This step in the organizational reshaping includes a staffing makeover that will impact 41 positions and eliminate 20 open roles that were redundant or that could be integrated elsewhere in the organization.
The annual Albany Lobby Day serves as a critical forum for real estate professionals to press legislators on issues that impact homebuyers, renters and property owners across New York.
The annual Albany Lobby Day serves as a critical forum for real estate professionals to press legislators on issues that impact homebuyers, renters and property owners across New York.
ALBANY—On April 29, members of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors will descend on the state capital here to meet with lawmakers and advocate for a slate of housing policies aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities, increasing transparency in real estate transactions and addressing long-standing discrimination in the housing market.
The annual Albany Lobby Day serves as a critical forum for real estate professionals to press legislators on issues that impact homebuyers, renters and property owners across New York. With housing affordability at the forefront of the state’s political discourse, this year’s agenda seeks to remove barriers to homeownership while strengthening consumer protections. Since the end of the pandemic, HGAR is proud to have the greatest number of members participating compared to all the other Realtor organizations in the state. HGAR offers complimentary transportation to the capital and typically has members back at the pick-up locations by mid-afternoon.
Recently, the HGAR Legislative Committee has been finalizing our HGAR’s 2025 Albany agenda. Our list of topics ranges from issues that deal with affordable and fair housing as well as other issues impacting Realtors and consumers. Below are brief explanations of what we will be discussing.
One of the top priorities for HGAR is the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Program (S.1157/A.5098), a proposal that would allow prospective homeowners to create tax-deductible savings accounts dedicated to purchasing a home. Supporters say the initiative would provide much-needed financial relief for first-time buyers struggling to enter an increasingly competitive market.
In addition to affordability concerns, Realtors are also advocating broader policies to expand workforce and affordable housing through zoning reforms, tax incentives and streamlined approvals for commercial-to-residential conversions. The push also includes support for legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartments, which proponents argue would increase housing supply and provide additional rental opportunities.
Amid growing calls for greater transparency in real estate transactions, HGAR is backing a measure that would require written buyer representation agreements between brokers and homebuyers. The policy, which has yet to receive a bill number, aims to ensure that consumers fully understand the services provided by their real estate representatives.
The organization is also championing legislation to combat discrimination in cooperative housing (S.1452/A.4507). The bill would require co-op boards to provide clear timelines for application reviews and written explanations for denial steps that fair housing advocates say would bring much-needed oversight to a process that has long been criticized for its opacity.
Housing discrimination remains a pressing concern, and HGAR is pushing for stronger enforcement against bias in home appraisals, which has been linked to racial disparities in property valuations. A provision included in the governor’s executive budget seeks to increase penalties for discriminatory appraisals, with Realtors advocating for fines that exceed the current $2,000 cap.
Additionally, the group is calling for action to curb rising insurance premiums, particularly policies that disproportionately impact affordable housing units or tenants receiving government assistance. Advocates argue that insurance companies should not be allowed to hike premiums based on a renter’s source of income.
With New York’s housing crisis continuing to dominate legislative discussions, HGAR members should be eager to make their case in Albany. This is a pivotal moment for housing policy in New York. We need policies that make homeownership more accessible, protect buyers and ensure fair treatment for all New Yorkers. We hope that you can join us on April 29 and make your voice heard.
HGAR’s Albany Lobby Day will take place on April 29, 2025, bringing together Realtors and housing advocates for a day of meetings with lawmakers. Registration is open now. www.hgar.com/events.
The New York State Department of State has established clear guidelines for real estate brokers regarding the content that must be publicly available on their brokerage websites.
HGAR believes that the law could have significant consequences for both landlords and tenants.
For real estate professionals, particularly real attorneys and real estate agents, it is important to be aware of potential adverse possession issues that could exist when marketing a property.
The insurance industry will certainly bear a substantial brunt of the cost for rebuilding all of the properties destroyed in the wildfires. Unfortunately, as a result, many insurance companies will consider pulling out of these markets and substantial increases in premiums are inevitable.
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