More than 400 real estate professionals are expected to take part in the 2010 REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RCF) Golf Classic, to be held on July 12, at Shadow Pines, Shadow Lake, and Greystone Golf Clubs.

Participants will have an opportunity to take a day off from what is normally a very busy time of the year for REALTORS® and other professions associated with the real estate industry, while raising money for a very worthy cause. The annual event is open to the general public and is hosted by the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR), Gateway Funding, and WROC TV 8/Fox Rochester.

The REALTORS® Charitable Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®, an organization that provides resources, education, and promotes professionalism for its more than 3,000 members. RCF supports charitable organizations that help to increase affordable home ownership opportunities, build healthy neighborhoods, or mitigate critical housing needs. Since its inception in 2001, the Foundation has awarded more than $430,000 in grants to 35 local charitable organizations. It receives its support from area REALTORS®, GRAR, and various other fundraisers. Last year’s golf tournament netted more than $23,000.

“This is a good example of how REALTORS® are giving back to the community,” said Cindy B-Rosato, an area REALTOR® and chair of the RCF Board of Directors. “As real estate professionals, we recognize that a vital part of aspect of doing business is taking responsibility for helping to preserve and enhance the quality of life in our community.”

News 8 Now at Sunrise and Noon Anchor Katrina Irwin and well-known local personality Dee Alexander will co-emcee the dinner portion of the event.

For sponsorship and registration information, visit http://www.grar.org/Events.html, or contact Diane Rosen, GRAR director of events at 341-2122, or drosen@grar.net.

By Staff Writer

When you turn into the Watersong subdivision off Five Mile Line Road, you immediately notice that there are some nice homes that line the street. As you continue down the winding road, you see the five featured models under construction. Custom homes with everything state-of-the-art.

The 2010 Homearama event is officially under construction and crews are working diligently to get these homes finished for the grand opening. This year’s event is scheduled for August 14th – 22nd in Penfield at Watersong.

Homearama is a product of the Rochester Home Builders Association and has been running for over 30 years in this area. The original intent of Homearama was to show people practical applications and products available to them in new homes, like the newest advancements in siding, roofing and architectural changes. As the times changes, Homearama has adapted to lifestyle changes.

Rick Herman, Executive Vice President of the RHBA is excited about this year’s event. “People come to see the newest trends in home building and home decorating. In addition to the advancements on the inside, we have a number of homes developing the outside with a big yards with patios, pools and extensive landscaping.” The idea of staycations are prevalent in these models.

This year’s event is a little different from year’s past in that Homearama 2010 will be only 9 days compared to 3 weeks from last year. “We’re downscaling from previous years,” Herman said, “Attendance records show that a shorter event make for better participation. We have a variety of activities and events for people to participate and enjoy each day like bands, cooking classes, a classic car show and clowns for the kids.”

The Watersong subdivision is a product of Antetomaso Homes and is currently developing phase III. “There were a lot of reasons why we chose Watersong for this years Homearama,” said Herman, “Penfield is one of the hotter towns as far as new home construction and price point. Plus it is easily accessible from Rt 104 and offers a lot of parking for patrons.”  Antetomaso Homes is proud to host Homearama 2010. “we are happy to show off our community to the general public,” Said Ralph Antetomaso, “Watersong was designed with many quality features in a new community including sidewalks on both side of the street, street lights and open space.”

Re/Max Plus broker, John Antetomaso “We are thrilled to be hosting Homearama this year. It allows us to show the vision we have planned for the Watersong community and the neighbors are thrilled to be part of it.”

Ticket prices have not been announced yet for the event, but will be available at the door. The Rochester Home Builders Association will have coupons and information by the end of June. Visit their website at rochesterhomebuilders.com. You can also find the featured builders, model floor plans, vendors, schedule of events and of course discounts.

The member web site of the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR) was recently chosen as one of three “Best of the Web” in the 2010 Outstanding REALTOR® Association Web site Contest. A judging panel comprised of the editorial board and staff of REALTOR® AE Magazine determined that www.grar.org stood out for its focus on delivering outstanding on-line member services. The decision of the judges was based on the conclusion that the site represented the “innovation, commitment, and excellence for which all associations strive.” The other two associations recognized were the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and the Florida Association of REALTORS®. The contest drew nearly 50 entries from real estate associations across the country.

GRAR launched its newly-renovated member site in January 2010, which was designed by Site Brand Builder.com, a Rochester-based company. The interactive site features pages that provide education course descriptions, events and news, government relations information, and a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) section as a source for real estate forms and tech support. In addition, there is a member resources and support section that offers marketing tools, business practice updates, and industry-related links. Also available is a calendar of events, news gallery, and information on how to begin a career in real estate.

“When we set out to rebuild our online presence in 2009, our goal was to focus on the needs of our members,” stated Ryan Tucholski, CEO for the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®. “Information provided on the site is only presented when it’s relevant, accurate, and requested by our membership.”

Among the judges’ highly rated features of the site are the prominent Google search, the updated news section, and the depth of information in the members-only section. Also noted was the members’ use of the site as a portal to their dashboard on the public-facing MLS Web site, where they can track their listing performance.

Tucholski stated that like all web sites, grar.org is a work in progress. “We believe that the site must be a living and growing object that can flex and move for the benefit of our members.”

The Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® represents more than 3,000 real estate professionals in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

The REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RCF), the philanthropic arm of the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR), recently announced its First Quarter grant awards totaling $37,000, to local non-profit organizations. The foundation supports charitable organizations that help to increase affordable home ownership opportunities, build healthy neighborhoods, or mitigate critical housing needs.

NeighborWorks® Rochester was granted $30,000 to continue its Healthy Blocks partnership in the Main/Atlantic neighborhood, known as “The Pocket.” The Healthy Blocks initiative targets transitional neighborhoods and offers support to train community leadership, improve housing stock through neighborhood clean ups and provide low interest rate loans for home improvements. GRAR members have volunteered hundreds of hours to conduct community surveys, plant gardens, and build community leaders. Healthy Block efforts made in other Rochester area neighborhoods, most notably in the Swillburg neighborhood, have resulted in higher levels of owner occupancy and appreciated home values.

The Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN) received $5,000 for its Homeless Family Emergency Housing Fund. RAIHN is a largely a volunteer organization whose goal is to increase the quality of life for homeless families in Rochester by enabling them to become self-sufficient and independent. Since 2004, 90% of the families that RAIHN placed in housing remained for at least a year.

The Providence Housing Development Corporation “Financial Literacy Program” was awarded $2,000 to support its Financial Literacy Program, which teaches tenants better management of day-to-day expenses and helps them prepare for long-term goals, including home ownership.

“These are good examples of how REALTORS® are giving back,” said Cindy B-Rosato, an area REALTOR® and chair of the RCF Board of Directors. “As real estate professionals, we recognize that a vital aspect of doing business is taking responsibility for helping to preserve and enhance the quality of life in our community,” she continued. “It’s a role that we take very seriously.”

Since its inception in 2001, the RCF has awarded over $430,000 in grants to 35 local non-profit agencies. The organization receives its support from area REALTORS®, the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®, proceeds received from the annual RCF Golf Classic held in July, and various other fundraisers.

To learn more about the REALTORS® Charitable Foundation and how you can support its efforts, visit www.rfoundation.org.

First Quarter statistics released by the Genesee Region Real Estate Information Services (GENRIS), the information subsidiary of the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR) reveal an overall increase in sales within the regional housing market, as compared to First Quarter 2009.

Transactions for the First Quarter 2010 showed that there was a 9.3% increase over the First Quarter of 2009, with 1,802 homes sold. The overall median sale price of $113,000 reflected a 7.6% percent increase compared to last year at this time, which could be as a result of individuals taking advantage of the $6,500 Tax Credit for existing home owners. Pending sales for First Quarter 2010 reflected a 14.6% decrease compared to last year at this time. When compared to Fourth Quarter 2009, however, there was a 10.6% jump.

“This is good news for our local market,” remarked Carolyn Stiffler, board president of the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®. “We should be on track for a very strong Second Quarter.”

Stiffler noted that the extension and expansion of the tax credit in December was a critical factor in maintaining the momentum of the market.

“What we saw was an influx of first-time home buyers and existing homeowners taking advantage of the tax incentive,” continued Stiffler. “It truly was a “shot in the arm” for the real estate industry and the economy. For many individuals, it was the answer to their dream of homeownership.”

GRAR officials remarked that the 41.5% decrease between First Quarter 2010 and Fourth Quarter 2009 was a result of people wanting to take advantage of the initial tax credit before it expired in November of 2009. When the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit took effect in early 2009, there was a lot of activity among first-time buyers, especially during the fourth quarter. People thought that they only had until November 30 to take advantage of credit, which is why we saw a large drop in homes sales between First Quarter 2010 compared to Fourth Quarter 2009.

In December 2009, new federal legislation not only extended the $8,000 Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers but also included a $6,500 tax credit for eligible existing homeowners for the purchase of another principal residence. Both must have a written binding contract to purchase by April 30, 2010, which is when the tax credit expires. The purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

There were strong sales gains in several towns within Monroe County over First Quarter 2009. The most significant increases occurred in Parma at 86.7%, Brighton at 68.8%, Penfield at 37.8%, and Greece at 21.3%. Median sales prices also increased significantly in each of these areas, especially in Brighton, which could be a result of existing homes owners moving up.

GRAR will continue to support the local residential real estate industry through its TIME2BUY marketing campaign, which focuses on the benefits of owning a home and using the services of a REALTOR® when buying and selling a home.

As outspoken supporters for fair housing issues and homeownership, REALTORS® have joined the nation in recognizing “Fair Housing Month” this April.

Signed into law in 1968, the Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status and national origin. REALTORS® work tirelessly to support this law, as well as ensure the benefits of homeownership are available to everyone.

Through the years, the National Association of REALTORS® has developed education on diversity and fair housing laws for its members. These programs and resources have educated REALTORS® on the importance of inclusive housing practices and the promotion of minority homeownership.

The Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® emphasizes the critical importance of having an in-depth understanding and on-going awareness of both Federal and state fair housing laws. As licensed real estate professionals, members are required to take at least three hours of fair housing and anti-discrimination coursework. Beyond the legal mandate, REALTORS® realize it is their responsibility and obligation to affirm and validate their commitment to fair housing.

The Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® represents more than 3,000 real estate professionals in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

More than 300 real estate professionals gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Rochester on March 25, to participate in a day-long career development and networking conference. The event, now in its 26th year, is hosted each year by the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR).

Panel discussions, educational classes, and information sessions centered on a variety of topics including short sales and foreclosures, FHA changes, and other housing and real estate related issues. The event was designed exclusively to enhance and enrich the careers of REALTORS®, and also provide a venue where they can share ideas and gain insight and knowledge about the industry. More than 50 vendors and exhibitors were present, including property inspectors, real estate attorneys, home builders, and lenders. The event was not open to the general public.

“As an organization representing more than 3,000 local real estate professionals, our mission is to provide members with opportunities that promote and nurture their professional and personal growth and success,” said Ryan Tucholoski, CEO for GRAR. “This is an industry that requires a substantial amount of knowledge, business aptitude, and social and networking skills. Ultimately, real estate professionals are in the business of helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. As such, they realize the importance of obtaining the necessary tools to do the job on behalf of the people they serve,” said Tucholski.