Even in today’s economic climate Nothnagle Realtors continues to expand, opening TWO new offices in 2008 and launching the franchise division in October.

The Realty Network is now Nothnagle Realtors! Established in 1995, The Realty Network has been a presence in the Brockport community for 13 years.

The office will remain at 9 Main Street in the Village of Brockport, allowing Nothnagle Realtors to offer 24 branch locations conveniently located throughout the Greater Rochester region.

Vickie Sweet, Broker/Owner of The Realty Network said, “This is the right time for our company to align with the best real estate company in Rochester.” Vickie has been in real estate for 22 years and is looking forward to continuing in sales.

Mark Swanson, Associate Broker with Nothnagle Realtors, will serve as branch manager. Mark has over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. The office currently has 13 experienced agents with more being added in the coming weeks.

“The experience and knowledge of the agents, coupled with the Nothnagle tools and technology, will be a great asset to buyers and sellers in the Brockport area,” said Armand D’Alfonso, President and CEO of Nothnagle Realtors.

To contact Nothnagle Realtors’ Brockport branch, call 637-2810.

The Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR) is reporting on the market statistics in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region for the month of November.

This past month there was a 29 percent decrease in monthly closings and a 6.9 percent decrease in homes listed for sale as compared to November of 2007 according to statistics released by the Genesee Region Real Estate Information Service (GENRIS), the information subsidiary of GRAR.  The median sale price for our area is up 0.4 percent at $118,000 year-to-date.

Locally, the town of Chili saw 22 percent increase in number of closings along with a 1 percent increase in median sale price compared to November 2007.  Towns like Brighton (11.5%), Gates (17.5%), Irondequoit (0.5%), Parma (31.7%), Penfield (60.5%), Pittsford (26.6%) and the City of Rochester (17.0%) all saw increases in median sale price compared to the same time last year.

The surrounding counties of the Greater Rochester MSA, specifically Yates County continues to show positive activity with an 8.1 percent increase in monthly closings year-to-date.

With holidays and the weather as it is this time of year, a seasonal slowdown in the market is to be expected.  However, we urge residents of our region to be optimistic about our market – while we may not experience the housing booms that have occurred elsewhere, we are also fortunate that we do not experience the dramatic decreases in sales either, as other parts of the country currently are.  Interest rates remain low and real estate is definitely local.

The following statistics reflect the real estate activity for the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region for the month of November: 

In a statement to the House Financial Services Committee last week, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recommended a four-point plan to stimulate home sales and stabilize housing valuations.

“The only way to overcome today’s economic turmoil is to motivate and encourage worried or cautious housing consumers to enter the marketplace,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Stabilizing the housing market will lead to a quicker and greater economic recovery. Our goal is to ensure there is a healthy market and sufficient capital to support mortgage lending to qualified borrowers.”

NAR developed the plan for consideration by the current lame-duck session of Congress, and for the 111th Congress and the new administration. The four-point plan’s principles are consumer-driven to help foster a housing recovery to support an economic rebound. The plan calls for eliminating the repayment of the first-time home buyer tax credit that was passed in the February stimulus bill, and to expand the tax credit to include all home buyers. The plan also recommends making the increased FHA and conventional loan limits permanent to stimulate home sales and stabilize prices. In addition, the plan urges that the Troubled Asset Relief Program be put back on track by targeting the funds for mortgage relief through a mortgage interest rate buy-down. Finally, the plan recommends finalizing legislation to prohibit banks from entering into the business of real estate brokerage and property management.

“The federal government must ensure there is sufficient capital to support mortgage lending not only in strong markets but also in tumultuous ones,” said McMillan. “Realtors® are frustrated with the current mortgage lending environment that places a variety of barriers on families who wish to buy a home, impeding sales and price stabilization. We look forward to working with the Congress and the new administration to transition out of current instabilities and move toward strong and stable financial and housing markets.”  

The Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR) is reporting on the market statistics in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region for the month of October.

This past month there was a 15.8 percent decrease in monthly closings and a 15.1 percent decrease in homes listed for sale as compared to October of 2007 according to statistics released by the Genesee Region Real Estate Information Service (GENRIS), the information subsidiary of GRAR.  The median sale price for our area increased 2.6 percent to $117,500 compared to October of last year.

Locally, the townships of Parma and East Rochester increased in number of closings compared to October 2007 by 20 and 25 percent respectively.  In regards to median sale price, the towns of Brighton, Chili, East Rochester, Ogden and the City of Rochester all saw increases compared to the same time last year.

The surrounding counties of the Greater Rochester MSA, specifically Yates County continues to show positive activity with an 11.5 percent increase in monthly closings year-to-date.

The real estate market for the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region is unique in that while we may not experience the housing booms that have occurred elsewhere, we are also fortunate that we do not experience the dramatic decreases in sales either, as other parts of the country currently are.  Interest rates remain low and real estate is definitely local.

The following statistics reflect the real estate activity for the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region for the month of October:

The REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® of the Year award is the highest award that can be obtained in this association among REALTOR-ASSOCIATES®.  One must submit 25 closed MLS transactions in a 12-month period; they must have participated in Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® & Women’s Council of REALTORS® events and activities in the past 12 months; be involved in the community; and have completed educational requirements.  Along with all the other demands in a day, they still uphold the ethics and professionalism of our industry.

Last Friday night at the GRAR “Leadership and Awards Celebration of Excellence” dinner, the 2008 REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® of the Year award was presented to Andy Burke of RE/MAX Realty Group. 

Andy began his real estate career in 2002.  He was named Rochester’s “Rookie of the Year” in his first year in business.  Since then, this RE/MAX Realty Group agent has won GRAR Sales Master or GRAR Sales Master Gold Awards. He is a member of RE/MAX International President’s Club.

 Andy is a GENRIS Director and sits on the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Board of Directors as well.  His GRAR committee work includes being the Chair of the Industry Advocacy Committee.  Community organizations also benefit from Andy’s participation including The Community Place of Greater Rochester, the American Lung Association of NY State and Linden Knoll, Inc.  Congratulations Andy!

The REALTOR® of the Year  award is presented to a member of the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®  who has held REALTOR® membership for the past 3 or more consecutive years; the candidate should demonstrate distinguished service in the promotion and advancement of the interests and the ideals of the real estate profession; the candidate must demonstrate an ongoing involvement in real estate activities exemplifying an ambassador of the association; the candidate should also be involved within the community and seeks to enhance their professionalism through educational opportunities and designations.

Last Friday night at the GRAR “Leadership and Awards Celebration of Excellence” dinner, the 2008 REALTOR® of the Year award was presented to Thomas deManincor of Realty USA.

Tom obtained his real estate license in 1979 and began his career with Century 21 Cardinal as a Sales Associate.  In 1986 he obtained his broker’s license and opened Village Pride REALTORS®.  Since 2003, he has worked as a Manager for Realty USA in the Webster Penfield office.  He also holds a Salesperson license in the state of Florida, where he is an active Sales Associate at Realty USA/Parklane Properties in Naples, Florida. 

Tom was on the GRAR Board of Directors from 2004-2007 and was a GENRIS Vice-Chair in 1996 and 1997.   He has been a part of several GRAR committees over the years including the Professional Standards & Arbitration Committee in 2008.  From 2006 through this year he served as the Chairman of the Bay-Empire Business Association. 

His community involvement includes coaching basketball for 33 years. He is currently the Nazareth Academy Varsity High School coach and volunteers at Ronald McDonald House Fundraising events. His clients have consistently remarked about his professionalism, knowledge and friendliness over the years. Tom has been married for 31 years and has two grown children.  Congratulations Tom!

Sam Morreale, salesperson with Nothnagle Realtors’ Irondequoit branch, is ranked #14 in America based on transaction sides (274) in a recent nationwide survey announced in The Wall Street Journal. Out of the 3,000 members of the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®, Sam is the only local real estate professional to make the list.

Licensed since 1982, Sam was named #1 Nothnagle agent in January 2007 and January 2008 and has been the Irondequoit branch’s #1 agent since 1998. He has been a consistent “Top 30” agent and Nothnagle “Gold Club” member since 1998. Sam has appeared on the Nothnagle Newsletter for 133 consecutive weeks.

REALTrends and Lore magazine, partnering with the Wall Street Journal, surveyed more than 7,000 real estate brokerage firms, state and local associations of REALTORS®, national training organizations, MLS system operators and respondents to past annual surveys, in search of “America’s Top 200 Real Estate Professionals.” To be considered, agents had to have a minimum of 75 closed transaction sides or $30 million in sales volume during the calendar year ending December 31, 2007. The results of the Top 50 agents were published in The Wall Street Journal on November 8, 2008.

“With 274 transaction sides last year, Sam certainly has earned the title of ‘Iron Man,’ a nickname given to him several years ago by his colleagues,” stated Armand D’Alfonso, President and CEO of Nothnagle Realtors.

Once again Nothnagle REALTORS® is looking to grow and expand. For five decades Nothnagle REALTORS® has held the #1 spot in the Rochester market.

Although growth has been steady over its 60 year history, much of Nothnagle’s growth over the years has occurred in more challenging markets. During the slight slowdown in 2008, Nothnagle has increased market penetration in Rochester by two percentage points.

As the market becomes more challenging, many companies are seeking affiliations that will allow them to remain independent and competitive. “We have had many opportunities to acquire other companies but our primary goal is to empower entrepreneurs that want to affiliate themselves as franchises outside of the Rochester market,” stated John Arquette, Vice President of Franchise Sales and New Business Development.

Nothnagle REALTORS® remains locally owned and operated and nothing will change with the Rochester-based operations, nor will the local branches become independent franchises. Rather, franchises will now be available outside our current market area that will not compete with agents affiliated with the company-owned branches.

“The benefits to Rochester are plentiful. Nothnagle REALTORS® is planning to create more jobs in Rochester as the local corporate headquarters will be expanded and renamed ‘National Headquarters,’” stated Armand D’Alfonso, President and CEO of Nothnagle REALTORS®.

Brokers who affiliate with Nothnagle REALTORS® will enjoy the recognition, experience, brand and support that come with the Nothnagle name and 60-year heritage. In 1948, John T. Nothnagle started the company using photography as the principal sales medium, displaying photos of homes for sale in his “Gallery of Homes.”

Today Nothnagle REALTORS® is ranked the 36^th largest broker in the country by REALTOR® Magazine. Nothnagle REALTORS® is now positioned to leverage our successful infrastructure to form strategic alliances with other real estate entrepreneurs. By leveraging relationships and proven technologies, our system adds value to brokers, agents and consumers alike.

The Nothnagle system will provide a real estate platform designed to give independent brokers a competitive advantage in their marketplace. The system offers high-powered technology; agent recruitment and retention strategies; lead generation tools; agent training; and, a complete broker business system.

Nothnagle REALTORS® has come full circle. After being approached by brokers from the country interested in harnessing our technology, John T. Nothnagle launched the “Gallery of Homes” franchise system in 1950 – the first Real Estate Franchise in the nation.

At its peak in the 1970’s, there were over 650 companies operating 1,200 Gallery of Homes offices in nearly every state as well as Canada and the Virgin Islands. The franchise business was sold to Empire of America in 1983 and Nothnagle remained a member until 1991.

“Since 1948, Nothnagle REALTORS® continues to operate on the basic principle of using innovative technologies coupled with highly trained professionals to deliver top notch service to our clients. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with other growth-oriented entrepreneurs who seek to provide an enhanced experience for their agents and clients,” said Armand D’Alfonso, President and CEO of Nothnagle REALTORS®.

John Arquette has been promoted from General Manager to Vice President of Franchise Sales and New Business Development. John’s duties will include selling franchises to select companies throughout the U.S. and New Business Development in Rochester, NY.

For more information on the Nothnagle system, please contact John Arquette at 585-737-9993 or email franchise@nothnagle.com.

RISMEDIA—Already, many parts of the country are facing severe winter weather, although the season began only recently. And with average heating costs across the nation spiking about 11% over last winter’s, the Alliance to Save Energy recommends energy-efficiency measures to help consumers cut home energy bills, increase indoor comfort, and reduce power plant emissions that contribute to climate change.

“This winter, U.S. consumers face heating costs of close to $1,000,” noted Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “Further, total 2008 home energy costs for U.S. households are projected at close to $2,200. That’s a huge bite out of the family budget. But consumers can reduce those costs by up to 30 percent, and even more in some cases, with simple yet effective energy-efficiency measures.”

The Alliance has prepared a winter home energy fact sheet for each state and the District of Columbia, as well as for the country as a whole. They show consumers how much their heating costs are likely to increase this winter and provide tips on reducing heating and overall household energy bills.

The Alliance also cites useful Web resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help consumers be more energy efficient around the house.

One handy new online tool from EPA, the ENERGY STAR Home Advisor (http://www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor), recommends home improvement projects to undertake to increase energy efficiency and comfort. Simply enter a ZIP code, the fuels used to heat and cool your home, and the type of water heater you have.

Home improvement recommendations range from sealing air leaks and ducts and adding insulation to replacing HVAC equipment that is more than 10 years old, installing a programmable thermostat, and considering ENERGY STAR qualified products when replacing windows, lighting, appliances, electronics, and home office equipment.

Another EPA Web tool, “Heat Smartly with ENERGY STAR@home” offers a room-by-room “house tour” that identifies opportunities to cut home energy bills while also helping to protect the environment. Blue stars provide tips for saving energy and money inside and outside of the home – from changing the incandescent bulb in the porch light to a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) to setting your water heater to 120 degrees or lower.

For more information and tips, visit http://www.ase.org/consumers.

Courtesy of RISMedia.com