As a real estate professional, I have always viewed my position as a Bergen County ambassador to my clients—sellers and buyers alike. It’s imperative to my profession that I know the landscape of a town(s) and the specific local market place. At the same time, I must serve as an expert resource in helping clients problem-solve and provide them with a smooth transaction experience.  When I am not representing my clients, it’s about giving back to the community and the people that I serve. Much of my volunteering is focused on our senior adults and the real estate community here in Bergen County.

 

One of my many senior initiatives is at Senior Source. Located in The Shops of Riverside— Hackensack. Senior Source is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching and supporting the lives of local seniors. They provide daily activities and resources for seniors to socialize, learn, and grow. Recognizing the importance of providing programs to encourage connections with seniors, you can find me delivering seminars that help seniors understand the current real estate market and providing resources to make their current living situation more age-friendly. Some of the practical seminar topics have included: preparing your house for sale, professional organizing, reverse mortgages, legal advice (presented by an attorney), police safety (by actual NJ officers), and even an artist who paints commemorative portraits of houses. When I am not coordinating presentations, I am sponsoring hands-on events at Senior Source. Various events have included: “Laughter Yoga”, holiday music and singing, and networking events.

 

On a county level, I have supported our seniors at the Bergen County Annual Senior Festival typically held at Van Saun County Park in Paramus.  Here, seniors are exposed to hundreds of resources related to healthcare, county services, crafts, music, entertainment, and even a picnic lunch! As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, you will always find me seated at a table providing attendees with the latest information on the housing market and answering their real estate questions.

 

At The Greater Bergen Realtors®, I am an active committee member for community service and a chair for the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC). Community service initiates projects that work toward the betterment of our communities. Hands-on events have included anything from serving food at various food banks/shelters, to providing school supplies to needy students, to donating baby baskets for deserving new mothers, to helping a veteran, disabled, in-need, or senior citizen that needs minor repairs on their home, to packing snacks for hungry students, or even cleaning a neighborhood park. It’s about giving back!

 

Realtor® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a voluntary political action committee whose membership consists of Realtors® interested in actively and effectively protecting the real estate industry and the dream of homeownership. RPAC is not a red or blue effort; it’s purple. We meet monthly to review the homeownership challenges that are looming in the pipelines at local, state, and federal government levels and spread awareness and support. We invest in those political candidates that support homeowners, the securement of a home, and Realtors®’ best interests.

 

On a local level, I am committed to supporting my tree-lined town of Teaneck. As a member of Teaneck’s Chamber of Commerce, we promote business growth and serve our members with personal and professional development opportunities. We affect public policy decisions to the benefit of the Teaneck business community and actively participate in various community activities for the betterment of quality to life in our township.  

 

Teaneck is also fortunate to have The Puffin Foundation—an organization that opens the doors to artistic expression by providing grants to artists and art organizations. One of the foundation’s longtime initiatives is the annual Teaneck Film Festival. This festival fosters appreciation of differences, common understandings, and encouraging efforts to make the world a better place through film. I have supported this cultural venue by sponsoring films and talkbacks.

 

It is with great pride that I call myself a Realtor® and Broker-Associate. Our profession goes beyond selling, buying, and renting properties. It’s a Realtor®’s obligation to wear many hats for the clients we work with and for the community we live in and serve. Remember, there’s no place like home!