Welcome to my first blog!

This past year, actually the past two years, have meant great change in Real Estate, and some of these changes have been for the good.

First of all, the Fair Housing and Protected Classes laws have created more “fairness” in how agents work with customers.   The Covid experience has provided new ways that homes are shown – rather than have groups of people move through a home, agents will walk thru just the buyers and not the whole extended family who came along for the ride; with some buyers, a virtual tour, or video offers the opportunity to view the home basics and if there’s real interest, a second showing is scheduled which is more productive and more likely to end up with an offer being made.

Big changes have also been made to the rental laws, and I’ve linked the latest guide here: “Changes in New York State Rent Law.”

Here is one change to make note of: Before signing a lease, the most a landlord can charge for a credit and background check is $20.

I suggest that landlords review the guide so they stay within the laws when renting.  And if you know of a landlord, send them this information. The laws are very stringent and fines can be enormous.

If you ever have any questions about the real estate laws, whether or not you are selling, buying, or renting, I would be happy to help you!

If you have any topics for this blog, I would love to hear your suggestions.

It’s a great day in Orange County!

Susanne Dermigny