Across the Association
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER CAPITAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
SEPT/OCT 2026 REALTOR® Safety Month GCAR Trade Show Legislative Update
Call for a FREE Pre-Qualification 518-782-1202
1202 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110
667 Bay Road Ste 3B Queensbury, NY 12804
www.mapletreefunding.com • info@mapletreefunding.com Registered Mortgage Broker - NYS Department of Financial Services All Loans Arranged Through Third Party Lenders - NMLS# 55185
2 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
GCAR.COM
Across the Association
VOLUME 37 | NUMBER 5 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
FEATURES Real Estate Wire Fraud Is Evolving
GCAR Trade Show
Laura Burns, CEO OFFICERS Kirsten Blanchard, President Michelle Poccia, President-Elect Jennifer Mentiply, Secretary-Treasurer DIRECTORS Susan Cerone Lisa Licata Felton McLaughlin Lorenzo Murray Kathie Spangler Haleh Struzinsky Melissa Woodcock The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade association which provides its members with programs and services which enhance the members‘ ability to successfully conduct their businesses in a competent and ethical manner, promotes cooperation among its members, and promotes the public‘s right to own, use and transfer real property. The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®.
10
12
Education Update: Safety Month
14 ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP
With the President............................. 4
Awards.................................................... 5
What’s Happening.............................. 6
Affiliate Members.............................16
Upcoming Events............................... 6
ADVERTISERS
ADVOCACY
Maple Tree Funding........................... 2
Legislative Update............................. 8
REALTORS® Relief Foundation......19
RPAC ....................................................... 9
NYSAR...................................................20
The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® does not necessarily endorse the companies products or services advertised in the newsletter unless specifically stated.
ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 3
WITH THE PRESIDENT
September Is REALTOR® Safety Month: Your Safety Matters
September is National REALTOR® Safety Month, and while it gives us an important opportunity to talk about safety, I believe we need to have this conversation yearround. As REALTORS®, we are in a unique profession. We open doors—literally and figuratively— for the people we serve. We meet strangers, walk into unfamiliar properties, host open houses, sit across the table from new clients, and spend countless hours driving from one appointment to the next. We work early mornings, evenings, and weekends. And very often, we do it alone. That is what makes our profession so rewarding, but it is also what makes awareness and vigilance so important. As your association president, I want to remind every member of something that’s easy to forget when we’re focused on our clients, our transactions, and our businesses: your safety matters. No listing is more important than your well-being. No showing is worth putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation. No client, transaction, or commission should ever take priority over your personal safety. We sometimes get so accustomed to our routines that we can become complacent. We may think, “I’ve shown hundreds of homes. I’ve met hundreds of clients”. Nothing has ever happened to me. And I certainly hope that continues to be true for every one of us. But experience should make us more prepared—not less vigilant. Pay attention when something doesn’t feel right. Take a moment to look around before entering a property. Know who you are meeting. Let someone know where you are. Use the safety tools and resources available to you. Have a plan for checking in with someone when you’re working alone. And most importantly, trust your instincts. If your gut tells you that something isn’t right, listen to it. You don’t have to be polite at the expense of your safety. You don’t have to worry about offending someone by leaving. You don’t have to finish the showing simply because you’ve already started it. You have permission to walk away. I also want to encourage us to look out for one another. One of the greatest strengths of our REALTOR® community is that we are not in this profession alone. Check on a colleague. Share a safety tip. Talk with newer REALTORS® about safe practices. If someone tells you they had an uncomfortable experience, listen and take it seriously. Every conversation we have about safety can help someone avoid a dangerous situation. September is a reminder, but safety is a mindset.
Kirsten Blanchard 2026 GCAR President 4 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
GCAR.COM
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE GCAR awards honor outstanding members and affiliates who go above and beyond to strengthen our Association, support our profession, and make a difference in our communities.
NOMINATE TODAY! AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Honors a GCAR Affiliate member who demonstrates exceptional service, participation, and consistent support of GCAR.
ELIGIBILITY HIGHLIGHTS
• Member for at least two years • Sponsored at least two GCAR events during award year • Actively participated in GCAR activities, events, or education. • Demonstrates a consistent, high level of support for GCAR.
Anyone can nominate an Affiliate.
REALTOR® OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recognizes a REALTOR® who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to GCAR and the REALTOR® organization at all levels.
ELIGIBILITY HIGHLIGHTS
• Association leadership, committees, and education involvement • Civic and community involvement • Professional accomplishments and high standards of business conduct • Committment to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics • State and national REALTOR® association involvement
Selected based on overall leadership, service, professional accomplishments, and committment to the REALTOR® organization.
GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD
Honors a GCAR REALTOR® who makes a meaningful impact in the community though volunteer service and commitment to improving lives. REALTORS® may nominate themselves or be nominated by another GCAR member, association executive, or the community organization they serve. A grant will be awarded to a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION TODAY!
Help us recognize the exceptional individuals who strengthen our Association and communities.
NOMINATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 15, 2026
NINA AMADON RPAC SERVICE AWARD
Honors an individual whose integrity, dedication to the REALTOR® organization, and strong support of RPAC exemplify the very best of our profession.
ELIGIBILITY HIGHLIGHTS
• Longstanding commitment to GCAR’s mission and values • Reputation for honesty, fairness, and professionalism • Outstanding support of RPAC through generous and consistent contributions
The recipient is selected based on their committment to GCAR, professional character, and support of RPAC.
SHINING STAR AWARD
Recognizes a newly licensed REALTOR® who demonstrates strong professional and ethical standards, leadership potential, and a promising future.
ELIGIBILITY HIGHLIGHTS
• Primary member in good standing with GCAR • Licensed within the past 18 months • Demonstrates strong ethical standards and leadership • Contributes to their firm’s success • Engaged in charity and GCAR events
Nominations may be submitted by a broker, principal or manager.
ELIGIBILITY HIGHLIGHTS
• Member in good standing who has contributed significant volunteer time to a community program or organization. • Demonstrates meaningful personal contribution and measurable impact • Service may address real estate, housing, or broader community needs
LEARN MORE OR SUBMIT ONLINE gcar.com/awards
ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 5
WHAT’S HAPPENING DATES TO REMEMBER
PHOTOGRAPHER NETWORK
September 21 REALTOR® Safety Day GCAR Training Center October 9 GCAR Trade Show Crowne Plaza - Desmond Hotel October 15 RPAC Psychic Social Joseph E. Zaloga American Legion Post October 21 Global MLS Annual Meeting Crowne Plaza - Desmond Hotel November 6-8 NAR NXT New Orleans, LA November 19 GCAR Annual Meeting Hilton Garden Inn - Clifton Park December 7-10 Triple Play Atlantic City, NJ For additional information, visit GCAR.com/events
COMING OCTOBER 1 Getting listing photos into Flexmls just got easier. Beginning October 1, Global MLS will launch its new Photographer Network, connecting MLS members with a vetted list of real estate photographers across the Capital Region. Participating photographers will have a limited Flexmls login, allowing them to upload listing media directly to a listing before it goes active. This helps agents streamline listing entry while ensuring photographers understand MLS media rules and requirements. For photographers, the program provides free exposure to Global MLS members and the ability to manage listing media directly in Flexmls. Participating photographers must meet program requirements and agree to standardized licensing terms. Agents: Find a photographer who fits your needs and make listing media management easier. Photographers: Join the network and connect with more real estate professionals. Learn more and view the Photographer Network: globalmls.com/photographer-network
6 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
GCAR.COM
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Help Shape GCAR’s Future The 2027 GCAR Board of Directors is seeking REALTOR® members who are ready to help set the standards and direction of one of New York’s largest REALTOR® associations. Four positions are open for the upcoming term. Candidates for President-Elect or Secretary-Treasurer must have at least three years of service on the GCAR Board, another REALTOR® association board, or an MLS board. Combined service may be used to meet this requirement. Applications are due September 20, 2026. Interested in serving? Visit gcar.com/gcar-board-of-directors/ to learn more and apply. Elections will take place at the GCAR Annual Meeting on November 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn – Clifton Park.
An Evening of Fun and Fundraising for RPAC GCAR members gathered at Altamont Vineyards for a beautiful late-summer evening of good company, refreshments and support for RPAC. The event raised $2,520 for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), helping support RPAC’s efforts to advocate for the real estate industry and private property rights. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. Your participation and continued support help strengthen GCAR’s advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels. Fundraising Update As of September 14, GCAR has raised $57,946 toward its $83,806 fundraising goal. Even more importantly, 831 members have participated, exceeding our goal of 799 participants. ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 7
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
INSIDE THE ISSUES SHAPING NEW YORK REAL ESTATE By Connor Gillis Government Affairs Rep, NYSAR
Siena Poll Shows Shift in New York Governor’s Race A new Siena College Research Institute poll released August 12 shows Governor Kathy Hochul leading Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive, 49% to 39% among likely New York voters. The poll was conducted August 3–6 among 811 likely voters. In June, Hochul led Blakeman 52% to 32% among registered voters. In other statewide races, Attorney General Letitia James leads Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy 54% to 36%, while State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli leads Republican challenger Joseph Hernandez 55% to 32%. The poll also found that the Democratic Socialists of America had a 30% favorable rating and a 47% unfavorable rating among likely voters. NAR Comments on Proposed Changes to Appraiser Qualification Criteria The National Association of REALTORS® recently commented on the Appraiser Qualifications Board’s Second Exposure Draft of proposed changes to real property appraiser qualification criteria. NAR supports expanding and improving access to the appraisal profession while maintaining standards for competency and public trust. In its comments, NAR raised concerns about experience requirements and quality control for demonstration reports. The organization also called for clear standards to evaluate competency and experience across different pathways into the profession, as well as greater transparency in verification processes. NAR additionally supported retaining fair housing education as part of continuing education requirements for appraisers. More Than 500 Bills Await Action by Gov. Hochul New York lawmakers passed hundreds of bills during the 2026 legislative session, with many still awaiting action by Governor Kathy Hochul. Two NYSAR priority bills remain among the outstanding measures. One would increase the experience requirement for real estate agents seeking to become brokers from two years to four years. The other would require public marketing of residential real estate listings unless a seller provides informed written consent. The status of these bills remains an issue for the real estate industry as the Governor considers legislation passed by both houses of the Legislature. The Cost of Building New Homes in New York New York’s recently enacted “Let Them Build” agenda is intended to reduce regulatory barriers and lower the cost of constructing housing and infrastructure. The legislation includes reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) designed to streamline environmental reviews and accelerate certain housing projects. According to the Governor’s office, the reforms could save as much as $82,000 per housing unit in building costs and reduce construction timelines by as much as two years. Despite these changes, builders still face a range of costs tied to permits, fees, building and energy codes, environmental requirements, insurance, and other regulations. At the same time, continued demand for housing and rising prices for existing homes are prompting more New Yorkers to consider new construction as an alternative. As policymakers and the housing industry look for ways to increase supply, reducing the cost and complexity of new construction remains an important part of the conversation around housing affordability in New York.
8 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
GCAR.COM
RPAC
Psychic Social Hour LOCATION
THU, OCT 15, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Joseph E. Zaloga American Legion Post 4 Everett Rd, Albany, NY 12205
RPAC Contribution:
$100
Includes light refreshments and a gallery reading by James Joseph
Who is James Joseph?
James Joseph, known as The Unintentional Psychic, spent nearly 30 years resisting his psychic and mediumship abilities before a life-changing experience led him to embrace his purpose. Today, he is a skilled psychic medium, teacher, and mentor dedicated to helping, healing, uplifting, and supporting others.
What is a Gallery Reading?
A gallery reading is a shared experience of connection and healing. In this group setting, James invites messages from spirit to come through for attendees and their loved ones who have passed.
REGISTER
Come prepared for an evening of connection, ref lection, and possibility.
Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS, the New York State Association of REALTORS or any of its local boards or associations will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your NYSAR PAC reaches its PAC goal 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after NYSAR PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.
ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 9
Real Estate Wire Fraud Is Evolving: Is Your Brokerage Ready? By: Dina Cheney Contributor, REALTOR® Magazine
AI-driven impersonation makes scams more sophisticated. Brokers need stronger verification practices to protect transactions, clients and their businesses. If your company has been the target of a wire fraud scam in the past year, you aren’t alone. Cybercrime in real estate reached new heights last year, according to the 2025 editionpdf of the FBI’s annual IC3 report. There were more than 12,000 real estate–related complaints, with real estate losses totaling $275 million (up from about $174 million in 2024 and $145 million in 2023). Brokers attending the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest Broker Power Hour got some practical tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of real estate wire fraud attempts, in which bad actors attempt to divert funds from a real estate transaction into their own accounts. No one is immune, says Tyler Adams, co-founder and CEO of CertifID, who presented at the session. And AI has changed the game. “It’s given fraudsters the ability to execute attacks on a scale never seen before,” he says. He emphasized that client education early in the transaction on the potential for fraud is key to preventing it. Here’s what NAR member brokers attending the no-cost session learned about how to strengthen transaction security, identify fraud risks and protect your brokerage and clients.
10 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
How Real Estate Wire Fraud Works Most people today are familiar with the basics of a wire fraud scam. Fraudsters send phishing emails to real estate professionals, title and escrow companies, lawyers, lenders and consumers— anyone involved in a transaction. Through these lures, the criminals steal credentials or gain access to email via malware their targets unwittingly install. Would-be thieves learn about deals and upcoming transactions, including the contact information of involved parties. By monitoring conversations through malware or seeing property status change to “pending” on real estate websites, they know when money is about to move. That’s when they impersonate parties involved in the transaction, sending fraudulent instructions to redirect funds. If successful, they make off with earnest money, closing funds, commissions, down payments or seller or loan proceeds. Impersonation in a Nutshell Fraudsters have been known to forge IDs and property deeds and spoof phone numbers and email addresses. Now they also clone voices, thanks to generative AI tools. They upload short audio clips from the internet to an AI voice generator and supply dialogue using the text-to-speech feature. With VoIP services, they can route calls straight to voicemail (fraud is more obvious in live conversations).
GCAR.COM
Seller Impersonation Scams Sometimes, fraudsters impersonate "sellers," often targeting lien-free vacant properties. They might hire a real estate agent to represent them or list properties for sale or rent at below-market prices. Scammers collect sale proceeds from unwitting buyers or deposits from buyers or renters. To spot this type of fraud, agents should follow the “two-flag rule,” Adams says. “If you see one of the following, slow down. If you see two or more, pause and verify identity.” • Sellers are evasive and prefer remote interactions. • Sellers request a cash closing. • Sellers have a sense of urgency. “The longer they’re in the deal, the more likely they are to get caught, so they try to push everybody to get it done fast,” says Adams. Recovering Funds Once money leaves an account, act as promptly as possible, Adams urges. The FBI advises first calling your bank. Ask them to recall funds and alert the receiving institution. Adams says it’s more efficient to start with the receiving bank. Either way, “move incredibly quickly,” he says. “This is not a scenario where you can wait.” Also file a complaint with the FBI at ic3.gov.
Your Action Plan Do the following to help guard against fraud: 1. Instruct your IT or cybersecurity provider to assess your brokerage’s email security on a regular basis. 2. Vet your closing partner’s security protocols by asking them these questions: • How are they verifying seller identities and bank account ownership? • How do they authenticate changes to wire instructions? • How do they protect employee email? • What’s their procedure when they discover a fraudulent wire? • Do they have cyber insurance or offer financial protection? Who and what does it cover? What is their role in fund recovery? • Can they provide a wire-fraud policy in writing? 3. Create a transaction compliance checklist for your team, including the following: • During their first meeting, agents should educate clients about fraud risk. They should share red flags and safety tips, detail how communications and money transfers will occur, and include a preestablished contact method. • Always verify, then trust, especially when it comes to wire instruction changes. • Verify payee identity and account information, sellers and notaries. Ask for in-person meetings and request owner-specific documentation. • Email, text, voicemail or caller ID no longer suffice for verification. Also use the pre-established contact method (outside of the email thread), preferably calling the phone number on file. • After sending funds, call the bank at the phone number on file to confirm receipt. 4. Train your team about email security and fraud, reviewing the transaction compliance checklist. Adams offered to present additional webinars to brokerages and REALTOR® associations on real estate wire fraud (email him at tyler@certifid.com). Real estate wire fraud is a cat-and-mouse game. Brokers have a responsibility to keep up on scammers’ schemes and share information with their teams and clients.
Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission.
ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 11
TRADE SHOW
CONNECT / LEARN / GROW OCTOBER 9TH
Crowne Plaza/Desmond Hotel COMMUNITY RELATIONS SILENT AUCTION
SCHEDULE 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Keynote Presentation w/ 1 CE
This year, the silent auction will benefit Haven of Hope Farm and Residence. Their Mission is to provide transitional housing to homeless women in Fulton and Montgomery counties. Holistic living and work experience programs prepare women to work towards independent living and family unification.
12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Exhibit Hall 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | RPAC VIP Lounge 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Cocktail Reception
KEYNOTE ADDRESS Trista Curzydlo, Esq. Data Security in a Virtual Environment: Are Claude, Gemini, and Chat – Friend or Foe? Adjusting to new regulations, leveraging work technologies while prioritizing data security. This session evaluates the safety measures in popular apps and platforms and offers best practices for data protection.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER Trista Curzydlo began her legal career as Assistant Legal Counsel to Kansas Governor Bill Graves before serving as a contract lobbyist for several major trade associations and later as an Assistant District Attorney for Kansas’ 18th Judicial District. She combined her passion for law, politics, and education as Government Affairs Director and Legal Counsel for a local REALTOR® association, where she recognized the need for practical, engaging education on real estate law and regulation. Today, Trista travels nationwide, providing dynamic continuing education programs that help real estate professionals navigate the legal issues impacting their business.
RPAC VIP LOUNGE
Make a small contribution to RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee) and gain exclusive access to the VIP Lounge. By supporting RPAC, you protect the public’s rights and ensure that the real estate industry remains affordable. Join us in empowering REALTORS® to thrive in their business endeavors! • Bonded Links Permanent Jewelry • Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Cart • Chair Massages • Psychic • Tarot Reader • Charging Stations • Bottled water and soft drinks
PLATINUM SPONSORS
rs!
o s n o p s r u o o t Thank you 12 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
GCAR.COM
SPONSORS 1st National Bank of Scotia
Hawk Drilling
BROKER SPONSORS
Adirondack Basement Systems
Homes.com
Berkshire Hathaway Blake
Albany Management, Inc.
Homestead Funding Corporation
Hometown Area Realty
American Solutions for Business
Ianniello Anderson, P.C.
HS Capital Realty
Arnoff Moving & Storage
JDog NY Capital District LLC
Keyology Realty
Ballston Spa National Bank
KeyBank
NAI Platform Realty
Bhumio, Inc.
Marshall & Sterling, Inc.
Romeo Team Realty
Broadview Federal Credit Union
Monaco Cooper Lamme & Carr, PLLC
Signature ONE Realty Group
Budget Blinds of Latham and Schenectady
NBT Bank
Sterling Real Estate Group
Caridi, Payne & Associates / PAC
Premium Mortgage Corporation
Abstract & Title
Quintessential Mortgage Group
York Residential and Commercial Real Estate Services
ClearPath Mortgage Solutions
Repeat Business Systems
Concord Pools & Spas
Sunmark Credit Union
CRS Data
The Mortgage Place Inc.
Cutco Closing Gifts
The Rohan Law Group, P.C.
DeAngelus Group, PLLC
Top Gun Home Inspection Services
Elliott Law Office PLLC
Transworld Business Advisors of Albany
Empire Insurance Services
Trustco Bank
Excelsior Restoration Services
Women’s Council of REALTORS
RESTAURANTS
The following restaurants will provide free food samples to all attendees.
Cardona’s Market Margarita City Mr. D’s Restaurant Nothing Bundt Cakes
FBS Data First New York Federal Credit Union
d n a s l i a t e More d t a n o i t a r t regis
THE GCAR TRADE SHOW
s s e c c u S in r e tn r a P r u Yo
gcar.com/tradeshow MAKE CONNECTIONS
GAIN KNOWLEDGE
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS
ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 13
EDUCATION UPDATE By Simone Smith GCAR Director of Education
REALTOR® SAFETY: KNOWLEDGE. AWARENESS. EMPOWERMENT. September is REALTOR® Safety Month. Nothing brings this to reality more than the 2014 tragic kidnapping and murder of Realtor Beverly Carter, by a couple posing as prospective buyers of a property. Though she followed many industry-standard safety protocols, they weren’t enough. Beverly’s murder catapulted a national conversation about safety to the forefront of real estate organizations. After her murder, her son started the Beverly Carter Foundation, which is dedicated to the safety of real estate professionals and those they serve by providing research, information, consulting, training, and support to every level of the real estate industry.
A SAFETY TOOL YOU ALREADY HAVE Keep in mind that your Supra® key has a convenient feature built in called
AGENT ALERT
With the press of a button, Agent Alert provides a simple and discreet way to notify up to three priority contacts you've designated in advance.
Safety is not just a priority – it’s a professional responsibility we owe to ourselves, our clients, and our communities. MORE SAFETY RESOURCES The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offers resources designed to help members understand potential risks through knowledge, awareness and empowerment.
Simply hold the Alert button for 3 seconds to automatically send an alert message to your contacts.
Explore resources including:
Visit
• Safety Toolkit for Associations
nar.realtor/safety
• 30-Day Safety Month Plan
to access these resources
• REALTOR® Safety Tips
and more.
…and more!
Let’s make safety a daily habit, not just a monthly focus. Together, we can protect what matters most.
14 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
GCAR.COM
SEPTEMBER IS
REALTOR®
SAFETY
SEPTEMBER 21 1:30 - 5:30 PM
MONTH
GCAR TRAINING CENTER
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Join GCAR for an afternoon of practical training to help you stay safe, aware, and confident on the job.
SAFETY
AWARENESS
SELF-DEFENSE
Learn from law enforcement and selfdefense experts who understand the realities REALTORS® face every day.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Safety at the office
Staying safe during property showings
Recognizing potential risks
Responding to emergencies
Personal safety & situational awareness
Self-defense techniques
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS 1:30 - 3:00 pm SAFETY & SECURITY FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS 1.5 CE CREDITS
3:00 - 4:30 pm SELF-DEFENSE TIPS FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS 0 CE CREDITS
STEVE ROTHWEIN SR. NY State Trooper NY State Trooper Steven Rothwein Sr. will share practical strategies for staying safe and prepared in your professional and personal life.
TONY & SHAWN IRVIN Tony Irvin, 5th-degree black belt & retired NY State Trooper with 27+ years in law enforcement.
4:30 - 5:30 PM
MEMBER MIXER
Join us on the GCAR patio for refreshments and light bites. Connect with fellow members and keep the conversation going!
REGISTER TODAY!
Shawn Irvin, 4th-degree black belt & women's self-defense specialist.
Train. Connect. Unwind.
Don’t miss this important REALTOR® Safety Month training!
GCAR.COM/SAFETY-AND-SECURITY ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 15
GCAR AFFILIATE MEMBERS Use this directory as a resource for products and services. Affiliates join monthly, so check each issue for updates. You can also search the online affiliate directory by visiting GCAR.com/affiliate-members. 10 One Productions 518-487-9497 10oneproductions.com Aaron@10oneproductions.com 1st National Bank of Scotia 201 Mohawk Ave Scotia, NY 12302 518-370-7117 www.firstscotia.com krbuhrmaster@firstscotia.com Ace Home Inspections 110 Wolf Rd, Suite 102 Albany, NY 12205 518-727-7091 acehomeny.com acehomeny@gmail.com Adirondack Basement Systems 80 Sheehan St Mechanicville, NY 12118 518-371-9621 www.adirondackbasement.com jayden.hamilton@adirondackbasement.com American Financial Network 500 Craig Rd, Ste 202 Manalapan, NJ 07726 518-469-1200 www.afncorp.com/web/bobtuttle rtuttle@afncorp.com
Arnoff Moving & Storage 10 Stonebreak Rd Malta, NY 12020 518-463-5525 www.arnoff.com dfeldman@arnoff.com
Arrow Bank 1250 Glen St Glens Falls, NY 12801 518-415-4212 www.arrowbank.com liz.wilcox@arrowbank.com
16 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
Ballston Spa National Bank 990 State Route 67 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-363-8110 bsnb.mymortgage-online.com nancy.koval@bsnb.com
Bhumio PO Box 3872 Albany, NY 12203 518-429-7484 bhumio.com victoria@bhumio.com
Carey Home Inspection PO Box 1061 Averill Park, NY 12018 518-956-1078 www.careyhomeinspection.com don@careyhomeinspection.com
Clean Green Hauling & Removal 46 Timber Terrace Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-338-4439 www.cleangreenremoval.com keith@cleangreenremoval.com
Clean Isles Home Inspections 350 Northern Blvd, Ste 324 Albany, NY 12204 518-914-8700 www.cleanisles.com mark.connal@cleanisles.com
Clearpath Mortgage Solutions 43 British American Blvd Latham, NY 12110 518-389-7070 clearpathmortgages.com mike.rankin@clearpathmortgages.com Community Bank NA 4781 State Highway 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010 518-380-3620 www.cbna.com toni.zidich@cbna.com Concord Pools & Spas 156 Sparrowbush Road Latham, NY 12110 518-566-6499 concordpools.com bucky.jablonski@concordpools.com Cutco Closing Gifts 21 Cliff St Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 518-755-5701 americanknifeguy.com aaron@americanknifeguy.com
Deangelus Group, PLLC 3 Corporate Drive, STE 204 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-631-6400 x101 www.dglawny.com/ karen@dglawny.com
Edgeco Environmental 136 Columbia St Cohoes, NY 12047 • 518-235-5687 www.edgecoenvironmental.com edgecoenv1@gmail.com
GCAR.COM
Empire Insurance 610 Union Street Schenectady, NY 12305 518-350-0511 www.ridewithempire.com joe@myinsurance.agency
Excelsior Restoration Services 433 Geyser Rd Ste 4 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-288-3699 excelsiorrestoration.net jim@excelsiorrestoration.net
First New York Federal Credit Union 2 Wall Street Albany, NY 12205 518-393-1236 firstnewyork.org gina.kubow@firstnewyork.org GoRascal, Inc. 376 Broadway, Ste 17 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-791-4595 team.gorascal.com/heidi heidi@gorascal.com
Grace Roofing 895 Delaware Ave Delmar, NY 12054 518-209-4224 www.graceroofinginc.com graceroofinginc@gmail.com Hinman, Howard & Kattell 10 Airline Dr, Ste 205 Albany, NY 12205 518-869-5552 www.hhk.com cfisher@hhk.com
Homestead Funding Corp. 8 Airline Drive Albany, NY 12205 518-464-1100 x392 homesteadfunding.com dstagnitti@homesteadfunding.com Hunt Mortgage 1750 US Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-578-7073 www.huntmortgage.com/staff-member/ kimberly-hughes/ kimberly.hughes@huntmortgage.com In-House Media 5 Autumn Court Gansevoort, NY 12832 518-350-4991 www.mhfphoto.com hello@mhfphoto.com
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling 15 Roys Way Argyle, NY 12809 518-944-0901 www.jdogjunkremoval.com/locations/ new-york/ dbearor@jdog.com John Fox Inspections 418 Broadway Ste N Albany, NY 12207 518-605-5176 jfoxinspections.com john@jfoxinspections.com
Key Bank 66 South Pearl St Albany, NY 518-257-8602 • www.key.com joseph_philippone@keybank.com La Voie Insurance 440 3rd Ave Watervliet, NY 12189 518-526-8043 lavoieinsurance.com dlavoie@lavoieinsurance.com LaChance Agency 498 Albany Shaker Rd Albany, NY 518-275-0300 lachanceagency.com erik@lachanceagency.com M&T Bank 313 Ushers Rd Ballston Lake, NY 12019 518-221-1145 www.mtb.com kgleason1@mtb.com
Maple Tree Funding 1202 Troy Schenectady Rd, Bldg 3 Latham, NY 12110 518-782-1202 www.mapletreefunding.com slatza@mapletreefunding.com Monaco Cooper Lamme & Carr, PLLC 1881 Western Ave, Ste 200 Albany, NY 12203 518-855-3535
mclclaw.com jlamme@mclclaw.com JPMorgan Chase Bank 416 Balltown Rd Schenectady, NY, 12304 518-281-0901 • andrew.rubino@chase.com
NBT Bank 52 Broad St Norwich, NY 13815 315-505-6572 ww.nbtbank.com mnorris@nbtbank.com
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GCAR AFFILIATE MEMBERS Organize Senior Moves SMPR Title Agency, Inc. 215 Delaware Ave 50 Chapel Street Delmar, NY 12054 Albany, NY 12207 518-621-6568 518-867-7524 organizeseniormoves.com www.smprtitle.com office.manager@organizeseniormoves.com beverly@smprtitle.com
Premium Mortgage 935 New Loudon Rd Latham, NY 12110 201-638-9804 premiummortgage.com kkamber@premiummortgage.com
Sunmark Credit Union 1187 Troy Schenectady Rd Latham, NY 12110 518-730-9070 www.sunmark.org eloisa.behnke@sunmark.org
PrimeLending 518-366-7999 lo.primelending.com/kristen.zorda kristen.zorda@primelending.com
The Brothers That Just Do Gutters 20 Corporate Cr Albany, NY 12203 518-334-9127 patrick.neill@brothersgutters.com capital-district.brothersgutters.com
Quick Response Restoration 2095 Rte 9 Round Lake, NY 12151 518-365-2323 qrrestore.com bserafini@qrrestore.com
Quintessential Mortgage Group 11 Broad Street Glens Falls, NY 12803 518-376-8139 maureen@qmgllc.com RE Tech Academy 517-214-3333 retechacademy.com todd@retechacademy.com Saratoga Community Federal Credit Union 23 Division Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-583-2323 x123 www.saratogafcu.org lmccoy@saratogafcu.org
18 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 2500 Westchester Ave, 2nd Fl Purchase, NY 10577 941-285-1469 www.wellsfargo.com carla.hawkins@wellsfargo.com
The Mortgage Place 646 Plank Road, Suite 102 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-982-0480 x102 www.themortgageplaceinc.com jrussell@themortgageplaceinc.com
The Towne Law Firm, P.C. 500 New Karner Rd Albany, NY 12205 518-452-1800 • www.townelaw.com shalini.natesan@townelaw.com
Top Gun Inspection Services Group 47 Crestwood Drive Schenectady, NY 12306 518-956-0532 www.topguninspectionservices.com info@topguninspectionservices.com
GCAR.COM
OUR APPROACH
“We were stuck inside for nine days, and the storm caused immense damage. This funding will help us repair damage and recover from this storm.”
RRF works with state & local associations to get checks into the hands of victims impacted by disasters as quickly as possible.
YOUR SUPPORT
- Samantha Lunde, Grant Recipient
Your donations are essential. Donors provide the financial fuel that drives RRF and the resources needed when disasters strike.
WHO WE ARE
SPEED TO THE NEED
The REALTORS ® Relief Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that provides housing-related assistance to communities impacted by disasters. RRF highlights the role that REALTORS ® have in our communities by providing aid to help families when they need it most.
When disasters strike, the REALTORS ® Relief Foundation works with state and local REALTOR® associations to get aid to families—often in the immediate days following a disaster. By providing help with mortgage payments, hotel stays and other housing-related expenses, RRF works to restore hope and assist families as they recover and rebuild.
100% OF EVERY DOLLAR CONTRIBUTED DIRECTLY SUPPORTS DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS TO CONTRIBUTE TODAY, SCAN THE QR CODE OR TEXT TEAMRRF2025 TO 71777.
Visit rrf.realtor or contact us at RRF@nar.realtor to learn more. REALTORS ® are members of the National Association of REALTORS ®.
ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 19
Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® 449 New Karner Road Albany, New York 12205
DEC. 7–10 » EXPO: DEC. 8–9, 2026 ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTER ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
Reach new heights in your career with these opportunities: Networking CE and Non-CE Educational Sessions Special Events
National Speakers Over 250 Exhibitors Icebreaker and Kick-off Party
Be an Early Bird and Register TODAY! 125 for members: Until Oct. 14 150 for members: Oct. 15 – Dec. 6 $200 Onsite Rate: Dec. 7 – 10 $
Hosted by the New Jersey, New York State and Pennsylvania associations of REALTORS.
$
Learn more by visiting: REALTORS REALTORSTriple TriplePlay Play.com .com