St. Luke's has provided care and hope to the less fortunate of the East side of Buffalo since 1928. It is a glorious church with a stunning architectural dome, spectacular glass windows and hand carved ceilings reminiscent of the churches in Rome, Italy.  St. Luke's was abandoned and closed by the Diocese in 1991. People of tremendous faith stepped up to purchase the church from the Diocese. I call the co-founders, Amy Betros, Norm Paolini and Michael Taheri the "Good and Faithful" in our community. Through the generous donations of caring people, St. Luke's was restored to its original beauty and once again open for public worship. The landscape around the mission has changed over the years. Abandoned homes were purchased by St. Luke's and renovated through the help of local contractors. Today these homes provide shelter to homeless families.  It is the philosophy of St. Luke's to keep families together through a difficult time in their lives. The childr...

U.S. mortgage lending is contracting to levels not seen since 1997 — the year Tiger Woods won his first of four Masters championships — as rising interest rates and home prices drive away borrowers. Wells Fargo & Co. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., the two largest U.S. mortgage lenders, reported a first-quarter plunge in loan volumes that’s part of an industry-wide drop off. Lenders made $226 billion of mortgages in the period, the smallest quarterly amount since 1997 and less than one-third of the 2006 average, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association in Washington. Lending has been tumbling since mid-2013 when mortgage rates jumped about a percentage point after the Federal Reserve said it might taper stimulus spending. A surge in all-cash purchases to more than 40 percent has kept housing prices rising, squeezing more Americans out of the market. That will help push lending down further this year, according to the association. “Banks large and small are going t...

Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors Bestows Honor on Leading Real Estate Businessman Depew, N.Y. – March 5, 2014 – Chairman and CEO Peter Hunt of HUNT Real Estate ERA was recently named Realtor® of the Year by the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors (BNAR). The award was presented by Congressman Chris Collins at the association’s Inaugural event. Hunt, whose company has also been recognized by ERA Real Estate as a national finalist for the brand’s Innovation Award, has long been heralded for driving ingenious innovation within the real estate industry. His community and industry leadership has been acknowledged on several occasions. “It is humbling to be chosen for this recognition by my competing colleagues in our industry, particularly considering the fact that my grandfather and father preceded me,” said Hunt. “This honor is a tribute to everyone in our organization.” The award acknowledges the outstanding impact of a Realtor who has contributed to the real estate industry,...

Essex Homes is pleased to announce that Essex Greens at Waterford, a luxury patio home community in Clarence, NY, has been granted Condominium Status.  “We are very happy to confirm that we have received notification from the New York State Office of the Attorney General that Essex Greens at Waterford has been recognized as a Condominium project. This designation allows the Essex Greens at Waterford homeowners to benefit from the conveniences of a homeowner’s association and qualify for lower property taxes” said Phil Nanula, President, Essex Homes. Essex Greens at Waterford, located off Roll Road in Clarence’s prestigious Waterford Village, will consist of over 100 luxury patio homes. Lot deposits are being taken for the first phase which will feature 34 home sites available for new home construction this spring.  Essex Greens at Waterford will feature five attractive ranch designs ranging in size from 1600 to over 3000 square feet; featuring first floor master suites with ...

Experienced Sales Professional Joins Company’s KenTon Office Buffalo, NY – January 30, 2014 – HUNT Real Estate ERA is pleased to welcome Michelle Tarbox to their team of leading real estate professionals. Tarbox brings years of real estate sales experience and a commitment to excellence to this elite organization. “We are thrilled to add Michelle to our KenTon Team. Her market knowledge across Western New York is a huge asset to buyers and sellers" Jonathan Orlow, Broker Consultant KenTon Branch of HUNT Real Estate ERA. Michelle holds a Masters degree in Communication and Negotiation and is dedicated to serving the Western New York Area, specializing in Buffalo and Niagara County. Michelle has many years of experience in Residential Sales, Commercial Sales, and working with First-Time Homebuyers. Let Michelle’s unique experience work for you! To contact Michelle Tarbox directly, email michelle.tarbox@huntrealestate.com or call 716- 598-0210. For more information about HUNT Rea...

Robitaille Relocation & Real Estate was recently listed in Business First as one of “Western New York’s Most Admired Companies for 2013". The nominations were selected by, considering company growth, success as an employer and connection with the local community. Isabel J. Robitaille, President and CEO, stated that she contributes the success to the professionalism of her employees and agents, their adherence to the mission statement and overall esprit de corps.

Essex Homes celebrates the groundbreaking of their new neighborhood, Essex Greens at Waterford, conveniently located off of Roll Road in Clarence, NY.   “We are very happy to confirm that construction has started at Essex Greens at Waterford. We are certain Essex Greens at Waterford will demonstrate our dedication to building quality homes in the most desirable areas of Western New York,” said Phil Nanula, President, Essex Homes. Essex Greens at Waterford will consist of over 100 luxury patio homes. The first phase will feature 34 home sites and will be available for new home construction upon completion of the roads and utilities. The patio homes are designed specifically with today’s home owners in mind; those who are interested in a lower maintenance lifestyle, while still benefiting from the luxury features they desire. As a premier builder in the area, Essex Homes’ mission statement pledges their homebuyers; Commitment, Quality, Service and a Pleasan...