The report noted that in Westchester County, the luxury segment remains particularly strong, with significant buyer activity in the $2-million-and-above category.
The book launch will kick off with a celebration at the historic Nyack Bath House on Friday, July 11, followed by a multi-city East Coast book tour.
With the support of our dedicated volunteer leaders and staff professionals, we’ve implemented strategic, thoughtful changes designed to eliminate waste, reduce redundancy and strengthen every facet of our association.
As I approach my two-year anniversary at HGAR, I’m proud to share the transformational work happening across our association—all focused on delivering greater value, deeper connections, and expanded opportunities for you, our valued members.
Following the adoption of HGAR’s 2024 Strategic Plan, we are evolving into a more agile, impactful, and future-ready organization, one that’s member-driven, innovative, and laser-focused on helping Realtors succeed.
With the support of our dedicated volunteer leaders and staff professionals, we’ve implemented strategic, thoughtful changes designed to eliminate waste, reduce redundancy and strengthen every facet of our association. These aren’t surface-level adjustments; they are bold, intentional actions that reflect our commitment to your success.
Throughout my 20 years serving Realtor organizations — from the nation’s largest to more traditional associations — one thing is clear: strong, inclusive and innovative associations drive member success. That’s exactly what we are building here at HGAR.
Here are just some of the strategic advancements we’ve made to serve you better:
We’ve expanded our government affairs team with the addition of Dr. Jermaine Meadows as our Bronx-Manhattan Government Affairs Director, strengthening HGAR’s voice and influence in protecting property rights and shaping policy while expanding our growth and presence in the Bronx and Manhattan.
Our professional development offerings have been expanded with cutting-edge continuing education, diverse special programs, and enhanced access to information—serving members across residential, commercial, global and specialty sectors. Our new offerings include NAR designations, hybrid technology, increased asynchronous options, and more!
HGAR has strengthened its global presence with new international partnerships, additional partnerships and memorandums of understanding and expanded global programs to help members tap into international business opportunities.
We’ve achieved NAR’s Commercial Accreditation and will soon launch HGAR’s first-ever Comprehensive Retail Mapping Report, covering our entire service area—plus Ulster and Dutchess counties—providing valuable insights and business tools for both residential and commercial members.
Our new Member Engagement Profiles and expanded digital tools make it easier than ever for members to engage on their terms, leading to greater volunteerism and more members feeling seen, heard and connected. We have also launched new complimentary services and tools for our members.
Under the leadership of Liz Pollack, VP of Marketing, Communications, and Events, and her talented team, HGAR has completely transformed how we communicate and engage with members. Our events are more impactful and inclusive, our communications are stronger and far-reaching, and member engagement is at an all-time high.
Our events, networking opportunities, and community programs have been reimagined and expanded, giving you more ways to connect, build relationships and grow your business.
HGAR remains firmly committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and fair housing. To ensure these values are deeply embedded in our culture, we are working with nationally recognized DEI consultant and author Julia Lashay Israel to advance meaningful inclusion and belonging across our association.
Through careful budgeting, waste reduction, and smarter resource allocation, HGAR has strengthened its financial foundation—all while increasing member value.
Associations must evolve to stay relevant, and HGAR is doing just that. Our work is far from over, but together, we are building an association that doesn’t just react to change; we lead it!
Thank you for being part of HGAR’s exciting journey. I look forward to continuing to serve and empower you in the years ahead.
Want to Get More Involved?
Update your Member Engagement Profile by accessing your member portal today and discover new ways to connect, learn and lead at HGAR.
HGAR is committed to your success as a real estate professional. Join today.
Lynda Fernandez is the Chief Executive Officer of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
While many potential buyers believe they need a down payment of 20% for their first home purchase, the typical down payment for first-time buyers has ranged from 6% to 9%, dating back to 2018.
The Realtor delegation representing every state and territory rallied around several core issues that require Congressional action. These priorities were: expanding housing opportunity, protecting the Realtor business model and supporting homeownership for all Americans.
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