- Locally-owned and operated real estate firm shows investment in the communities it serves with launch of HUNTIsHome.com -   BUFFALO, N.Y. (Dec. 14, 2016) – HUNT Real Estate today launched HUNTIsHome.com , a tool designed to help customers explore neighborhoods and community data throughout Western and Upstate New York. HUNT Real Estate is the largest locally-owned and operated real estate firm serving Western, Central, and Upstate New York. The team has extensive knowledge and data of the communities it serves. Homebuyers can sign onto HUNTtIsHome.com and enter their desired neighborhood, city or county. They are then connected to a wealth of local community data, including properties for sale, market trends, school information, and even reviews of the best restaurants on town. “As New York natives, nobody knows the local communities better than we do. These are neighborhoods we’ve served for 100 plus years. Our roots are deep and our expertise in the...

I would like to congratulate our RPAC Leaders, Margaret Hartman (local RPAC Chair) and Sharon Ciminelli (Western Regional NYSAR Chair) on achieving their respective 2016 goals! BNAR surpassed its 2016 financial goal, we collected $48,594, 110% of our $44,195 target.  We also achieved a 78% success rate (786) of our targeted participation goal of 1,006. The Western Regional RPAC district achieved 111% of its financial goal. Additionally, congratulations to Margaret (again) for not only leading the BNAR's RPAC charge but for her success as state RPAC Chair.  New York State achieved 104% of its financial goal, and 80% of its participation goal.   Sharon and Margaret, thank you and what a GREAT JOB, truly outstanding! On behalf of them and the Leadership team to all those who contributed thank you.  Now, on to our 2017 goal! It is never too early to start… Very Respectfully, John B. Leonardi , CEO, RCE Buffalo Niagara Associa...

Hello MLS/BNAR Member, The MLS is set to cut-over to our new MLS system called Matrix" on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.  We have provided a few links to help you with the process.  There is a section on adding and editing listings, for those who have the permission to do so and the Data input forms are there as well, as we wait for Instanet to load them.  Please take a moment to review the documentation in prepartion for September 7th.  http://www.bnar.org/tech_support/mls_products/matrix/matrix_cutover/index.html For those agents who are not familiar with the system at all, here is the link to help you through the process.  http://www.bnar.org/tech_support/mls_products/matrix/index.html Also there are numerous "Help Videos" in Matrix for those that have not been able to attend the many sessions that were offered or just prefer to "learn as you go" approach. We know there will be a few bumps in the road and we will do o...

As family-owned real estate companies merge, morph & disappear, HUNT thrives     WESTERN, N.Y. (Aug. 31, 2016) – HUNT Real Estate today announced a new campaign push as the company celebrates 105 years in business. The Upstate New York-based, family-owned and operated real estate firm has more than 40 branches throughout Western, Central and Northern New York, and the Capital Region, and employs nearly 1,200 sales associates.   HUNT’s new outreach campaign, HUNT Thrives , comes at a time of a major real estate market disruption in the Upstate New York region. The campaign aims to remind customers of the company’s longevity and stability through the tagline “as real estate companies merge, morph and disappear, HUNT thrives.”   “With recent acquisitions of other local competitors by a larger, Pennsylvania-based firm, we’re keenly focused on reminding our customers and agents that HUNT is steadfastly committed to the future with a solid s...

A Forbes Capretto exclusive community on Grand Island, NY, offers a tranquil escape with ample nearby amenities GRAND ISLAND, NEW YORK, AUGUST 24 - Forbes Capretto is delighted to inform everyone about their newest community on Grand Island, New York. New England Estates is within minutes of several marinas and state parks, Interstate 190, and the Canadian border. Located on the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, Grand Island Estates is perfectly situated for fans of boating, fishing, scuba diving, and stunning natural scenery. This fantastic community is also within easy reach of Niagara Falls and the City of Buffalo. New England Estates is perfectly positioned for both workday commutes and weekend fun. Additionally, New England Estates is within walking distance of both Grand Island Senior High School and Veronica E. Connor Middle School. It is also a short drive from Kiddo’s Korner Preschool and Huth Road  Elementary School. Half of the available home sites in ...

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to stay vigilant against an increase of IRS impersonation scams in the form of automated calls and new tactics from scammers demanding tax payments on iTunes and other gift cards. The IRS has seen an increase in “robo-calls” where scammers leave urgent callback requests through the phone telling taxpayers to call back to settle their “tax bill.” These fake calls generally claim to be the last warning before legal action is taken. Once the victim calls back, the scammers may threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the driver’s license of the victim if they don’t agree to pay. “It used to be that most of these bogus calls would come from a live-person. Scammers are evolving and using more and more automated calls in an effort to reach the largest number of victims possible,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “Taxpayers should remain alert for this summer surge of phone scams, and watch for clear warnin...

David Homes is kicking off their Summer Grand Opening at their River Oaks Landing Lifestyle Community on Grand Island. Located adjacent to the private River Oaks Golf Club, on the convenient Southeast corner of Grand Island, David Homes has created a low-maintenance community featuring a number of new designs including ranches and two-story homes. A low monthly HOA fee takes care of all grass cutting, landscape maintenance and snow removal. “We are proud to offer new homes at River Oaks Landing starting in the mid $200’s, an almost unheard of price range in this hot real estate market.” Said David Stapleton, Owner of David Homes. The new David Homes Sales Center at 9 Greenside Drive, off Whitehaven, is a First Floor Master design showing over 2,400 square feet of open concept living space. As you approach this home, note the covered front porch, a great spot to relax and enjoy nature. Upon entering, you will see a two-story foyer along with an adjacent Flex Room. Currently set up a...

The U.S. housing market has improved dramatically since the depths of the recession. Home prices in particular have grown dramatically in recent years, nearing a full nominal recovery nationwide. In high-profile growth markets like San Francisco; San Jose, Calif.; and Austin, Texas we are seeing record-high median prices. With this significant amount of price appreciation, there’s chatter about whether certain hot markets have entered into bubble territory again. Realtor.com® sought to answer that question for 50 of the largest markets in the U.S. by conducting an in-depth market analysis of six housing trends that were fundamental to the bubble years. Methodology The analysis evaluates a housing market’s bubble potential based on six factors fundamental to the boom and bust cycle of the mid-2000s including: real price appreciation, house flipping share of overall sales, mortgage transaction share of overall sales, price to homeowner income, price to rent, and new households per new co...

July 13, 2016 (Clarence, NY) - Essex Homes of WNY is pleased to announce that Kurt Silvestro has joined the firm’s sales staff as a Regional Sales Manager.   Silvestro brings a wealth of experience to the firm including more than 30 years of experience in sales. In his new role at Essex, he will be responsible for home sales within the firm’s Shadow Woods community in Clarence, NY and Cross Creek Estates, Lancaster, NY. Prior to joining Essex Homes, Silvestro was both owner and president of the Kurt J. Silvestro Insurance Agency. A graduate of Buffalo State College, he resides in East Amherst with his wife and two children. We look forward to the new perspective, fresh ideas and professionalism that Kurt will bring to the Essex team,” said Philip J. Nanula, President of Essex Homes of WNY. Essex Homes of WNY has built more than 1,200 homes across Western New York which includes communities in Clarence, East Aurora, Lancaster, Grand Island, Hamburg, Lakeview and Orchard Park. F...

Our new community in Lewiston, NY, will offer unique homes in quaint surroundings LEWISTON, NEW YORK, JUNE 22, 2016 - Forbes Capretto is pleased to announce the founding of a new community in Lewiston, New York. French Landing will offer a location close to boating and other activities with several parks, stunning natural scenery, water views, and more. All homes within French Landing will offer a consistent theme but possess varying architectural features, ensuring that each home has its own unique features and flair. Forbes Capretto says that French Landing homes will be available in one story, two story with 1st floor owners’ suites, and two story with 2nd floor owners’ suites. Plans can be customized to suit, and prices are slated to start in the low to mid $300,000s. Forbes Capretto has been offering its custom home building services for 30+ years and has built more than 3,000 homes and dozens of Western New York neighborhoods. The locally-owned company is highly rated and has bee...

176 Windsor Avenue sells just one day after going on the market BUFFALO, NY – June 17, 2016 – HUNT Real Estate ERA has secured the sale of 176 Windsor Avenue, Buffalo, New York. 176 Windsor is one of five houses built by John D. Larkin, for his wife and children in the early 1900’s as part of the family compound known as Larkland, formed when Mr. Larkin purchased  the entire block of land known as Rumsey’s Wood, bordered by Rumsey Road, Forest and Windsor Avenues with frontage on Lincoln Parkway. 176 Windsor, designed by architect H. Osgood-Holland, was built in 1916 for Mr. Larkin’s daughter, Frances Larkin (Daisy) Esty and her husband, Harold M. Esty.  The home was next owned from 1963 until 1986 by their daughter, Elberta Larkin Esty. The late William H. Zacher purchased the property from Ms. Esty in 1986. It has stayed in the Zacher family until the recent sale. In a statement from the buyers, who envision this as their “vintage dream home,” they stated their ...

The Villas at Brierwood in Hamburg is a unique Lifestyle Community built by David Homes. With the recent sell-out of Phase 1, homes are now available for selection immediately in the newest phase.  Three designs are offered with homeowners’ convenience in mind. All floor plans offer spacious first-floor living with numerous windows for natural light. Each home is inviting and welcoming with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Two of the models feature a Home Office with the option of a third bedroom. The attached, oversized, finished garage offers parking for two vehicles plus storage space. In addition, each design features a private, outdoor courtyard. But more than beautiful homes, the Villas offer an engaging lifestyle for all that choose to make the community their home. There is something for everyone. The Villas at Brierwood offer walking trails, two ponds and an outdoor, heated pool for swimming. Maybe socializing with friends in the Clubhouse is more your style. Rel...

BUFFALO, NY – May 3, 2016 – Through multiple fundraising events this year, the Lancaster office of HUNT Real Estate ERA (www.huntrealestate.com) has raised nearly $900 for Plymouth Crossroads (www.plymouthcrossroads.org). The agents will be presenting their donation to the organization at their branch sales meeting on Tuesday, May 10th. Plymouth Crossroads is a non-profit organization located in Lancaster, NY, offering transitional housing for disconnected, abused and homeless young men ages 16-20. As a voluntary residence, services are aimed at preventing youth from returning to homelessness, creating a more stable and productive living situation while preparing them for independence. “The agents in our office feel that it is important to support local organizations within our community,” said Kelly Spurlock, Branch Director of the HUNT Lancaster office. “This organization is doing great work and we wanted to do our part to make sure that they can continue to make a difference in kid...

Buffalo, NY – On February 19, 2016, Sharon Ciminelli of MJ Peterson Real Estate, was named 2016 President of the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors (BNAR), a trade organization with more than 3,000 local members whose mission is to promote professionalism, real estate property rights and values and is the voice for real estate in the Western New York area. Sharon was installed as President by her husband, Michael. Sharon Ciminelli was installed as the 112th President of BNAR An Amherst, NY resident, Ciminelli has served as an Officer of BNAR for the past two years before becoming President.  She is an award winning agent in her office, and has served on many of our Associations Committees, as well as at the State and National level. “Ciminelli goes above and beyond to further her personal and professional development and is a champion for the real estate industry and in her community.  A Realtor for 30 years, Sharon also serves as Crossing Guard to the Amherst...

April 15, 2015 (Lancaster, NY) – Essex Homes of WNY is pleased to announce that   it will be showcasing its popular “Fenway II” home plan on Sunday, April 24 from 1-5 p.m.  “The home at 19 Tranquility and our recent expansion and phased development of Cross Creek Estates has continued to enhance what has become an increasingly successful community development,” says Jeff Jones, Regional Sales Manager with Essex Homes of WNY. This home is located off of Pleasant View Drive between Stony and Pavement Roads.  “The Fenway II is one of our most popular home plan designs and represents just one of more than 50 plans available to our customers,” says Jones.  Cross Creek Estates has and continues to be a highly sought after community given its great location and family-oriented atmosphere. We are excited to be able to offer several available and move-in-ready homes as well as building lots within this thriving community.  For a limited time, prospective buyers a...

As we celebrate the 48 th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act, Buffalo’s REALTORS® know that despite the great progress that has been made in nearly five decades, we must be diligent in ensuring fair access to housing for all.   We applaud Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent proposal to expand state fair housing protections on the basis of gender identity and his partnership with Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) here in Buffalo as part of his Fair Housing Enforcement Program.   I’m proud to note that REALTORS® incorporated gender identity as a protected class in our Code of Ethics in 2014. As professionals who help bring buyers and sellers together, REALTORS® see on a daily basis the fulfillment that comes with homeownership. But, sadly, we know that housing discrimination still exists in 2016.   REALTORS® support measured government efforts to root out housing discrimination such as the state’s partnership with HOME in our communities. It is...