In this Real Estate Weekly article, Neil Garfinkel is praised for his expertise in brokerage and real estate law and his work through the REBNY Legal Line.
Perks, policies and people that make REBNY membership worthwhile
By Steven Spinola
President, Real Estate Board of New York
Membership at the Real Estate Board of New York is steadily approaching 14,000 strong. We are proud of this achievement and thank all those who have supported us each year.
If you are not a REBNY member yet, then this is a great time for you to become part of our industry’s leading trade association in New York City. We are offering more benefits than ever before.
As a member, you have many chances to interact and establish valuable business contacts with the most talented, energetic and influential real estate professionals that attend our many member-only seminars, networking events, cocktail parties and panel discussions. REBNY members also get discounts on continuing education courses for professional development.
You will also receive the informative email blasts of the Legal Line by Neil Garfinkel, one of New York’s leading experts in brokerage and real estate law, and Numbers You Need to Know, produced by REBNY’s Research Department. Both have become very popular with our members and offer important industry tips and news. Residential members also get the benefit of free legal advice from Garfinkel by calling the REBNY Legal Line. Additionally, members can have commission disputes arbitrated through REBNY.
Another benefit is the enhanced technology which will soon be at your fingertips. We are upgrading REBNY’s Listing Service (RLS) system to comply with the nationally recognized Real Estate Transaction Standard (RETS), which will provide member firms with a powerful tool to improve their day-to-day business operations. In addition, we are in the midst of redesigning our website for better user ability. REBNY is excited about both these endeavors for our membership.
Also for members only, REBNY’s Research Department staff is always available to answer a variety of real estate questions regarding new construction projects in the five boroughs, NYC property tax and owner information, recent sales history and income and expense data. We even have a zoning expert on staff that will help answer a wide range of zoning inquiries from FAR calculations to more complex-use restrictions.
Members can also access the REBNY Property Database, which provides detailed information such as property taxes, sales history, income and expense reports, zoning, and much more about every property in NYC.
As a member, you are also eligible to compete for various prestigious annual awards from REBNY. We also encourage members to get involved with various committees where participants share market information of neighborhoods, network and plan events.
REBNY also continually works on behalf of its members to promote public and industry policies, and frequently speaks before government bodies regarding many important issues that help expand the economy and the real estate industry in NYC. We keep our membership updated on important legislative issues that impact our industry.
Also as a member, you can take advantage of multiple discounted benefits for many businesses and services including health plans, home and auto insurance, credit union membership, phone service, car rentals and gym memberships. Another benefit is REBNY’s Residential Brokers Division Member In Need fund, which offers assistance to those members experiencing extreme financial hardship due to an extraordinary illness or crisis.
It is the hard work and dedication of our members that makes REBNY what it is today. Each year, we work to add to the value of the REBNY membership. I encourage you to visit REBNY.com for more information or call our office at 212-616-5200 and ask for membership.
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