Press Releases

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Our recent press releases tell our story. If you’re a member of the media, and would like to schedule an interview or learn more about the association, please check out our media kit, or contact Mary Prenon by email or by calling (914) 681-0833 to arrange a briefing.

March 21, 2025
White Plains, NY (March 2024) The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR), in collaboration with multiple other U.S. REALTOR® associations from New York to San Fransico, will present the 4th Annual “Choose Your Brew with Ireland” free virtual Global event on Thursday, March 27, from 10 to 11 AM via Zoom . This dynamic trans-Atlantic conversation will celebrate the vibrant real estate partnerships between Ireland and the U.S. HGAR joins the Austin Board of REALTORS® Global Business Alliance, Atlanta REALTORS®, Greater Boston Association of REALTORS®, Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (Chicagoland); and the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® in offering this presentation, along with the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV) in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1971, IPAV is an association representing over 1,400 members who are licensed auctioneers, property services providers, valuers and estate agents throughout Ireland. The event is open to all REALTOR® Association members across North America and Ireland who are seeking to discover the secrets to international real estate trends, investment opportunities and strengthened global connections. The event will also feature a showcase tour of markets and properties throughout Ireland. To register, please visit www.hgar.com/events . “We are thrilled to be part of this exciting collaboration again this year, and we look forward to insightful guidelines on expanding global real estate business opportunities for our members to Europe and beyond,” said Lynda Fernandez, HGAR CEO. Following a welcome and introduction of panelists, the program will feature a presentation by Pat Davitt, CEO, IPAV. Davitt will address key trends in Ireland’s real estate market as well as insights into economic and demographic factors that shape the industry. A virtual tour of residential properties will follow, focusing on properties in the entry-level, mid-range and luxury divisions. Later, Frank McManus, NAR Global Ambassador to Ireland and the United Kingdom, will moderate a Q & A session for panelists. The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade association consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second largest REALTOR® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.
March 20, 2025
(NOTE: Link to ALL regional reports: Market Data | Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® Scroll down to 2025 Market Stats) White Plains, NY (March 2025) Median sales prices of single-family homes in the Bronx and the lower Hudson Valley all experienced increases in February, and Putnam County led the way with a 13.4% gain. Putnam’s new median stands at $535,000, as compared to $467,500 in February 2024. Orange County homes presented a close second place, with median prices rising by 12.5% to a new high of $478,500, over $425,000 last year. Sullivan County’s condo median prices, meanwhile, soared by almost 60% to $150,000, over just $95,000 in February 2024. Reviewing February’s closed sales of single-family homes, only Rockland County and The Bronx saw gains of 7.1% and 4.2%, respectively. Sales in all other regions declined, with Sullivan County taking the biggest hit at 31.4%. Rockland County held first place in closed condo sales with a 66.7% increase. In all other regions, condo and co-op sales declined, with The Bronx condo sales plummeting by 47.6 percent. Inventory for almost all property types was mixed across the region. Sullivan County’s single-family home inventory grew by 1.9% and The Bronx, by 1.7%. Sullivan, which rarely offers condos, experienced an inflated 500% growth rate in condo inventory, from just one last year to 6 last month. New listings declined in most regions, with the exception of The Bronx, showing a 20.4% increase for single-family homes and a 7.4% hike for co-ops. Today’s report by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR) is based on data supplied by OneKey® MLS. “We continue to experience greater demand than supply for housing in the Hudson Valley, a reality that continues to drive increases in home values," said Lynda Fernandez, HGAR CEO. "Higher interest rates and low inventory will continue to impact sales activity and affordability, particularly for first-time and lower-income consumers." Bronx County Sales of single-family homes in the Bronx saw a slight uptick at 4.2%, while sales of condos dropped by 47.6% and co-ops by 4.3%. Still, median sales prices for all property types increased, with co-ops in the lead with a 34.3% jump to $235,000, as opposed to $174,924 last February. Condo prices rose by 3.3% to $281,000 and single-family homes by 2.9% to $620,000. New listings for single-family properties grew by 20.4% and 7.4% for co-ops. New listings for condos were down by 10%. Inventory was mixed with a 1.7% gain for single-family homes and 1.1% for co-ops. Condo inventory, however, fell by 36.2% last month. Months of supply for all property types declined by 3.1% to 6.3 months and pending sales decreased by 11.3%. Westchester County Closed sales of all property types in Westchester County declined in February, with condos seeing the biggest drop at 9.1%. Sales of co-ops dropped by 7.9%, and single-family homes by 6.4%. The condo market saw the largest gain in median sales prices at 37.5% to $565,000, over $411,000 last year. Co-op prices rose by 7.8% to $215,000 and single-family home prices by 3.5% to $860,000. New listings for all property types declined. Single-family home listings fell by 15.4%, followed by a 13.1% dip for co-ops and 6.2% for condos. Only condos saw an increase in inventory by 11.7%. Single-family home inventory dropped by 19.1% and co-ops by 12%. Months of supply for all property types declined by 8.7% to 2.1 months and pending sales decreased by 1.3%. Putnam County Putnam County’s sales declined for both single-family homes, by 8.5% and condos, by 18.2%. Concerning median sales prices, Putnam led the region with a 13.4% increase in prices at $530,000 over $467,500 last year. Condo prices saw an even larger hike by 32.3% to $430,000. There were no co-op sales reported in February. New listings for single-family homes declined by 10.7% and by 80% for condos. Putnam typically offers much fewer condo options than other regions, and that decrease translates to just 3 condos coming onto the market in February, as opposed to 15 last year. Inventory for condos also experienced a significant drop of 57.9%, while single-family home inventory declined by 10.4%. Months of supply for both property types decreased by 9.5% to 1.9 months but pending sales rose by 11.5%. Rockland County Rockland’s condo market sales jumped by 66.7% in February, leading the region for the most closed sales last month. Single-family home sales were up by 7.1%. Co-op sales remained flat. However, the co-op market did see the highest gain for median sales prices with a 21.1% increase to $166,500, over $137,500 last February. Condo prices grew by 6.5% to $410,000 and single-family home prices by 5.4% to $780,000. Rockland’s new listings were a mixed bag with a 2.4% increase for condos, a 44.4% decrease for co-ops and no movement either way for the single-family market. Inventory for both condos and co-ops rebounded at 36.5% and 25%, respectively. However, single-family home inventory declined by 3.5%. Months of supply for all property types grew by 4.3% 2.4 months, and pending sales decreased by 3.8%. Orange County In Orange County, condo sales declined by 32.3% in February, followed by single-family homes at 5%. There were no co-op sales reported last month. Median sales prices for both condos and single-family homes grew, with condos advancing by 19% to $345,000 and single-family homes by 12.6% to $478,000. New listings dropped by 39% for condos and 7.7% for single-family residences. Condo inventory picked up by 7.5%, while inventory for single-family homes declined by 6.5% Surprisingly, new listings for co-ops increased by 33.3% last month. Orange County, like Putnam and Sullivan counties, typically lacks large co-op offerings. The county’s condo inventory saw an uptick of 7.5%, while inventory for single-family homes dropped by 6.5%. Months of supply for all property types remained flat at 2.8 months, and pending sales grew by 3.8% Sullivan County Sullivan County’s February sales of single-family homes declined by 31.4%, while condo sales remained flat. However, median sales prices rose significantly for condos – by 57.9% to $150,000, from just $95,000 last year. Single-family home prices increased by 11.5% to $390,000. There were no co-op sales reported last month. New listings for single-family homes declined by 4.8%, while the condo market remained flat. Inventory for single-family homes grew by 1.9% and condos by an inflated 500%, from 1 last February to 6 last month. Months of supply advanced by 3.8% to 5.5 months. Pending sales rose by 17.6% The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade association consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second largest REALTOR® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.
March 7, 2025
White Plains, NY (March 2025) Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress will present key findings from a Microtransit Study, funded by the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) through a grant from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), at a virtual ‘Lunch and Learn’ on March 13 at noon. To register for this free event, please click here . The study provided a detailed analysis about the need for public transportation throughout the Hudson Valley and how demand-response microtransit could make transportation available to more people, in more places and more often. "As a Realtor Association, our reason for funding this study was to explore more transportation options for residents living in areas that may not be accessible to major public transportation,” said Lynda Fernandez, HGAR CEO. “Expanding Microtransit options strengthens community connections by providing affordable, flexible transportation, making it easier for people to access jobs, schools, and essential services. By improving mobility, these systems open up new areas for housing development, reduce pressure on urban centers, and offer a practical solution to the housing crisis—ensuring more people can live where they thrive." Microtransit is an emerging approach to transportation, offering on-demand service to commuters. Generally, it involves a fleet of vehicles responding to ride requests within a defined service area. These vehicles are commonly smaller than typical fixed-route buses. Microtransit systems rely on technology to create easy access for requesting rides and ensuring that routes and pickups are handled efficiently in a shared vehicle. The system responds to ride requests as they are received through smartphone apps and telephone calls, and then plans routes, pickups, and drop-offs anywhere within that geographic service area. During the Lunch & Learn on March 13, panelists will explain that the report indicates the Hudson Valley is an ideal area for Microtransit since in parts of the region, public transportation runs infrequently, is too far to access, or does not exist. Many living in the Hudson Valley -- especially the aging population – may not have access to a personal vehicle and thus rely on public transportation. “For those who rely on buses and the like, accessing everyday destinations such as work, school, the grocery store, or medical facilities can be very difficult, time consuming, and may require planning weeks in advance,” the report states. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 report, over 14% of Westchester County households do not have access to a vehicle. In Rockland and Ulster counties, that number is almost 10% and stands at 8.6% in Green and Orange counties. Proponents of Microtransit systems believe their flexibility can also provide cost savings, compared to many fixed route systems with low ridership. In addition, Microtransit may be more environmentally friendly, as it relies on smaller vehicles and more efficient routes. It also can improve access for individuals with disabilities. Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is a nonprofit organization that provides objective research, planning, and educational training throughout the region. Its work identifies civic challenges and promotes regional, equitable, and sustainable solutions to constantly improve the quality of life in Hudson Valley communities. Pattern was founded in 1965 by the region’s academic, business, and nonprofit leaders. It serves a nine-county region that includes Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties. Visit Pattern-For-Progress.org. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @PatternForProgress, and on Twitter @HVPattern. The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade association consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second largest REALTOR® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.
February 26, 2025
White Plains, NY (February 2024) The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) is expanding its programming with a power-packed, must-attend webinar, “21 Mistakes Real Estate Brokers Make – And How to Avoid Them!,” on Thursday, March 6, from 11 AM to Noon via Zoom . The event is open to both member and non-member real estate professionals throughout the region. To register, please visit www.hgar.com/events . Industry expert John Mayfield, author, coach, and broker/owner of Global Real Estate School in Farmington, Missouri, will share his insight and experience during this webinar. His book, by the same name, will review the most common mistakes brokers make and how to fix them. HGAR invites real estate brokers to gain valuable insights from Mayfield on enhancing agent retention, increasing profitability, and building a thriving brokerage. Whether you're an experienced broker or new to the industry, this dynamic session will provide actionable strategies to help you sidestep costly mistakes and position your business for long-term success. “At HGAR, we are committed to providing our members with relevant, high-impact programming that supports their success in an ever-evolving real estate market,” said Lynda Fernandez, HGAR CEO. “This webinar is part of our ongoing effort to equip brokers with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate challenges, improve agent retention, and drive profitability. By offering educational opportunities like this, we continue to empower our members with the tools to grow and strengthen their businesses.” Mayfield has been in the real estate business since 1978, at the age of just 18. He has been a practicing broker since 1981 and has owned and operated three offices throughout southern Missouri during his career. Since 1988, Mayfield has taught both pre- and post-license real estate courses and has earned several designations including: ABR®, ABRM, CRB, CIPS, e-PRO®, GRI and RENE. He is a 2015 graduate of the REALTOR® University’s Master of Real Estate Program and recipient of the Capstone Award. Mayfield was also honored with both the REALTOR®-Associate and REALTOR® of the Year awards from his local board. He received the 2014 Richard A. Mendenhall Leadership Award from Missouri REALTORS® and the REBI Hall of Leaders Award in San Francisco, CA at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Conference. Throughout his extensive career, Mayfield has spoken to thousands of real estate professionals in over 25 countries. He is the author of eight books and creator of the “5-Minutes Series for Real Estate Agents,” Cengage Learning, with over 25,000 copies sold. Active in the global real estate sector, Mayfield has served as Liaison for NAR to Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria. He also served as the 2022 President of the Missouri REALTORS®. The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS ® is a not-for-profit trade association consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second largest REALTOR ® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.
February 24, 2025
White Plains, NY (February 2024) The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) is partnering with the Building & Realty Institute of Westchester & the Mid-Hudson Region (BRI) to present a crucial informational session on Good Cause Eviction, exploring its potential impact on the real estate industry at its White Plains headquarters on Friday, February 28 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am . Tim Foley, CEO of the BRI, will clarify how municipalities can modify the bill, and explain any unintended consequences as well as advocacy efforts regarding Good Cause Eviction. The Good Cause Eviction Law generally prohibits landlords from evicting residential tenants or refusing to renew residential leases without a court order and a valid legal justification, unless an exemption applies. Ann Heaney-Korchak, Board President of the Small Property Owners of New York (SPONY) , will also participate in the session, providing valuable insights and firsthand experiences from NYC property owners who have already navigated the implementation of Good Cause Eviction laws. She will offer guidance to HGAR Realtors on how to effectively advocate on this issue and navigate the practical implications should the law be enacted. While the law aims to provide greater security and fairness to tenants by preventing evictions without good cause, some landlords argue that it imposes excessive restrictions. HGAR believes that the law could have significant consequences for both landlords and tenants, potentially making it more challenging for renters to secure quality, affordable housing while also impacting property owners' rights. “In addition, the law could discourage property owners from investing in essential upgrades, and could eliminate ‘mom and pop’ landlords,” said Alex Roithmayr, HGAR Government Affairs Director. “As a result, this could create an opening for larger corporate landlords to take over the market.” HGAR also argues that the law could restrict property rights, potentially reducing the availability of affordable rental housing if property owners choose to sell rather than navigate the new regulations. Additionally, it may lead to de facto perpetual residential leases, limiting a property owner’s ability to decide whether to renew a lease upon expiration. Ultimately, these decisions could be left to the courts to determine, resulting in costly and time-consuming legal proceedings for both tenants and landlords. This session is open for members and non-members and will offer valuable insights from property managers and owners in NYC who are already dealing with the effects of Good Cause Eviction laws that have been passed. “This is a critical opportunity for HGAR members to unite and advocate against the proposed bill before the upcoming City of Middletown public hearing on this issue on March 4,” added Roithmayr. The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS ® is a not-for-profit trade association consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second largest REALTOR ® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.
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