Chamber's Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon - November 18, 2014
The 18th Annual Greater Binghamton Chamber Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, November 18th from Noon to 1:30 at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Traditionally, we ask GBAR Members who would like to attend to book through us, so that all GBAR Attendees may sit together.
If you would like to attend this luncheon, please click here to email Barry Arnold of your intent to attend by Friday, October 24. The cost is $22.00 per person - you may mail or bring a check payable to GBAR, or call us at 729-6285 with credit card information. All payments must be received by Friday, October 31 to be included in our bulk order.
We hope you'll join us!
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2015 GBAR Budget: Approved by GBAR Membership
At the August 19, 2014 Board of Directors meeting, the proposed 2015 GBAR Budget was accepted, and the Membership voted to approve the Budget by an overwhelming majority. As the result of an expected growth in Membership and tight expense control, the proposed 2015 Budget requires no Dues or Fees increases. A copy of this proposed budget, together with a written overview, is available to GBAR REALTOR® Members by:
- Clicking here, or
- Accessing a PDF on the GBAR Members-Only Website under Member Forms, Miscellaneous (click here),or
- Picking up a copy at the Association Office or from your Principal Broker.
Thank you to all our GBAR Members for your vote of confidence!
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FEMA Issues New Flood Insurance Manual
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated the manual that insurance companies use to write flood insurance policies. The comprehensive manual provides answers to just about any question a REALTOR may have regarding flood insurance, ranging from how condos are treated to rate tables as revised by the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act enacted earlier this year.
Prior to releasing the new manual, FEMA issued a series of a NFIP iService Bulletins, which are supplemental to the October 1 manual. Presented in one place, these are the key insurance bulletins that implement the rate relief and refund procedures under the new law.
Click here to view the updated manual.
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| Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Information Available for JC, Union & Endicott
As part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the town of Union and the Villages of Johnson City and Endicott can now respond to inquiries regarding properties located in the 100-year floodplain, providing real estate agents, mortgage lenders and insurance agents with:
- Insurance Zone Risk
- NFIP Community Number
- Panel Number
- Date of the FIRM
- Base Flood Elevation
- Datum System
For more information and contact numbers, click here.
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| GBAR Members Win NYSREEF Scholarships
Three GBAR Members have been awarded New York State Real Estate Education Fund (NYSREEF) scholarships to support their efforts in achieving NAR Education Designations and Certifications.
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Shannon DuMond, Jennifer Greenmun and Dawn Roessing each applied for and won NYSREEF Scholarships, which were announced at the recent NYSAR Meetings at Turning Stone.
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NYSREEF Scholarships are awarded twice a year. To learn more about or to apply for one of these Scholarships, or to make a donation to the Foundation, click here. .
Please join us in congratulating Shannon, Jenn and Dawn on these prestigious awards!
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Rape Aggression Defense Course Starts November 4
Members of the New York State University Police at BU are conducting a course for interested GBAR Members called "RAD" - Rape Aggression Defense - a Self-Defense course specifically designed for women. The course consists of 4, 3-hour sessions from 9 am to 12 noon on Tuesday, November 4; Wednesday, November 5; Tuesday, November 11 and Friday, November 14. Attendance at all 4 sessions is highly recommended. Cost is $20 per person.
To confirm your interest and register, please click here. Once you've registered, I will provided you with additional information from the instructors.
Look forward to seeing you starting on the 4th!
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| Registration for 2014 Designation and Certification Course Schedules Still Open!
Registration for 2014 Designation and Certification courses that will be held in Binghamton are still open! Simply click on the links below for more information and registration instructions.
Special Offer! GRI 409, Equal and Ethical Service, is being offered FREE if you sign up for any of the other GRI Courses being held at GBAR or throughout New York State! That's 15 FREE CE Credits!
Courses at GBAR:
- GRI 409 - Equal and Ethical Service - October 29-30
- SRES - Rescheduled! to November 20-21
For a full list of all Designation and Certification Courses to be held throughout New York State in 2014, click here.
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| SRES Has Been Rescheduled in Binghamton!
By popular demand, we have worked with NYSAR and Randy Templeman to reschedule the SRES Designation course for November 20 and 21, 2014, at our Association Offices in Johnson City.
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Click here for a flyer with more information and registration instructions. Click here to visit the SRES Website to learn even more! We hope you'll take advantage of this important designation course, offered right here in you own back yard.
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NAR Designation and Certification Courses Offered On-Line!
Ever want to pursue one of NAR's official designations or certifications, but just don't have the time or flexibility to attend classroom courses? Problem Solved!
Now these courses are available ON-LINE through the GBAR Website and REALTOR® University's School of Professional Development and Continuing Education.
Click here to access courses approved for CE in New York.
If you have any questions, contact Barry Arnold, Executive Officer at GBAR.
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Big Discounts on Online CE Courses Available!
If you're looking for CE Credit, there's no better place than The CE Shop! All New York CE courses are now offered with a 20% discount by using promotional code "Oct20" through the end of October.
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| Heading to Triple Play? Here's The Way to Go!
The Triple Play REALTOR® Convention & Trade Show will be held December 8 - 11, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Our friends at the Elmira-Corning Regional Association of REALTORS® have contracted with Covered Wagon Tours to arrange Bus Transportation with pick-up and drop-off stops in Apalachin and Binghamton, as well as great deals on hotel accommodation for 3 nights at Bally's Resort/Casino. The Travel Package includes Bus Transport to and from Atlantic City, Taxes and Baggage Fees, 3 Nights Accomodation (Single, Double, Triple(!) or Quadruple deals available), and a $75 FREE Comp Bonus to play the slots.
Forget about driving - this is the way to go!
If you'd like to simply register for Triple Play without this transportation and accommodation package, click here.
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Member Minute:
Showing Feedback Wanted!
Help your fellow REALTORS by taking the time to provide showing feedback to listing agents. Phone, email, text, or even by responding to automated Supra emails - feedback is an essential element of the selling process, and helps our listing agents and clients make the changes necessary to move their properties towards a closed sale. And that's what we all want, right?
Thank you for your cooperation!
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| Martha's MLS Tip of the Day
I got a great tip from a Member comment in the recent Member Survey, which I'd like to pass along. When you print out MLS Displays for use at Open Houses or for distribution to Members of the public, don't use the "REALTOR only" formats, as they contain items that are not for public consumption (private remarks, commissions, etc.). Make sure you use the Customer Display options only!!
- Martha
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New Phone Number? New Address? New E-mail?
It is important that you keep your contact information current with the Association. And you can correct or update this information day or night without making a phone call. If you change the information yourself at REALTOR.org, GBAR, Supra and NYSAR are notified automatically. Go to the REALTOR.org website and click on "My Account." On the first visit you must register, but after that just entering your user name and password advances you to a page that will allow you to update your contact information and notify the Association Office.
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| New Members - September, 2014
Please join us in welcoming the following new Members, as approved by the GBAR Board of Directors:
REALTOR® Agent Members:
- Evin Thompson, Realty USA
- Katherine (Katie) Donlin, McKinney Real Estate
Affiliate Representative Member:
- Kari Ryder-Morton, 1st Priority Mortgage
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Condolences: Evelyn Vajay
We regret to advise you of the passing of Evelyn Vajay, mother of GBAR Member Gail Cline, on October 8. Please join us in offering Gail and her family our sincere condolences. For a complete obituary, click here.
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| Condolences: Henry W. Tokos
We regret to advise you of the passing of Henry W. Tokos, grandson of GBAR Member Joyce Tokos, on October 6. Please join us in offering Joyce and her family our sincere condolences. For a complete obituary, click here.
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GBAR Leadership/Committees
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2014 GBAR Contact Information
Got comments, questions or concerns? Want to join a GBAR Committee? Here's a full list of 2014 GBAR Board of Directors, Officers, Committee and Sub-Committee Chairs and Association Staff Members. Just click on the name to send an email, or call the phone number listed. We look forward to hearing from you! 2014 GBAR Board of Directors Thomas Reid, President 699-1013 Kay Graves, President Elect 760-3924 Patricia Kilts, Immediate Past President 725-4082 Robert Farrell 760-5001 Roger Katchuk 759-1244 Rose Pelino 761-8073 Dawn Roessing 343-5982 Rachel Sbarra 341-2625 Michelle Shine 743-0454 Sandra Stebelton 768-2372 Karen Templeman 727-7600 James Trevitt 727-4956 2014 GBAR Non-BOD Officers/Counsel Diane White, Treasurer 760-4774 Jon Sarra, HH&K, General Counsel 231-6788 Barry Arnold, Secretary 729-6285 2014 GBAR Committee/Sub-Committee Chairs Board Operations Dale Tifft 768-3793 Bylaws Diane Kerth 725-4026 Communications/PR Jessica Dillenbeck 343-8486 - Affiliate Council Kent Sisco 343-7293 - Community Service Sandra Stebelton 768-2372 - Membership Jessica Dillenbeck 343-8486 - Program & Banquet Melissa Burish 427-2626 - REALTOR/Appraiser Beth Ryder 343-2018 Education Diana Nogaret 725-4065 Finance Diane White 760-4774 Government Affairs Thomas Reid 699-1013 Grievance Sandra Guy 760-4700 MLS John Farrell 760-0908 Nominating Patricia Kilts 725-4082 Professional Standards Diane Briggs-Angell 761-1953 REALTOR/Banker Jason Sorochinsky 779-5937 REALTOR/Inspector Tim McGovern 757-3208 REALTOR/Lawyer Diane White 760-4774 Staff Review Karen Templeman 727-7600 Strategic Planning Kay Graves 760-3924 Trade Show Dawn Roessing 343-5982 GBAR Staff Barry Arnold Executive Officer 729-6285 Alison Donnelly Membership/Committee 729-6285 Martha Tubaugh MLS/Finance 729-6285
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10K Marketing GBAR Monthly Statistics - August, 2014
Click here to review the August, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for GBAR.
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - August, 2014
Click here to review the August, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video
for August, 2014
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for August, 2014.
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Contact Us:
Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®
19 Jennison Avenue
Johnson City, NY 13790
607-729-6285
607-798-8246 (Fax)
executive@gbingar.com
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