Viewpoints
ECONOMISTS’ OUTLOOK: Tackling Home Financing and Down Payment Misconceptions
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.
Advocating for Realtors and Homeowners: HGAR Takes the Fight to Capitol Hill
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.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: Investing in Our Future: Supporting the Amazon Project as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
This project represents a $600-million investment to build a five-story, 3.2 million-square-foot facility that will replace an active heavy mining operation with a dynamic advanced economic development project.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: Transforming Our Empty Offices into Full Homes
For decades, community and state leaders have failed to harness the aspiration and boldness needed to break through barriers and build the future New Yorkers deserve.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: A Turning Point for Palisades Center: Bold Vision or Blight?
Now is the moment for Clarkstown to lead. The town can and must take an active role in facilitating the rebirth of this site.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: Rockland’s Housing Potential
This event will bring together major stakeholders to strategize how to realize Rockland’s housing potential while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: Route 17 Project Will Improve Safety, Ease Traffic and Lower Emissions
An additional lane will ease congestion to tourist destinations and support local businesses that rely on efficient transportation for deliveries.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: What Trump’s Tariffs Could Mean for CRE in the Hudson Valley
New York State, and specifically the Hudson Valley, has a unique sensitivity to immigration and tariff policies that stray too far from the status quo.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER: A World Without the Three-Way Agreement: The High-Stakes Consequences for Local Associations
Without the Three-Way Agreement, the collective voice Realtors rely on to advocate for vital issues would be silenced.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: ‘Live, Work, And Play’ Zoning is a Holistic Approach That Integrates Residential, Commercial, and Recreational Spaces
“Live, work, and play” zoning is a holistic approach that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity, fostering more sustainable and vibrant communities.
GUEST VIEWPOINT: Things are Looking Up
Long-term mortgage rates can be expected to trend lower because lower inflation means less added premium to borrow money. But rates will not return to the 4%–5% range that occurred during Trump’s first term.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER: The Road Ahead: Driving Change Together
The difference between those who thrive and those who fade away is simple: they embrace change.