2026 Winter Edition of New Jersey Realtor® Magazine Part 1

2 President’s View Strengthening the Value of the Realtor® Brand

3 From the CEO’s Desk By the Numbers & Beyond: The Impact of the Year

4 Important Dates & Deadlines

8 Tech Column Tech that Saves: Tools to Stretch Every Dollar

9 Legislative Update Thank You for Your RPAC Support in 2025!

12 New Jersey Realtors® 2026 Leadership Team Introducing Your 2026 Realtor® Leaders.

14 Introducing Your State and Local Realtors® of the Year Congratulations to—drum roll please— Gene Amsel.

15 Congratulations 2025 Good Neighbor Award Winners

6 Local Issues Advocating for Clients Beyond the Closing Table

15 Celebrating Our 2025 Realtor® Emeritus Status Honorees

16 Announcing Our 2025 Quarter Century Club Recipients

19 Continued Buyer Demand Prevails in 2025

25 Your First Home: A Smart Guide to Buying, Budgeting, and Beyond

Share this article with your potential clients with pressing financial questions.

33 Journey Through Hudson County

While small in size compared to other counties, Hudson County makes up for it with diverse cities and a strong dedication to the arts.

21

The Real Cost of Homeownership Starts After the Closing Table

The finish line of the affordability crisis isn’t the closing table. Read the cost breakdown.

23 Tips for Pre-approval: Boosting Your Credit Score

Help your current clients and aspiring buyers boost their credit score and set them up for success.

27 Easing the State’s Affordable Housing Crunch Will Take Flexibility, Empathy, and Time

Communities need to be creative to fill New Jersey’s housing gap. Read about how architects are collaborating to design affordable units.

34 The Difference Between Affordable Housing and Housing that’s Affordable

Read about affordable housing and how programs miss the mark for middle income buyers entering the market.

Strengthening the Value of the Realtor ® Brand

As we begin a new year, and I begin my term as your 2026 President, I want to start with something simple and central to my work this year: I am a working broker. Like so many of you, I am actively engaged in this business every day— serving clients, navigating a constantly shifting market, managing risk, and adapting to new expectations from consumers and regulators alike. That perspective matters because it grounds how I listen, decide, and advocate.

It is a responsibility—to every member, across every market, specialty, and stage of their career—to help ensure that our association continues to support you not only today, but in the years ahead.

One of the most important ways we do that is by protecting and strengthening the value of the Realtor® brand because consumers don’t always distinguish between individual practitioners; they experience our profession as a whole. That means

our collective reputation is shaped by the standards we consistently uphold across our entire membership. When professionalism is clear, consistent, and visible, it builds trust—not just in one transaction, but in our industry overall.

So, that’s why this year, we are taking a look at the continuing education requirements, which were originally set more than a decade ago and have not fundamentally changed.

The expectations placed on Realtors® are higher than ever. Education should do more than satisfy a requirement—it should sharpen skills, reinforce ethical practices, and prepare members to serve consumers with competence in an increasingly complex environment. I’ve formed a Presidential Advisory Group to review the continuing education requirements and see how they can be modified to better align with the realities of today’s industry and the ever-evolving needs of our membership.

When we raise the bar together,

we strengthen our foundation, which creates consistency and confidence for the public—for one another. Most importantly, we ensure that every Realtor®, regardless of experience level or market, has access to education that truly supports expertise.

I look forward to the work ahead— and to doing it alongside you.

By the Numbers & Beyond: The Impact of the Year

Like most things in life, taking time to reflect on our accomplishments is what allows us to move forward with an understanding of where we are coming from and what may lie ahead. So, I hope you’ll indulge me for a few moments as I take this page to highlight some of the things we are most proud of in the past year.

Supporting our members remains at the core of everything we do. In 2025, we strengthened one of our most trusted tools, the Legal Resource Library, answering more than 260 new questions, garnering more than 10,000 views across the full library.

Advocacy continued to be a major focus. Our team tracked 1,052 bills in the State Legislature, ensuring your interests were represented every step of the way. The team logged 10,503 miles across the state advocating for Realtors®. 16,987 members invested in Realtors® Political Action Committee in 2025, with an average investment of $54.49. Those contributions made a real difference in protecting private property rights and the future of our industry.

We also expanded meaningful benefits for our members. Group health insurance became available to all members through a new Member Perks Partner—an important step

in supporting the personal and professional well-being of Realtors® across New Jersey.

Education and professional development remained strong pillars of our work. Through the NJ Realtors® Academy of Continuing Education, members enrolled in more than 44,000 online courses. We also hosted 19 webinars—totaling 28 hours of content—for 8,350 participants. Behind the scenes, our committees met 59 times, logging 66 hours of thoughtful discussion to help guide the organization forward.

Our commitment to the next generation was on full display through the NJ Realtors® Educational Foundation. In 2025, we proudly awarded $58,000 in scholarships to 39 deserving students—many of them in person—making those moments especially meaningful.

The scale of our day-to-day support is often unseen, but it’s critical. Our staff handled 18,592 phone calls, totaling more than 43 days of call time. Members using zipForms added more than 1.7 million forms to nearly half a million transactions, spanning more than 21,000 members statewide.

We celebrated milestones and improvements that position us for the future. Triple Play marked its 25th anniversary—an incredible

achievement and a testament to its lasting value. We created a centralized hub for local board membership staff, ensuring consistent access to information across the state. And our Find Your Realtor® search tool experienced a remarkable 1,000% increase in web traffic after bringing the search engine marketing campaign inhouse, connecting more consumers with trusted professionals.

None of this happens without the dedication of our members, volunteers, leadership, and staff. As we look ahead, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together—and even more excited about what’s to come in 2026.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Douglas Tomson

Important Dates & Deadlines

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Douglas M. Tomson, RCE

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING

Colleen King Oliver, RCE | editor@njrealtor.com

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING

Erin McFeeters

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Lauren Melville

EXECUTIVE SERVICES & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Julia Ventrone

2026 OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Gloria Siciliano

PRESIDENT-ELECT Judy Moriarty

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Janet Ginsberg

TREASURER Phil Greco

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Kathy Morin

ADVERTISING SALES

Colleen King Oliver, RCE coliver@njrealtor.com

DESIGN

ENCOMPASS MEDIA GROUP

Rebecca Ryan McQuigg rebecca@encompasspubs.com

New Jersey Realtors® provides legal and legislative updates as well as information on a variety of real estate related topics solely for the use of its members. Due to the wide range of issues affecting its members, NJ Realtors® publishes information concerning those issues that NJ Realtors®, in its sole discretion, deems the most important for its members.

The content and accuracy of all articles and/or advertisements by persons not employed by or agents of NJ Realtor® are the sole responsibility of their author. NJ Realtors® disclaims any liability or responsibility for their content or accuracy. Where such articles and/or advertisements contain legal advice or standards, NJ Realtors® recommends that NJ Realtors® seek legal counsel with regard to any specific situation to which they may seek to apply the article.

New Jersey Realtor®, publication number 13260, ISSN number 00285919. Published quarterly each year. Member subscriptions allocated annually from annual dues: $3. Non-member annual subscription: $10. Known office of publication: 10 Hamilton Avenue,

NJ 08611. Periodicals

and at additional

at

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

For New Jersey residents looking to buy their first home, saving enough money for a down payment often comes second to more immediate costs of living – student loans, childcare, rent, insurance, and additional expenses.

When families are ready to purchase their new home, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency can help.

NJHMFA’s Down Payment Assistance program provides up to $22,000 in assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers for down payment and closing costs, which is forgiven after five years if the borrower doesn’t sell the home, refinance or default on their mortgage.

Contact Emerlee Simons @ ESimons@njhmfa.gov to learn more about this opportunity for homeownership.

Advocating for Clients Beyond the Closing Table

Our members are advocates for their clients and it doesn’t end at the closing table. Their work also takes them to town council meetings to advocate for or against policies that impact the families they represent during the home buying and selling process. When a real estate issue arises in the communities where they live and work, New Jersey Realtors® are there to represent their clients and their industry.

Last year, in partnership with our local boards and associations, New Jersey Realtors® continued its local advocacy, working to oppose policies with an eye on protecting the local real estate market in the towns where they were introduced, as well as ensuring that policies that could negatively impact their real estate markets would not spread to other towns. Beyond simply opposing those policies, we raise alternative solutions that could address the town’s goals without negatively impacting its local real estate market.

GLEN ROCK, BERGEN COUNTY

In Glen Rock, the council introduced an ordinance to create a time-of-sale requirement for lead service line replacement, meaning no homes with a lead service line could be sold until it was replaced. While New Jersey Realtors® does not oppose the replacement of lead service lines, we had concerns about tying the requirement to the time-of-sale and the impact it would have on homeowners and home sales, from making it more expensive for the home to be sold and prolonging the time needed before being sold.

Working with Greater Bergen Realtors®, we met with the mayor and members of council, helped draft comments opposing the ordinance, and testified at the council meeting where it was considered. The Realtor® voice was heard— the borough council rejected the ordinance and will look at other alternatives to address the issue of lead service line replacement, without tying it to time-of-sale.

SHIP BOTTOM, OCEAN COUNTY

In Ship Bottom, the borough council introduced an ordinance that would have imposed new and overly restrictive requirements on short-term rentals. The proposal would have made it more difficult for homeowners to rent their properties and introduced new registration fees were significantly higher than those in comparable communities across the state.

After learning of the proposed ordinance, and in coordination with our local Realtors® and board, we quickly mobilized to oppose it. Our goal was to ensure that the short-term rental market—both in Ship Bottom and in other Jersey Shore communities—would not be negatively impacted. We helped prepare written comments and testimony opposing the ordinance and attended the council meeting where it was considered. Due to the strong opposition from the Realtor® community and advocacy efforts, the ordinance was ultimately withdrawn. However, our work did not end there.

Often, an ordinance withdrawn in one form returns in another. While the initial proposal was defeated, the council indicated it intends to continue addressing shortterm rentals. In response, and again working closely with our local board of Realtors®, we submitted additional comments reinforcing our concerns and offering alternative approaches that would address the borough’s goals without harming the local tourism economy or real estate market.

If you know of a local issue impacting homeownership, private property rights, or the real estate industry, please contact your local board or association to make them aware of the issue or New Jersey Realtors® Government Affairs Department so we can alert them to the issue and engage on it should the local board or association choose to get involved.

GLEN ROCK, BERGEN COUNTY

Population: 12,133*

Single Family

Median Sales Price: $1,150,000 year-to-date

Single Family Inventory of Homes for Sale in December 2025: 8

SHIP BOTTOM, OCEAN COUNTY

Population: 1,098*

Single Family

Median Sales Price: $1,350,000 year-to-date

Single Family Inventory of Homes for Sale in December 2025: 3

*According to the 2020 U.S. Census

Tech that Saves: Tools to Stretch Every Dollar

BY WILLIAM THOMPSON, NJ REALTORS® DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

Housing affordability continues to dominate conversations both in Trenton and in your client meetings, and for good reason. But housing affordability doesn’t just refer to home prices; it also includes utility bills, groceries, and those unexpected expenses of homeownership. While technology can’t fix the market by itself, it can help you and your clients stretch every dollar a little further. From simple apps that work quietly in the background to smart home upgrades, join me on this moneysaving journey.

SMART HOME TECH THAT CUTS MONTHLY COSTS

Some of the most useful devices focus on one thing: efficiency, and with efficiency often comes substantial savings on your energy bill. The clear champion of energy efficiency in the smart home category is the smart thermostat. Devices like Google Nest and ecobee learn your daily routines, adjust temperatures automatically when no one is home, and make it easy to manage heating and cooling from anywhere. For homeowners, that translates to lower energy bills year-round without sacrificing comfort. Beyond thermostats, several entry-level smart technologies can help reduce costs without overwhelming homeowners. Smart plugs and smart lighting allow you to control power usage, set schedules, and avoid wasting electricity on devices that don’t need to run around the clock. Newer models can track power usage, helping homeowners identify which devices consume the most energy and when, making it easier to adjust habits before flipping the switch. These are inexpensive upgrades that feel approachable, even for those who are less tech-savvy.

As agents, smart home conversations don’t need to be overly technical. Leave the specs behind and focus on the benefits, such as convenience, efficiency, and remote control. Verify which devices are included in the sale and help facilitate a smooth transfer of ownership at closing.

LOWER YOUR TAX BILL WITH EXPENSE TRACKING APPS

Realtors® wear many hats every day: house hunter, marketer, photographer, and, for many, business owners. With variable income, mileage, advertising costs, and subscriptions galore, staying financially organized can be as important as generating new business. And with tax season right around the corner, small mistakes can be rather costly.

Expense and mileage-tracking apps are among the most valuable tools agents can use year-round. Instead of sifting through an old shoebox of receipts and relying on memory, these apps track expenses as they happen, store your receipts digitally, categorize spending, and generate reports your accountant will love.

There are plenty of options available, and the best choice is the one you’ll actually use. One noteworthy option is Realtyzam, an accounting tool built exclusively for real estate professionals. It’s designed to track expenses and mileage in a way that fits an agent’s busy lifestyle. Spending just a few minutes each month can save hundreds of dollars during tax season. Realtyzam is also a New Jersey Realtors® Member Perks Partner, offering a 30-day free trial, with members receiving 10% off subscriptions.

EVERYDAY TECH THAT FINDS HIDDEN SAVINGS

Some of the most effective money-saving tools aren’t financial apps at all; they’re the ones that work quietly in the background to save you money on everyday purchases. Browser extensions like PayPal’s Honey and Capital One Shopping automatically search for and apply coupon codes as you shop online. Whether you’re purchasing office supplies, business cards, or a new TV for the living room, these tools can help reduce costs with little to no effort.

Budgeting and subscription-tracking apps are another category worth researching. Tools like Rocket Money and Origin Financial help to identify recurring charges, track spending, and, most importantly, keep expenses aligned with financial goals. It’s not uncommon to discover monthly fees for services you no longer use, have multiple accounts for, or simply no longer find worth the expense. Canceling just a few can result in meaningful savings, and gaining better visibility into your spending turns awareness into action.

Affordability challenges aren’t going away overnight. But smart, practical technology can help people manage costs, reduce waste, and feel more confident in their financial decisions. Start small. One tool. One habit. One improvement. Over time, those small changes can make a meaningful difference.

RPAC Support in 2025!

RPAC NAR HALL OF FAME

$75,000 Level

Christina Clemans

Cindy Marsh Tichy

Charles Oppler

$50,000 Level

Christina Banasiak

Mary Davis

Allan Dechert

Drew Fishman

Jarrod Grasso

William Hanley

Randy Ketive

Angela Sicoli

Robert White

$25,000 Level

Judy Appleby

Eric Birchler

Eugenia Bonilla

Mary Burke

Nelson Chen

Sherry Chris

Roseanne Citta

Bonnie Fitzgerald

William Flagg

Tg Glazer

Ilene Horowitz

James Joeriman

Rose LaPira

Scott Lauri

Gloria Monks

Kathleen Morin

Lynne Mortimer

Robert Oppenheimer

Christian Schleuter

Gloria Siciliano

Bruce Shapiro

Carol Tangorra

Douglas Tomson

Diane Turton

Edward Ward

Gloria Woodward

RPAC NJ REALTORS® HALL OF FAME

Platinum Level (Over $15,000)

All Jersey MLS

Graeme Atkinson

Gene Azzalina

Annekee Brahver-Keely

Terry Brannin

Erin Brown

Cape May County

Association of Realtors®

Cape May County MLS

Laura Castella

Cumberland County Board of Realtors®

James Elek

Nicola Esposito

Genette Falk

David Fialk

Marlyn Friedberg

Gloucester Salem Counties

Board of Realtors®

Barry Goodman

Greater Bergen Realtors®

Brian Groetsch, Jr.

Jeffrey Jones

Roger Love

Nick Manis

Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®

Monmouth Ocean

Regional Realtors®

New Jersey MLS

New Jersey Realtors®

NEXUS Association of Realtors®

North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®

Mary Nuziale

Ocean City Board of Realtors®

Michael Oppler

Steven Pagan

Bowen Pak

Jeanine Pescatore

Brenda Richmond

Jairo Rodriguez

Andrea Schlosser

Ann Schuld

Wendy Smith

Marc Stein

Diane Streichert

Sussex County Association of Realtors®

Diane Traverso

Ronald Woods

John Zennario Gold Level (Over $10,000)

Maritza Aleman

Valerie Archer Belardo

Nicole Banbor

Janet Barton

Colleen Camillo

Manuel Couto

Roxanne Daiuto

Larry DePalma

David DePaola

Kenneth Freeman

Susan Giacchi

William Gilsenan

Patricia Gray Hendricks

Kathleen Houston

Edith Josephson

Ellen Kale

Yodimila Tan Langan

Ya Yuan Lien

Alireza Memar

Judith Mizzone

Alex Mosquera

Gloria Nilson

Michael Pennisi

Heather Robillard

Christine Lynn Rothwell

Robert Russo

Samy Sabbagh

Colin Somerville

Robert Southwick

John Terebey, Jr.

TREND MLS

Teresa Trigas-Pfefferle

Kim Ward Bacso

Randolph Wine

Zohar Zamir

Andrew Zastko

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Christina Banasiak

Nicole Banbor

Catherine Best

Laura Castella

Christina Clemans

Allan Dechert

Nicola Esposito

William Flagg

Kenneth Freeman

Jarrod Grasso

William Hanley

Ilene Horowitz

Randy Ketive

Yodimila Tan Langan

Scott Lauri

Nick Manis

Gloria Monks

Kathleen Morin

Lynne Mortimer

Charles Oppler

Steven Pagan

Brenda Richmond

Gloria Siciliano

Angela Sicoli

Wendy Smith

Carol Tangorra

Douglas Tomson

MAJOR INVESTORS

Platinum ‘R’

Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors®

New Jersey Multiple Listing Service

New Jersey Realtors®

North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®

Sherry Chris

Sustaining Platinum ‘R’

Lynne Mortimer *

Golden ‘R’

All Jersey MLS

Nelson Chen

Greater Bergen Realtors®

Steven Pagan *

Yodimila Tan Langan *

Sustaining Golden ‘R’

Christina Banasiak *

Eugenia Bonilla

Laura Castella *

Christina Clemans *

Mary Davis

Allan Dechert *

Nicola Esposito *

Jarrod Grasso *

William Hanley *

Ilene Horowitz *

Randy Ketive *

Scott Lauri *

Nick Manis *

Gloria Monks *

Kathleen Morin *

Mary Nuziale

Charles Oppler *

Brenda Richmond *

Jairo Rodriguez

Bruce Shapiro

Angela Sicoli *

Wendy Smith *

Carol Tangorra *

Crystal ‘R’

Cumberland County Board of Realtors®

Ya Yuan Lien

Judith Moriarty

Jeanette Schlapfer

Sustaining Crystal ‘R’

Mary Burke

James Joeriman

Weijia Luo

Gloria Siciliano *

Teresa Trigas-Pfefferle

1st Time Sterling ‘R’

Roberto Alvarez

Linda Barba

Fatima Bulur

Yvonne Chung

Patricia DePhillips

Harry Disbrow

Janet Ginsberg

Robert Hanson

Conor Hennessey

John Johnson

Brian Levine

Thomas McCarthy

Lenmarve McIntosh

Marina Shikman

Linda Trapp

Jeff Vander Molen

Soo Yu

Keller Williams Prosperity

2nd Time Sterling ‘R’

James Arakelian

Carole Lynn Brescia

Juanita Brown

Yesenia Frias

Robert Michaud

Elaine Mosera

Donna Murray

Megan O’Brien

Terrie O’Connor

Louisa Sagarese

Stephanie Verderose

3rd Time Sterling ‘R’

Matthew Amato

Maria Baratta

Bonnie Borghi

Rachel Mammele

Mary Ann Mason

Jo-Anne Mitchell

4th Time Sterling ‘R’

Mary Bianchi

Nancy Bunin

Melissa Florance-Lynch

Robert Funabashi

Corinne Geiger

Vernon Jones

Colleen King Oliver

Robert “Nick” Lopez

Walter Smolenski

William Thompson

David Wyrsch

5th Time Sterling ‘R’

Atlantic City & County Board of Realtors®

Nicole Banbor *

Carolyn Bardach

Dawn Bricker

Barry Bruno

Colleen Camillo

Michele Chiles-Hickman

Christopher Coccia

Manuel Couto

Maria Dargan

Teresa DeLorenzo

Sarah Drennan

Maria “Mia” Carina

Forsberg-Villon

Frank Glaush

Susan LaRue

Rosemarie McGeehan

Susanna Philippoussis

Sally Ponchak

Patricia Salzer Beam

Mary Ann Wissel

6th Time Sterling ‘R’

Gene Amsel

Valerie Archer Belardo

Catherine Best *

Frances Blakely

Kristen DeLeo

Larry DePalma

Valerie Dickson

Susan Giacchi

NEXUS Association of Realtors®

Eileen O’Driscoll

Colin Somerville

7th Time Sterling ‘R’

Angela Bonica-Ponticelli

Robert Russo

Sussex County Association of Realtors®

8th Time Sterling ‘R’

Kenneth Freeman *

William Gilsenan

Nicole Sabarese

Samy Sabbagh

South Jersey Shore Regional MLS

9th Time Sterling ‘R’

Lorraine Colavito

Judith Mizzone

10th Time Sterling ‘R’

Maritza Aleman

Randolph Wine

11th Time Sterling ‘R’

David DePaola

Patricia Gray Hendricks

Kathleen Ann Houston

Alireza Memar

Christine Lynn Rothwell

Marc Stein

Diane Traverso

Zohar Zamir

12th Time Sterling ‘R’

Jorge Ledesma

Christian Schlueter

13th Time Sterling ‘R’

Terry Brannin

14th Time Sterling ‘R’

Brian Groetsch, Jr.

Jeffrey Jones

Ocean City Board of Realtors®

15th Time Sterling ‘R’

Graeme Atkinson

Cape May County MLS

William Flagg *

Robert Oppenheimer

Bowen Pak

Ronald Woods

16th Time Sterling ‘R’

Erin Brown

Michael Oppler

Douglas Tomson *

17th Time Sterling ‘R’

Cape May County Association of Realtors®

19th Time Sterling ‘R’

Barry Goodman

Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®

20th Time Sterling ‘R’

Annekee Brahver-Keely

25th Time Sterling ‘R’

Eric Birchler

29th Time Sterling ‘R’

Bonnie Fitzgerald

* Indicates President’s Circle Member

PRESIDENT’S CLUB

($500 to $999)

Nehemias Borrero

Gloria Carpinello

Brenda Connolly

Michael Del Cioppo

Michael DePalma

Diane Disbrow

Deanna Fahy-Brown

Steven Finkelstein

Debra Flower

Carlos Jesus

Deborah Kerr

Marcia Klioze

Susanna Lee

Kyla Niewinski

Chiquita Pittman

Roland Pott

Rhoda Russo

Christopher Sapienza

Andrew Zastko

John Zennario

CAPITOL CLUB

($250 to $499)

Lisa Angelicola

Michelle Arnold

Marilyn Becker

Scott Bixler

Joan Bostonian

Joseph Bradley

Maria Caivano

Jayne Camlin

Nancy Casey

Jeana Cowie

Mark Cusano

Kristie Davida

Dennis DeCarlo

Joyce DelConte

Aja Deming

Susan DiDonato

Dawn Erikson

Cheryl Etheridge-Farmer

Genette Falk

Gareth Farmer

Carla Flitter

Christine Frosini

Tina Frye

Maureen Fusco

Anna Garifine

Noelle Garifine

Scott Gleason

Rick Gullo

Patricia Haverstick

Dominie Healey

Stephen Hoffman

Christine Hooks

Susan Hughes

Mark Jiorle

Allison Kane

Dawn Kologi

C. John Kruk

Jonathan Labella

Carol Latti

Paul Laub

Peter Madden

Barbara Carr Mahon

Kathleen McDonald

Joseph McMullen

Kevin McPheeters

Carol Menz

Charles Meyer

Mary Mitchell

Mary Ellen O’Boyle

Mary Ellen O’Connor

Ryan O’Connor

Marie Pateiro

Jeanine Pescatore

David Ralic

Madeline Rapp

Katherine Reynolds

Tammy Roberts

Ryan Schwab

Sarah Sears

Maureen Sgambati

Richard Shaffer

Frank Shoemaker

Brian Slattery

Sandra Solomon

Miesha Stanley

Beth Steffanelli

Christine Stephan

Carolyn Strittmatter

Donald Sullivan

Christine Thares

Gina Trani

Diane Turton

Matthew Victoria

Robert White

Kelly Ann Wiegand

Dawn Williams

Dana Williams

New Jersey Realtors® 2026 Leadership Team

Gloria Siciliano President

Gloria is a lifelong Monmouth County resident and an accomplished Realtor® with more than 27 years of experience. She began her real estate career in 1998, earned her broker’s license in 2001, and went on to open her first office—RE/MAX Gateway in Ocean Township—in 2006. Gloria expanded her footprint with an Ocean Grove office in 2015 and, a year later, partnered with her daughter, Alexis, to launch a thriving Asbury Park location.

On the national level, Gloria has served on the National Association of Realtors® Board of Directors since 2012, contributing her expertise to committees such as Resort & Second Home, Membership Policy & Board Jurisdiction, and Multiple Listing & Policy.

At the state level, she served as President-Elect in 2025, Treasurer in 2022 and 2023, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. She has played key roles across numerous committees and is a former Division Officer of Association Operations. Locally, she is a proud Past President of Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors® (2016–2017).

Gloria’s leadership extends to multiple committees, including Professional Standards, Budget & Finance, and chairing both the Insurance and Communications Committees. In 2017, she was honored as Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors® Realtor® of the Year. A strong supporter of RPAC, she is a Crystal “R” investor and was first inducted into the Presidents’ Circle in 2021.

Above all, Gloria is devoted to her family—her husband, Frank, her children, Frank and Alexis, and her sonin-law, Zach Bell—each of whom shares her passion for the real estate industry.

Judy Moriarty President-Elect

Judy has been a Mercer County resident for more than 26 years and serves as the Broker of Record for Zillow, Inc. in NJ, NY, PA, and VA. A Realtor® for 27 years, she also holds a broker’s license in Alaska and maintains active memberships with AAREA, the Women’s Council of Realtors®, and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. She holds multiple NAR credentials, including C2EX, At Home with Diversity, and Military Relocation Professional.

At NAR, Judy is a director and member of the Business Issues Policy Committee, with prior service on several national committees and as an inaugural mentor for the SPIRE program. At the state level, she serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and is a trustee for RPAC of New Jersey and the NJ Realtors® Housing Opportunity Foundation. She also serves on the Active Military & Veterans PAG.

Locally, Judy is a Past President of the Mid Jersey Association of Realtors® and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. She is deeply committed to professional standards, holding Professional Standards Administrator certification along with Ombudsman and Mediator training.

Judy was named the 2023 Realtor® of the Year for both New Jersey Realtors® and the Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®. She also volunteers with the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in Princeton.

Janet Ginsberg

First Vice President

Janet is a lifelong Bergen County resident and a Broker/ Manager with Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty. A Realtor® for more than 28 years, she combines deep market knowledge with strong business acumen, supported by a business degree from Emory University. She holds NAR’s At Home with Diversity and C2EX certifications and currently serves on NAR’s State and Local Issues Policy Committee.

At the state level, Janet serves on the New Jersey Realtors® Board of Directors and has held leadership roles in Communications & Public Relations and Industry Advocacy, along with service on the Budget & Finance and Nominating Committees.

Locally, she has been an active leader since 2013, chairing multiple committees and previously serving as Treasurer of Greater Bergen Realtors®. She also held board and officer roles with the Greater Bergen Realtors® Care Foundation.

Through her long-standing service and advocacy, Janet continues to elevate professionalism and support community growth across the industry.

Phil Greco Treasurer

As a long-time resident of Middlesex County, Phil’s commitment and drive as a distinguished Realtor® can be easily seen with his determination to serve residential and commercial market clients. Since 2002, he has rapidly become a leader in the industry, having served as President of Metro Centre Association of Realtors®, now Mid Jersey Association of Realtors® , following terms as President-Elect and Treasurer.

Additionally, Phil has served on various influential committees at both the national, local, and state levels, including the Leading Edge Advisory Board, Nominating, Budget & Finance, Community Service, Education and Policy & Procedure Committee. Furthermore, Phil was chosen as Mid Jersey Association of Realtors® Realtor® of the Year in 2024. Phil primarily serves his clients across Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. He is dedicated to leveraging his deep industry knowledge and leadership experience to deliver professional, favorable outcomes for every client.

Phil’s commitment to volunteer extends to his long-term service to the American Legion where he served as Chief Finance Officer for 17 years and Judge Advocate for the past 10 years. Also, Phil currently serves as Treasurer of the Italian American Club and has a passion for cooking.

Kathy Morin

Immediate

Past President

Kathy, a Middlesex County resident, is the Team Leader/ Broker Manager for RE/MAX Select–Cranbury, Team Roka. A Realtor® for more than 31 years, she holds a brokersalesperson license and is a licensed real estate instructor.

Nationally, she has served on multiple NAR committees and is a RPAC Golden “R” Hall of Fame and President’s Circle member. At the state level, she serves on the New Jersey Realtors® Board of Directors and has held major leadership roles, including Treasurer (2020–2021), First Vice President (2023), President-Elect (2024), and President (2025). She has also served as a trustee for NJ Realtors® Housing Opportunity Foundation, the Educational Foundation, and RPAC, and was named New Jersey Realtor® of the Year in 2017.

Locally, Kathy has held leadership roles with the Metro Centre Association of Realtors®, now Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®, and was also recognized as Realtor® of the Year in 2017.

She is an active member and past leader within the Women’s Council of Realtors® and participates in AREAA Central Jersey and NAHREP Somerset. She holds numerous professional designations and certifications.

Kathy is a proud wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two.

Introducing Your Realtor® of the Year

The Realtor® of the Year award celebrates those who have contributed the most to the advancement of their community and the cause of Realtors®. In addition, these individuals have exemplified significant involvement in humanitarian services.

New Jersey Realtors® named Gene Amsel as 2025 Realtor® of the Year during the annual New Jersey Realtors® Awards Ceremony at the Triple Play Realtor® Convention & Trade Expo. Additionally, 11 Local Realtors® of the Year were honored for their dedication to the industry.

Gene Amsel

2025 Realtor® of the Year

Gene Amsel has built a distinguished career in real estate based in service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to elevating the Realtor® community. A licensed New Jersey Broker since 1998 and longtime manager at Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, Gene pairs decades of industry expertise with a genuine passion for professional development. Gene’s dedication to excellence extends to national education as well, completing National Association of Realtors® programs such as C2EX, At Home With Diversity, Fairhaven, and Bias Override, along with earning the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager designation. He also served as an NJMLS Director for two separate terms.

Throughout his extensive involvement with Greater Bergen Realtors®, Gene has consistently championed member engagement, advocacy, and education.

He served as President of Eastern Bergen Realtors® in 1997 and later as President of Greater Bergen Realtors® in 2020, following multiple years on the Board of Directors. He has participated in 57 committees since 2015, spanning Professional Standards, Government & Legislative Affairs, RPAC, YPN, Grievance, Broker Council, and many more. At the state level, Gene has served on the NJ Realtors® Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Legal Affairs, Professional Standards, Legislative Committee, and Safety Advisory Group. Nationally, he was a member of the NAR Board of Directors in both 2020 and 2021 and has attended every national and legislative conference from 2018 to 2025.

Gene’s Realtor® spirit is reflected not only in his leadership roles but in

the passion he brings to advocacy and community involvement. A proud RPAC Major Investor, Gene introduced the NAR Leadership Academy concept to Greater Bergen Realtors® and continually encourages members to participate actively in association events at the local, state, and national levels. His commitment to strengthening the Realtor® community makes him an enduring champion of professionalism, education, and service. It is one of the reasons why Gene was awarded the 2025 Greater Bergen Realtors® Realtor® of the Year.

Beyond his industry accomplishments, Gene participates in humanitarian and community efforts. He has supported organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Coughlin Foundation Fund, and Wounded Warriors. In addition, he has held long-term leadership roles in youth athletics as president and certified coach for the Demarest Athletic Association, as well as a certified umpire for 15 years. Gene’s long-standing contributions, both within his profession and his community, reflect the integrity, dedication, and leadership he brings to every role.

2025 LOCAL REALTORS ® OF THE YEAR

Gene Amsel Greater Bergen Realtors®

Jeffrey DeLucia Liberty Board of Realtors®

Aja Deming Sussex County Association of Realtors®

Cynda Hollenbaugh Ocean City Board of Realtors®

Rachel Mammele Cape May County Association of Realtors®, Inc.

Nick Manis Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®, Inc.

Melissa Mulharan Cumberland County Board of Realtors®

Michael Pennisi North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®

Jeanine Pescatore Atlantic City & County Board of Realtors®

Diane Traverso Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors®

David Wyrsch, Jr. NEXUS Association of Realtors®

Congratulations 2025 Good Neighbor Award Winners

New Jersey Realtors® awarded four incredible Realtor® volunteers, Edwina & Daniel Pennino, Carol Robinson, and Kent Pipes with the 2025 NJ Realtors® Good Neighbor Awards at the Triple Play Realtor® Convention & Trade Expo. The Good Neighbor Award recognizes Realtors® who have made an extraordinary commitment to community service on the local, national and/or global level. Candidates are judged based on their contribution, the impact of their work, and their leadership skills. Winners receive a grant of $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place for a charity organization in their name.

Edwina & Daniel Pennino

$2,500 for Angel’s Closet Food Bank For more than 30 years, Dan and Eddie Pennino have served as the driving force behind Angel’s Closet Food Bank, one of the region’s longest-running and most reliable community support programs. Through their steady leadership and unwavering commitment, they have ensured year-round access to nutritious meals for families, seniors, and individuals facing hardship.

Carol Robinson

$1,500 for Women Aware With more than 20 years in real estate, Carol has built her career almost entirely through client referrals—a testament to her work ethic, expertise, and contributions to her community. Beyond her work with her clients, Carol’s deepest passion is her volunteer work with Women Aware, Middlesex County’s domestic violence organization.

Kent Pipes

$1,000 for The Salt and Light Company

Kent R. Pipes serves as President of The Affordable Homes Group, the umbrella organization for several nonprofits dedicated to supporting homeless individuals, lower-income families, and seniors. Under his leadership, programs such as The Salt and Light Company, People First!, Delta Real Estate, and A.L.L.Y., Inc. provide a wide range of housing solutions.

Celebrating Our 2025 Realtor® Emeritus Status Honorees

The Realtor® Emeritus award celebrates NJ Realtor® members who have served as Realtors® or Realtor-Associates® for 40 years in addition to one year of service at the national level. New Jersey Realtors® awarded 13 members the Emeritus membership status at the Triple Play Realtor® Convention & Trade Expo.

Stephen Booth Ocean City Board of Realtors®

Christina Clemans Cape May County Association of Realtors®, Inc.

Dorothea Crotty Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®, Inc.

Allan Dechert Cape May County Association of Realtors®, Inc.

Diane Disbrow Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors®

Corinne Geiger NEXUS Association of Realtors®

Jeffrey Jones North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®

Charles Oppler Greater Bergen Realtors®

Christian Schlueter NEXUS Association of Realtors®

Violet Serekian Greater Bergen Realtors®

Carol Tangorra North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®

John Terebey

Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®, Inc.

Peggy Yanuzzelli

Mid Jersey Association of Realtors®, Inc.

Announcing Our 2025 Quarter Century Club Recipients

The Quarter Century Club honors NJ Realtor® members who have served as Realtors® or Realtor-Associates® faithfully in New Jersey for 25 years or more. New Jersey Realtors® awarded over 100 members the Quarter Century Club membership status at the Triple Play Realtor® Convention & Trade Expo.

Robert Abbott

Sam Abed

Jayne Adamsky

Margaret Ajamian

Blanca “Monina” Alessio

Karen Allen

Paul Amante

Bonnie Ambrosia

Nancy J. Anderson

David Arabia

Esther Ashkenazi

Patricia I. Barksdale

Mary Bauer

William C. Beckett

Andrew Bednarek

Judy Bellina

Kathleen F. Beyel

Suzanne G. Biga

Rebecca R. Boomsma

Joseph C. Bozza

Duffy Brennan

Susan B. Browne

Margaret Bryzk

Nora “Jane” Burrows

Rosemary A. Cahalane

Beth A. Califano

Fredy Carabali

Manuela B. Carvalho

Joseph Cervieri

Michele Chiles-Hickman

Duke H. Chung

William Coblentz, Jr.

Kevin J. Colman

Aileen Colon

Carol Conway

Ellen Corapi

Julie Z. Corbo

Ellason Curdgele

Dawn K.H. Darminio

Carmen M. Del Valle

Sheryl B. Dente

Christina Duncan

Karen Eastman Bigos

Patricia Scanlon Egan

Lisa Ellis

Carol C. Ercolano

Kristina D. Erins

Maria Ferrito

Maria F. Figliuzzi

Albin Garcia

Anna Garifine

Bruce R. Gassman

Anita Gatto

Jolene L. Gentile

Rhea B. Goldsmith

Beth Gonyea

Margo Green

Alan Hack

Denise Hammerstedt

Kenneth Hancock

Cheryl Hand

Theresa Ingala

Shelley Jacobs

Anita F. Jacobus

John J. Johnson

Linda Kaulf-Krissi

Catherine Kieran Bruno

Kevin Kinney

Lesley C. Kirsch

Stacey A. Kolmer

Vitaliy Kourzanov

Arlene Lamberti

Judith Longo

Leonel Freire Simoes Lopes

Lisa G. Lopez

Susan Luciano

Stephanie A. Lyden

Thomas M. Maggio

Pamela Maguire

Joseph Anthony Marascio

Joan Marchetta

Helen Mary Maresca

Sharon Marks

Jody McQuade

Maureen McSpirit

Michael A. Milano

Joyce A. Miller

Susan M. Miller

Theresa Milliken

Michael K. Mincey

June Nazar

Jo Ann Norton

Diane Notarfrancesco

Judith O’Brien

Catherine O’Connor

Smiechowski

Debbie Onorato

Kathleen Pack

Ronald Palentchar

Tracy L. Parisi

Edgar H. Parra

Lisa Ann Payne

Peter Perkuhn

Anil Peshori

William C. Phayre

Julia Pilas

Lorraine Piro-Colavito

Carmela M. Pirolli

Maureen E. Porter

Andee Post

Susan D. Preziosi

Ronald H. Prykanowski

Lois Rantzer

David Rosenbaum

Ellen Rosenbaum

Elaine C. San Pedro

Rosa Sands

Anita Sanzio

Gina Sapnar

Frank Savasta

Lynn Schiffman

Donna Schmiede

Lynda M Schreiber

Arlene J. Scornavacca

Judith E. Serhus

Mahendra R. Shah

Lisa M. Shaw

Shelley R. Silverman

Patrick Smith

Martina Solarz

Donna Staccioli

Lucy H. Starr

Ellen L. Stein

James O. Sturgis, Jr.

John Terebey, Jr.

Olena H. Tomlinson

Joseph A. Trela

Frieda A. Triebel

Kimberly Valentini

Brenda Vazquez-Rivera

Nicholas Verdi

Eduardo Filipe Viegas

Sherri Westervelt

Dawn Marie White

Dorothy A. Whitehouse

Priscilla Wilson

Gail I. Zaccaro

Susan Zottarelli

Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors®

MORR hosted The MORR You Know— Success Forum, where industry leaders, the National Association of Realtors® 2025 President Kevin Sears, NAR Senior Vice President of Industry Relations Jarrod Grasso, and New Jersey Realtors® CEO Doug Tomson discussed national trends, advocacy, and the future of real estate in New Jersey. Their insightful presentation provided and inspired attendees with a deeper understanding of market challenges, legislative priorities, and upcoming opportunities shaping the industry.

MORR hosted industry leaders and discussed national trends, advocacy, and the future of the real estate industry.

Cumberland County Board of Realtors®

Cumberland County Board of Realtors® held its annual Shoe-In Program, focused on providing shoes for local schools. Elaine Salas has dedicated more than 20 years of service to the Shoe-In Program, providing more than 64 pairs of shoes to over 16 schools across the country, all made possible by board and affiliate donations.

Cape May County Association of Realtors®

CMCAR held its annual holiday event, where Patricia Gray Hendricks was installed as 2026 President. Also in attendance were outgoing CMCAR Affiliate Director, Denise Boyd, with CMCAR past presidents Dutch Dechert and Chris Clemans; and 2026 New Jersey Realtors® President Gloria Siciliano. 2024 and 2025 CMCAR President, Rachel Mammele was also recognized as a 2025 Local Realtor® of the Year Award winner.

Greater Bergen Realtors®

The Greater Bergen Realtors® Global Business Council hosted Bridging Real Estate Horizons to celebrate the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding with the National Albanian Real Estate Association. The event marked the beginning of a partnership on shared investment, education, and professional development opportunities between the U.S. and Albanian markets.

North Central Jersey Association of Realtors®

North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® volunteers supported Habitat for Humanity’s mission by building safe and affordable housing for families in need at a Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity job site in Rockaway.

Greater Bergen Realtors® Broker Council and Grievance Committees hosted an exclusive broker event, discussing the 2025 NAR Code of Ethics updates. Featured speakers included Teresa Tilton, Director of Professional Services at New Jersey Realtors®; Evelyn Paladino, Grievance Committee Chair; Mary Davis, Broker Council Vice Chair; and Mary Jane Taraboccia, Broker Council Chair.

The event highlighted key changes and provided real-world examples to help attendees better understand how the revisions apply to everyday practice.

North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® members delivered 400 coats to local shelters throughout New Jersey.