The official newsletter of HUNT Real Estate Corporation
A Message from Peter F. Hunt page 2
News Around the Regions page 5
HUNT Mortgage page 9
January 2017 | Issue 81
ProShow Partners with ShowingTime by Dan Mirsky, Director of Marketing
We are very excited to share the news that have we have partnered with ShowingTime to power our ProShow appointment scheduling software!
ProShow Powered by ShowingTime offers all HUNT agents a much faster and all-around improved appointment scheduling experience. Everything you’ve come to know and love about ProShow is still available, along with the addition of these fantastic enhancements:
• Schedule a showing on HUNT listings 24/7/365 • Showing calls are answered in 15 seconds or less • Access to the ShowingTime app, which allows you to request and confirm showings, view showing instructions, share listing activity reports with your sellers, and much more - all from your mobile device
When you call to schedule your showings, there is a good chance you are going to hear the same familiar voices answering the phones, as our amazing ProShow staff members are now working with ShowingTime.
As an added lead generation benefit, visitors to HUNTrealestate.com will soon see a “Request a Showing” button on every property. This will allow consumers to easily request a showing on any listing (HUNT and nonHUNT) on our website, increasing the number of showing leads you may receive. We will be holding ongoing webinars throughout the coming weeks to help get you trained on all of the great new features this partnership with ShowingTime offers. We highly recommend you attend these trainings so that you’re aware of how to use all of the new features. (Email Jennifer Maxian for upcoming dates and times.)
Since its inception over 20 years ago, ProShow has been the most effective showing system for scheduling and showing your listings, and our partnership with ShowingTime further strengthens our ability to continue offering you the latest and most innovative services on the market.
A message from Peter F. Hunt Chairman & CEO
Our ‘Family’ at HUNT
HUNT Real Estate, and all its component parts, is first and foremost a business. But it is a business that has always been about “family.” In the beginning, that’s all there really was—my grandfather, much of the time by himself. My father and my uncle, Myron, joined him after college, and the rest of direct family involvement is documented and now extends to a fourth generation. But mine is not the only family represented within our growing ranks. We have several multi-generational families among us, most of whom I have recognized and will again when we gather this month to acknowledge and show our gratitude and respect for those among who have made their mark on the industry here. This time of year is all about families and always has been. When we in our business lives act as a family, we become real agents for change in each other. To prove this, consider also that this is a time for making resolutions—most of which will be broken before too long—not because we are weak or bad people or that we lack will power. These are the reasons often cited. But if you think about it, when we rely on just ourselves to make real change, we are relying on our own self-control. If we had that much self-control we probably would not be doing what we are trying to stop through any given resolution. So, real change—the lasting kind, the kind that bears fruit, and what we have been using as a theme for some time—can only come about when we act together as a “family.”
How is this happening right now inside this Company?
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1) Through our new Education and Agent Development program under Director, Rachel Dinunzio’s, and Manager of Agent Technology, Jennifer Maxian’s fresh approach and supported by state-of-the-art technology that brings all five Regions together now at least once per week;
2) Through our new Mentor Program which now has 39 new and experienced Mentors guiding our newest Agents through the toughest period in their new careers;
3) Through our entire Leadership Team’s commitment to providing one-on-one coaching to anyone seeking it—free;
4) And through our commitment to be “the most team-friendly real estate company in the US.”
There are many other ways, but the four mentioned above have been our focus of late because of the known, proven and immediate positive change they are delivering right now.
There is just one more element of “family” that I’d like to mention and that is just one of the lessons we learn when we take the time to observe the newest entrants into our families—the babies and toddlers. The lesson I am referring to is being aware of wonder. I get this sense when I look around me at all that this Company—this “family—has accomplished, most recently combining for our best year ever in our 106-year history. Please allow me to thank you for being part of this family and, directly or indirectly, acting together to affect real change for the better for yourself and the many others your actions impact. Please also allow me to extend my very best wishes for the New Year—what I know will be a new record for all of us.
The Realty Club by Dan Mirsky, Director of Marketing We have recently added three new Realty Club service providers and one new Realty Club attorney. If you have any clients with needs in these categories, please give them a call! Category: EMERGENCY SERVICES Category: MOLD REMEDIATION
ServPro of Buffalo, Tonawanda, Amherst, Clarence & East Erie County
716-694-9949 www.servprobuffalotonawanda.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara
Servicing Buffalo, Tonawanda, Amherst, Clarence & East Erie County, ServPro is a trusted leader in the restoration industry, and our highly trained technicians provide 24-hour emergency service. We’re dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster with the training, equipment, and experience to respond to your restoration or cleaning needs Category: CARPET CLEANING Clear Choice Carpet Cleaners
716-827-8484 www.BuffaloCarpets.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara
Clear Choice Carpet and Floor Care offers cleaning and maintenance of carpeting, upholstery, linoleum, and tile and grout, as well as
odor removal services. We offer free consultations/estimates for homeowners and Realtors. Clear Choice offers 24-hour emergency services for flood clean-up, water damage remediation, and smoke damage. We are IICRC certified for flood clean up, and work with customers and insurance companies. Category: REALTY CLUB ATTORNIES
Ramos & Ramos
716-810-6140 kristina@ramosandramos.com www.ramosandramos.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara
We guide your client through the process of buying or selling a home. Our goal is to make the transaction run as smooth as possible. Category: LANDSCAPING / SNOW REMOVAL
FGI Landscaping 716-289-2441
FGILandscaping.com Region Buffalo/Niagara
Started by two young professionals who have grown up in Buffalo, NY. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, customer satisfaction and resolve to help you with any landscaping needs.
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Agents of the Month Buffalo
October
November
December
Akron Amherst Buffalo Metropolitan East Aurora Hamburg KenTon Lancaster Lewiston Lockport Orchard Park West Seneca Wheatfield Williamsville-Clarence Williamsville Village
Adam Burg Kathy Anderson Robert Blake Rosa McCabe Melissa Weidner Mark Brylinski Matt Jaskier Cyndi VanDusen Lou Faery Geralyn Bonilla Jennifer Sennett Jennifer Ranaletti Jim Hoffman Rebekah Weissert
Joe Matusek Judy Lewis Ellen Daly Steve Starke Melissa Weidner John Kondal Barbara Hoy Barbara Kivi Duane Vendetta Geralyn Bonilla Jennifer Sennett Jennifer Ranaletti Michelle Winer Enas Latif
Cheyanne Seelau Judy Jack Lewis Robert Blake Robert Platek Lou Ann Spaulding Kim Nemeth Bill Severyn Cyndi VanDusen-Roemer Danielle St. Onge Jonathan Kurtz Melissa Space Richard Dentinger Susan Wood Beth Klipfel
Brighton-Pittsford Canandaigua Greece Perinton Webster Hornell/Alfred
Larry Magguilli Sanid Van Camp Gary Thompson John Denniston Vince LoCastro Shaune Henry
Michael McNamara Sandi Van Camp Rich Orczyk John Denniston Patrick Pellegrino Nancy Countryman
Rich Testa Dawn Marie Kane Rich Orczyk Jim Peck Vince LoCastro Shaune Henry
Camillus Cazenovia Chittenango
Dave Manzano Sr. Jill Benson Amy Burnell
David Manzano Sr. Thomas Tait Bradley Bowe
Clinton Old Forge DeWitt Liverpool Manlius Oneida Cicero
Barbara Owens Cathy Dibble Deb Reagan Autumn Starr Jane Stevens Jeannette Denney The Bees Team
Barbara Owens James Foley CNY Key Team Bob Joeckel Judy Winslow Ryan Kirch Bees Team
The Crocker Team Thomas Tait Robert Freunscht & Virginia Mann Barbara Owens James Foley CNY Key Team Autumn Starr Judy Winslow Jeannette Denney MariRae Dopke
Saratoga Springs Loudonville Glens Falls Slingerlands Rensselaer
Erin Miller Dan Lesage Jen Ball Nina Sher Cindy McMahon
Bonnie Weiler Dan Lesage Jen Ball Nina Sher Cindy McMahon
Bonnie Weiler Joe Carusone Jen Ball Lucy Ann Sokaris
Tempe
Mary Montague
Mary Montague
Scottsdale
Barbra Larkin
Susan Dabovich
PCG Team (Jacq, Ruby, Teri) Joseph Ayatta
Rochester
Central & Northern NY/Carthage Watertown
Capital District
Arizona
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News Around the Regions Arizona
Buffalo
Scottsdale had a visit from Peter Hunt to unveil our new Agent Training Program and engage in a roundtable on real estate Team development within our company.
Williamsville Clarence agents collected 80+ coats for the Friends of the Night People, over 50 toys for the Buffalo News Neediest Fund, and 30 Christmas Stockings filled with gift cards, socks, and stuffed animals for the St. Luke's Mission.
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News Around the Regions Rochester
All of our Rochester offices have stepped-up to give back to the communities in which we serve. The Brighton-Pittsford office is collecting and donating to The Ronald McDonald House. The Perinton branch donates to the Palmyra Food Cupboard, as well as collects hats, mittens and scarves. The Hornell and Alfred offices are collecting canned goods for their local Food Bank, as well. Nice work everyone! Ellen DeMar has decided to retire from her role as BD of the Perinton and Webster Branches and has transitioned back into sales. We are going to miss her as part of the Leadership team, but thankful that she is staying with the HUNT family. Please join us in wishing Ellen the best and thank her for a job well done! Ellen was honored and humbled by being the recipient of this year’s WCR President’s Award. She received her award at the Holiday Breakfast on December 9th at the Century Club in Rochester.
Southern Tier Central & Northern NY
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According to Chip Murphy, the Branch Director for Hornell & Alfred, HUNT is the top ranked firm for closed YTD sales with nearly a 30% market share! Congrats to all of the hardworking agents and support staff. What nice way to finish up the year. The Manius Branch once again adopted 6 families in need this Holiday Season through the Rescue Mission. The Agents and Support Staff all worked together to raise money to provide both a Thanksgiving and Holiday Dinner along with countless gifts for each individual family.
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year at the Clinton Branch. We have much to be grateful for and, in the spirit of giving, we make plans each year to give back to the community. This year, we put Christmas together for a single parent family with five children. We also asked everyone to bring in any clothing they could for a Rescue Mission Clothing Drive. We collected a whopping 15 bags of coats and warm clothing. Thanks to Mindy Bradley for heading up both projects!
News Around the Regions Central & Northern NY
Capital Region
The Camillus agents have been concentrating on open houses, following up with all prospects, past clients, and we ended up with a record month for business. We are continuing to utilize the many functions of AgentAchieve to continue to build our business.
In the spirit of giving back to our communities, the HUNT Real Estate family of the Capital Region participated in providing gifts for the many foster children in our Region through a program called "Angel Tree.� Because of programs like this, many children, some for the first-time, received gifts during the holiday season. Gifts were collected and delivered to St. Catherine's Center for Children just in time for the holidays.
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News Around the Regions Capital Region
December 3rd marked the 20th Anniversary of the Winter Walk Festival in Hudson, NY, sponsored by the Hudson Opera House. Actively participating in the two-decade milestone celebration event was the HUNT Real Estate team in the new Hudson Branch.
The Winter Walk Festival has become a landmark event in Columbia County and the level of attendance continues to grow year after year. Throngs of people walked the mile-long Warren Street for this year’s event amidst an array of street performers and carolers. The HUNT Agents took this as a perfect opportunity to introduce themselves and to show off the new Hudson office to the community.
Situated along an avenue of specialty boutiques, galleries, antique shops and restaurants, an unspoken holiday requirement is festive holiday windows and the new HUNT branch did not disappoint. The 400 block of Hudson was assigned the color Gold and the wreaths, boughs and garlands of the HUNT branch at 438 Warren were festooned with bright gold ribbons and ornaments. As an added enticement to revelers to come into the office was the offering of mulled cider and more importantly, the opprtunity to win a 4.5’ high dollhouse. (Being in the business of houses, it only made sense!) Numerous names were captured as the free give-away required name, phone and email on the entry form. The entrants all received a hand-written follow-up “Thank You” note from the HUNT agents.
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HUNT Mortgage by Linda Mallia, President of HUNT Mortgage
FHA Increases Loan Limits in 2017
Home prices force loan limits higher Due to rising home values across the nation, the Federal Housing Administration announced on December 1, 2016 an increase in loan limits in 2017 for 2,948 counties. These loan limits are effective for case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2017, and will remain in effect through the end of the year.
The FHA recalculates its national loan limit on a yearly basis. The limits are based on a percentage calculation of the national conforming loan limit. In high-cost areas, the FHA national loan limit “ceiling” will increase to $636,150 from $625,500. FHA will also increase its “floor” to $275,665 from $271,050.
Additionally, the maximum claim amount for FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), or reverse mortgages, will increase to $636,150. The maximum loan limits for forward mortgages increased in 2,948 counties and left 286 counties unchanged. There were no areas with a decrease in the maximum loan limits.
Last year, FHA increased the loan limits in 188 counties due to changes in housing prices. As an added note, FHA’s minimum national loan limit “floor” is set at 65% of the national conforming
loan limit of $424,100. The FHA said the floor applies to those areas where 115% of the median home price is less than 65% of the national conforming loan limit.
For any area that doesn’t fit this and the loan limit exceeds the “floor,” it’s considered a high cost area. The maximum FHA loan limit “ceiling” for high-cost areas is 150% of the national conforming limit. As a few examples, loan limits were increased just under 3% in Phoenix; most counties in Buffalo, Niagara, Syracuse, Rochester and most areas in the Capital region were increased only 1.5%. For specific loan limits in each county, please contact your HUNT Mortgage Consultant.
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Relocation
by Mary Croglio, Director of Relocation Relocation Honors 80 Years
It does not happen very often anymore, loyal employees staying with one company for the majority of their career. The Relocation Department has three employees celebrating very special anniversaries this year; Monica Precopio celebrates 30-years, Diane Gold and Joan Zimmel both celebrating 25-years with HUNT Real Estate. Truly outstanding achievements.
It is not only length of service that we honor, it is their professionalism, dedication and commitment to to their individual positions and the company. The Relocation Department has won numerous awards because we have diligent agents working side-by-side in the field with our clients, and we must also remember and acknowledge the part of the team behind the scenes. Monica, Diane and Joan are truly experts, skilled in the realm of relocation. They deal with corporations, attorneys and customers on a daily basis, and have to know and understand the nuances and policies of each of the third party relocation companies. Everything they do is measured and monitored.
I want to share just one special quality about each of these outstanding employees that make them integral to our company. Monica is all about precision. She does the accounting for relocation and she rarely makes an error–and I mean rarely. She understands the costly consequences of mistakes in both time and money and, therefore, makes every effort to “measure twice and cut once.” She has the inate ability to be one step ahead. Joan is the definition of “Always There For You.” She is available days, nights and weekends to help our agents get the deal done. She does it with a smile, too. Her knowledge, energy and passion for this business is truly remarkable.
Diane is a master of quality service. Cartus has a long list of standards and goals that we must abide by and achieve. Every year, Cartus raises the bar and every year Diane rises to the occasion. Diane is an icon in the industry, not just at HUNT Real Estate, she is known throughout the country for her long list of awards and accomplishments.
October Outgoing Referral Contest Winners $100 Prize
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Julie Higgins, Williamsville Village
$250 Prize
Cindy Quinn, Brighton/Pittsford
$500 Prize
Timothy Domanski, Hamburg
Listen360
by Dan Mirsky, Director of Marketing
Listen360 now connects to Zillow/Trulia & Realtor.com!
This integration allows your clients to easily copy their positive testimonials from Listen360 directly to your Zillow/Trulia and Realtor.com review pages. No longer do you need to send your clients multiple emails asking for reviews. Instead, you only need to send them the Listen360 survey, which happens automatically when you put your client’s email address on your Deal Sheet. Here's How It Works
When your client gives you a positive review in Listen360 (9 or 10 ranking), a pop-up box will appear (example below) prompting them to “spread the word” and post their testimonial on
your Zillow/Trulia and Realtor.com pages. With the click of a button, they will be instantly connected to the appropriate site, where they can leave you a 5-star review and paste in their comments from Listen360. This enhancement makes Listen360 the only source you need for clients to post positive reviews across all three major real estate portals!
In most cases, if you have a profile on Zillow/Trulia and Realtor.com, your Listen360 account has already been linked to each site. If you're unsure if your account is connected, please check with your AA or email helpdesk@huntrealestate.com for confirmation.
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Welcome to HUNT! We would like to welcome the following newly licensed agents from across the company:
Jordan Sternberg - Scottsdale Lucas Summers - Cicero Bryan Vincent - Wheatfield Jane Meech - Metropolitan Nicholas Perna - Williamsville Vilage Philip “Max� Cooper - Scottsdale April Anderschott - Williamsville Village Tamara Kausits - Williamsville Clarence Jamie Pollot - Canandaigua Daniel Newman - Liverpool Alexandra Wachowski - Lancaster Bronce Perez Matos - Loudonville Barbara Kannamore - Loudonville Roxann Carpenter - Canandaigua Wesley Froebel - Williamsville Village Michael Matyjasik - KenTon Faye Eichenseer - Williamsville Clarence Michael Civisca - Williamsville Clarence Holly Nickeson - Brighton/Pittsford John Forsythe - Dewitt Amy Ganci - Orchard Park Amy Jackson - Metropolitan Amanda Outman - Hornell Laura Sawyer - Orchard Park Joshua Clancy - Watertown Lawrence Papaleo - Dewitt
Lorraine Athing - Hamburg Melissa Santos - West Seneca Eric Bohlander - Tempe Bernard Benson - Willamsville Village Bethany Price - Scottsdale Frauke Stoffel - Orchard Park Katelyn Callahan - Glens Falls Holly Gross - Williamsville Clarence Karen Lipa - Williamsville Clarence Allison Manning-Dowd - Manlius Peter Giancarlo - Williamville Village Christie Hoffman - Williamsville Clarence Stevan Visic - Amherst Ashley Jandolenko - Dewitt Frederick Peterson - Metrpolitan Lauren Roberts - Brighton/Pittsford
Jason Sokody - KenTon Thomas Panzarella - KenTon Evan Knoer - KenTon Jason Zgoda - KenTon Charity Edwards - KenTon William Storey - KenTon Mary Stachowicz - KenTon/Grand Island
We would also like to welcome the following experienced agents from across the company: Amy Triplet - Williamsville Clarence Timothy Topor - Williamsville Clarence Barry Morris - Orchard Park Tameesh Bagga - Metropolitan Scott Schaefer - Hamburg Tina Spyres - Lancaster Scott Smith - Camillus Sally Mather - Dewitt Gilad Melchior - Hudson
HUNT Insurance
by Jodi Giovino, General Manager HUNT Insurance Personal Umbrella Policy Gives You Value Added Coverage
Did you know that a personal umbrella policy gives you value added coverage at minimal cost? A $1 million Umbrella policy gives you an additional $1 million worth of coverage above and beyond the liability limits you carry on your auto and homeowners insurance policies.
For example: If you carry $500,000 liability on your auto insurance policy and you have a $1 million Umbrella policy, you would have a total of $1.5 million in coverage on your autos. The average cost for a household with one home and two vehicles is approximately $150 per year. You won't find better coverage for the price! Call us to review your current Auto, Homeowner and Umbrella policies.
HUNT Insurance Agency, LLC
Jodi Giovino
716-748-8906 Email: jodi.giovino@huntinsurance.co