Today we are in for a treat! Between Marcia and her guest, they have over 5 decades of real estate experience to share! Today Marcia sits down with Jim Yockel, CEO of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors (GRAR). The GRAR supports brokers & agents as they help the community in an era of ever-changing needs. GRAR promotes professionalism among REALTORS, providing its own school where, as a benefit of their membership, the agents can get all the licensing requirements they need. The organization also provides tech support to the agents as well as MLS services and the forms associated with it. In the event of a problem during a showing, your REALTOR can call GRAR for assistance. 

• GRAR also supports Re-Imagine ROC Housing which is working to promote solutions to the housing crisis in the area. Monroe County is 18,000 housing units short of what it needs to house its population. Large corporations are coming in and buying up large blocks of urban single dwelling homes then turning around  and renting them out. That, in turn, leaves a gap of affordable housing for first-time home buyers. GRAR is working to come up with creative solutions like working with government officials to create pathways for tiny homes, or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or re-purposing abandoned properties like malls.
• REALTORS Charitable Foundation makes grants to non-profit organizations whose mission supports wider access to home ownership. This program slowed down during COVID but is ramping back up again.
• The Monroe County Vacant & Abandoned Property Task Force - there are many rules and regulations that can make it difficult for a property NOT to become a "zombie property" and simply sit and decay. This group tries to lessen the red tape and either get the owners to claim the property or release the property so it can be re-purposed or purchased.
• The GRAR Advocacy Group is a conduit for conversation. It's a legislative liaison program that works behind the scenes. Its effective approach is more one-on-one and low-key.
• The NAR Settlement - A Primer with 2 Professionals! This part of the podcast is a must listen! Communication is key and it is not as scary as you think.

Please email your questions about today's episode or any questions you have about real estate, or buying or selling a home to [email protected]. We will be answering these questions in our future podcast episodes.

Marcia Glenn is a licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with has worked tirelessly since 1992 for her clients, whether they are buying or selling a home. Her team of agents brings with them experience, innovation, perspective and drive to make them part of the top 10% of all REALTORS in the Rochester NY area.

Join us next time for "On the Go with the Glenn Advantage Team". Search for "On the Go with the Glenn Advantage Team wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our YouTube channel @glennadvantage, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.