Homeownership as Wealth-Building

Represents real estate professionals in New York State by engaging in legislative activities, including organizing an annual Lobby Day event in Albany and issuing public statements on policy issues such as proposed property tax increases.

Runs the NYSAR Leadership Academy, a structured leadership development program that includes a five-part retreat series across New York State; reviews applications and selects participants to train future real estate leaders.

Through the NYS Real Estate Education Foundation, awards grants to REALTORS® in New York State for national designation courses (including ABR, GRI, ePRO, SRES, CIPS), certification programs, and Instructor Training Institute (ITI) programs covering half of tuition costs; has awarded over 1,200 scholarships since 2003, totaling more than $425,000.

Offers legal support to members in real estate-related cases, answers legal questions, and hosts monthly webinars providing continuing education credit on legal issues for real estate professionals in New York State.

Acquires, rehabilitates, and constructs one- to four-family homes to expand the affordable housing stock for low- and moderate-income communities.

Refers homebuyer families to an affiliate organization for counseling and training to prepare them for successful homeownership.

Sells newly developed or rehabilitated homes to low- and moderate-income, minority, immigrant, and underserved families, promoting equitable homeownership opportunities.

Supports the development of energy master plans, Sheridan hillside plans, and redevelopment strategies for vacant commercial and residential buildings in the neighborhood.

Administers down payment assistance programs such as the Homebuyer Dream program and provides grants of up to $10,000 to Black first-time homebuyers in specified cities to cover down payment and closing costs; determines eligibility using HUD income guidelines and offers expanded eligibility through lender-partnered programs.

Provides free home energy assessments with actionable reports and assists low-income households with energy efficiency improvements and financing through NYSERDA; installed 32 rooftop solar panels on low-income homes and 5 on commercial buildings.

Administers the Albany Home Repair Program, providing funding for roof repairs, heating system upgrades, and electrical upgrades for eligible homeowners; supported 72 homeowners in Albany with over $2.1 million in repairs and renovated 4 formerly vacant properties through partnership with the Albany Community Land Trust.

Offers free monthly Homebuyer 101 orientations and comprehensive homeownership education classes that result in a certificate of completion; also provides one-on-one housing advisor meetings to create personalized homeownership plans, assess eligibility for down payment assistance, review credit, and establish savings strategies.

Provides mortgage counseling and support to homeowners facing financial challenges, helping them negotiate with lenders and apply for loan modifications.

Collaborated with the Sheridan Hollow Neighborhood Association to secure state designation of the neighborhood as a Brownfield Opportunity Area; developed a neighborhood revitalization plan and facilitated monthly community meetings to coordinate input and resource mobilization.

Manages 53 low-income scattered-site residential units and a 12-unit business incubator through its Community Realty social enterprise program.

Operates and provides housing facilities specifically designed for low-income families, including support for owner-occupied homes. This includes developing and maintaining residential properties to ensure long-term affordability and stability.

Engages in activities aimed at promoting sustainable homeownership, likely through education, outreach, or support programs for homebuyers or current homeowners.