HHRR • July 7, 2022

Howard Hanna | Rand Realty Agents Ranked By RealTrends as America’s Best Real Estate Professionals for 2022

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet, NY- Howard Hanna | Rand Realty is proud to recognize many agents and teams for being among this year’s top performers of Americas Best Real Estate Professionals for 2022.

RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals is now honoring America’s finest real estate agents and teams from all across the country, for its 10th year. Almost 24,000 U.S. real estate sales associates from every state are featured in America’s Best. They are the top 1.49% of more than 1.6 million licensed Realtors® nationwide.

“This is an outstanding achievement for our agents and teams and we are honored to have them as part of our company. This accomplishment is a true testament to their hard work and dedication and we look forward to their continued success,” said Matt Rand, CEO of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty.

Congratulations to:

Individuals by Sales Volume:
Margo Bohlin
Nancy Blaker Weber
Joseph Simone
Terry May
Barri Plawker
Donna Gennaro
Jeanne Beckley
Linda DeFilippo
Trudi Iglesias
Marion Bruhns

Individuals by Transaction Sides:
Sandra Spector
Ann Hansen

Teams by Transaction Sides:
The Gene Lowe Team

Teams by Sales Volume:
The Gene Lowe Team
The Kirkwood Group
The Palianto Group

Also Congratulations to Richard Smith and Paul Adler from our affiliate company Rand Commercial.

See the full America’s Best Real Trends report here: https://www.realtrends.com/rankings/real-trends-americas-best-individuals-by-volume-2022/

About Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Howard Hanna Rand Realty has more than 1,100 residential real estate sales associates serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. Its 31 offices serve Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Morris County, Essex County, and Union County in New Jersey, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Dutchess County, Ulster County, and the Bronx in New York, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Rand also owns and operates Rand Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage, and Hudson United Home Services, which provides residential mortgage lending, title services, and personal and commercial insurance. For more information, visit https://randrealty.com.

About Howard Hanna Real Estate Services: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the largest privately held real estate broker in the United States. The full-service real estate company has nearly 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices across 13 states, including Allen Tate Realtors® in the Carolinas and F.C. Tucker Company in Indiana, with more than 14,000 sales associates and staff, including many of the industry’s top-producing real estate agents. For more information, visit www.HowardHanna.com.

HHRR • June 23, 2022

Howard Hanna Rand Realty Agents Recognized by NAHREP for Being Among the Top 250 Latino Real Estate Agents in the Country

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet, NY- Howard Hanna | Rand Realty is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Muniz and Celina Rofer are being recognized by NAHREP for being among the top 250 Latino Real Estate Agents across the country.

“Howard Hanna | Rand Realty is honored to have such successful and driven women as part of our team. Elizabeth and Celina continue to make a difference in the real estate industry and we thank them for their hard work. We look forward to continuing to work as a team to further our goal of creating a more diverse and inclusive community,” said Matt Rand CEO at Howard | Hanna Rand Realty.

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) honors the top 250 Latino agents who have successfully closed on a large number of transactions throughout the year. This year over 2,000 agents were nominated for this prestigious award. NAHREP honors these 250 agents for their exceptional service and their ability to boost Hispanic homeownership.

“I’m very grateful to be recognized as one of the country’s top latina agents by NAHREP. It’s such a humbling experience and I am honored to help my community. I hope I can influence others to become involved with causes near and dear to their hearts. As agents, I believe we have the responsibility to lead by example and help others,” said Elizabeth Muniz.

Together these 250 award winning agents have brought in over $6.5 billion in sales volume and have closed on about 19,856 transactions. NAHREP’s mission of advancing sustainable Hispanic homeownership would not have been possible without these hardworking and dedicated agents.

“I am honored to have earned this recognition by NAHREP. This award shows how many agents were able to make a difference in other people’s lives, which is truly special. Being able to help others is such a rewarding feeling and I am grateful to have made an impact,” said Celina Rofer.

HHRR • June 20, 2022

Julie Piazza Manager at the Monroe-Woodbury office Graduates from the Leadership Orange Signature Program

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet, NY- Howard Hanna | Rand Realty proudly congratulates Julie Piazza, Manager at the Monroe-Woodbury office, on her completion and graduation of the Leadership Orange Signature Program.

This 10 month program is designed to provide a diverse group of exceptional individuals, that either live or work in Orange County, with an in-depth understanding of the many challenges and opportunities within the county and thus enable them to better serve their own communities going forward.

“We thank Julie for her dedication to make the community a better place. She goes above and beyond to help and understand others and we congratulate her on her many accomplishments in leadership,” said Renee Zurlo, General Manager of NY Region.

Julie is a successful leader because she strives to support agents in the continued growth of their business and shares not only the basics of real estate coaching and training, but her unique skills and expertise in technology, and personal marketing.

“Being part of the Leadership Orange Signature Program Class of 2022 was such a wonderful experience. The lessons learned and connections I’ve made are invaluable. In addition to continuing to serve my community, strengthening my leadership skills allows me to contribute more to the Howard Hanna | Rand Realty organization and better assist the real estate agents in my office as they continue to scale their business,” said Julie Piazza.

Howard Hanna | Rand Realty is grateful to have employees, like Julie, who continue to take initiative to better themselves and give back to the community.

HHRR • June 17, 2022

The Magical Balderbrae Estate in Suffern New York is Ready for its New Homeowner

by Imelda Heaney

SUFFERN, NY: An elegant and historic 1910 estate known as Balderbrae is now available for purchase located at 1070 Haverstraw Road, Suffern, New York 10901.

The original stone cottage and surrounding gardens were designed by architect Robert Wilder and noted horticulturist Louise Bebe Wilder in the early 1900’s. The couple infused elegance into every detail of the property. A stone and cedar main house with a cedar shingle roof were added to the estate in 1980 by designer David Eason. The new buildings reflect the designer’s signature Anglo-American style while maintaining the delicate balance between formal and informal spaces.

A large central great room is the main living area, featuring soaring 30-foot high ceilings with rustic beams, two symmetrical fireplaces, terra cotta tiled floors, and French doors that lead to the property’s gardens. These unique design elements repeat throughout much of the home creating symmetry and connection from room to room.

The recently renovated kitchen honors the history of the home while adding modern features. The center island and counters are rift white oak and the new appliances are all Wolf and Sub Zero. The focal point of this grand kitchen is its magnificent fireplace with handmade Moroccan tile surround. Other notable features of this historic home include a library, a primary suite, beautifully renovated baths with artisan tiles and honed marble, and custom millwork though-out.

Since purchasing the property in 2014, the current owners have renovated all three buildings: the main house, guest cottage and carriage house. The cottage retains its original beamed ceilings, fireplace and old world charm. A studio replaces an old carriage house, a perfect artist’s retreat with radiant heated concrete floors, vaulted plain sawn white oak ceilings and glass folding doors.

Outside, gardens grace the courtyard along with wisteria festooned pergolas. Two loggias and a heated pool make for spectacular summer entertaining. Urns, fountains, stone walls and columns, and a clocktower all add grace the landscape, romancing every visitor of this estate. With the Ramapo Mountains as a backdrop, this 5.4 acre property is bordered by state parkland and equestrian trails, just 36 miles from Manhattan – making it a perfect weekend getaway or a primary residence. A perfect place for creatives looking for a private home with a separate studio. A special property with a unique pedigree and in the words of former homeowner and designer David Easton, “this is a magical place.”

For more information about this home, please visit: https://glendakoda.randrealty.com/

About Glenda Koda: Glenda Koda is one of Rockland’s premier real estate professionals. After a successful 20-year career as a fashion executive in New York City’s garment industry, working as vice president of design for such companies as J. Crew, The Limited and Anne Klein, Ms. Koda honed skills that were invaluable to a career in real estate. As a listing agent Ms. Koda is best known for superb marketing, utilizing the newest technology within a comprehensive marketing program to increase her clients’ listing exposure with the ultimate goal of selling homes and the best price. Ms. Koda is also an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and a Certified Relocation Specialist. She particularly enjoys helping first time home buyers navigate the challenging real estate market. She is a founding member of the prestigious ROCKLAND COUNTY REAL ESTATE REVIEW BOARD (2013 to present), and an award winning, multi-million dollar producer since 2008.

HHRR • June 9, 2022

Samantha Ortiz takes new Management Role Alongside Senior Manager JP Endres At Howard Hanna | Rand Realty In New City

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet, NY- Howard Hanna | Rand Realty is pleased to announce Samantha Ortiz, Associate Broker, has joined the leadership team as Manager for the Howard Hanna | Rand Realty New City office alongside Senior Branch Manager, JP Endres.

“I am very excited about Samantha joining the team in New City. Samantha and I have over 30 years of top level performance, helping to propel the growth of our agents and their businesses. We are marrying our skill sets and experience, providing outstanding training, marketing, technology, and support for our agents,” said JP Endres, Senior Branch Manager.

Samantha has been a Real Estate Broker for over 30 years. In 1984 she joined the real estate industry working as a property manager, where she successfully managed 40 buildings throughout New York City. She then began selling and listing homes throughout the Hudson Valley. Samantha has been very successful in the luxury market, where she has represented buyers and sellers in all neighborhoods of the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas.

Samantha is fluent in Spanish and will be a tremendous asset to Spanish speaking agents, buyers, and sellers through every step of the home buying/selling process.

Samantha’s vast experience will enable her to provide this essential service to our clients, helping Howard Hanna | Rand Realty to better serve the community.

“I am excited and honored to take on this new position. I am looking forward to working as a team with JP while elevating agents,” said Samantha. The addition of Samantha to the team will help balance management duties while providing agents with more assistance and support.

“Samantha’s knowledge, leadership skills, and impeccable reputation will make her a great asset to the team. We are very excited for the continued success of our New City office as JP and Samantha implement their dynamic strategies for continued growth,” said Renee Zurlo, General Manager of the NY Region.

To reach Samantha Ortiz, please call 1-845-634-1034 or visit randrealty.com/directory/agents/samantha-ortiz

About Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Howard Hanna Rand Realty has more than 1,100 residential real estate sales associates serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. Its 31 offices serve Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Morris County, Essex County and Union County in New Jersey, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Dutchess County, Ulster County, and the Bronx in New York, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Rand also owns and operates Rand Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage, and Hudson United Home Services, which provides residential mortgage lending, title services, and personal and commercial insurance. For more information, visit https://randrealty.com.

HHRR • June 6, 2022

CEO of Howard Hanna| Rand Realty Matt Rand Joins Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet, NY– CEO and President of Howard Hanna Rand Realty, Matt Rand, has become the first real estate professional to sit on Mid Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC).

MHREDC is the strategic economic advisory board representing the seven counties that border New York City as well as major Northeast markets. The region includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties.

“I’m proud to be joining this group of smart and accomplished community leaders who are working to advance the economy of our region,” said Rand.

The Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) support the State’s innovative approach to economic development, which empowers regional stakeholders to establish pathways to prosperity, mapped out in regional strategic plans. Through the REDCs, community, business, academic leaders, and public members in each region of the State put their unique knowledge and understanding of local priorities and assets to help direct state investment in support of jobs creation and economic growth.

The councils have awarded more than $7.5 billion to more than 9,100 economic and community development projects.

“We need to focus on bringing companies here, helping them expand, making this a great place to live, and a great place to play,” said Rand. “The Hudson Valley has such a great opportunity for growth, with its proximity to the city, scenic beauty, and opportunity for businesses.”

The MHREDC board consists of 18 members with varied experience and backgrounds. Matt’s knowledge of real estate and familiarity with the region will provide a new perspective for the council.

Rand is a member of the board of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, and the Rockland Business Association. In addition, he is a former chairman and current board member for People To People, Rockland’s Hunger Relief Agency.

HHRR • May 10, 2022

Howard Hanna | Rand Realty announce their continued growth in Connecticut with the new merger with DiLillo Real Estate

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet, NY- Howard Hanna | Rand Realty is excited to announce their continued growth in Connecticut with the recent merger of the DiLillo Real Estate, located at 162 Greenwood Ave Bethel, CT 06801.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jim DiLillo and his talented team of agents. It’s rewarding to continue our expansion into Connecticut as we march towards our goal of becoming the leader in the tri-state market,” said Matt Rand, CEO at Howard Hanna | Rand Realty

Jim DiLillo, the founder of DiLillo Real Estate, has been involved in the real estate industry for more than 20 years. He has been a Connecticut resident for 46 years, making him very knowledgeable about the area. Jim is a successful selling broker who enjoys counseling sellers and buyers and managing the complex process of selling or buying a home. When buying a house, Jim will assist in obtaining financing and negotiating the very best terms.

Jim has partnered with the American Cancer Society Real Men Wear Pink campaign. As a Real Man ambassador Jim is committed to raising awareness in the community as well as funds for breast cancer research. Jim has pledged to donate $500 for every home he lists and sells throughout the remainder of 2022 in support of the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research.

DiLillo Real Estate has represented buyers and sellers in hundreds of sales, totaling over 200 million dollars in real estate transactions. DiLillo has always been considered Bethel and the surrounding areas independently owned “Hometown Real Estate.” Jim’s leadership aligns with Howard Hanna | Rand Realty vision of building a business that is focused in service to the community and the growth of their agents. DiLillo Real Estate will now operate as part of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty.

The opening of this new office reinforces the continued strengthening of the brand under the partnership with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, named again the #1 privately owned real estate company in the United States according to the 2022 RealTrends report and the RISMedia Top Power Brokers.

“The Howard Hanna | Rand Realty brand is completely in line with what we have built and the values we stand for. For 18 years DiLillo Realty Group and DiLillo Real Estate have been providing superior service to buyers and sellers as independently owned real estate serving Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties. When choosing a company to merge with and expand our services with it was my honor to choose and join Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, and become part of the largest family-owned real estate in the United States” said Jim DiLillo.

To learn more about careers at Howard Hanna | Rand Realty apply at randrealty.com/careers or contact our office 203-470-2678

About Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Howard Hanna Rand Realty has more than 1,100 residential real estate sales associates serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. Its 31 offices serve Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Morris County, Essex County, and Union County in New Jersey, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Dutchess County, Ulster County the Bronx in New York, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Rand also owns and operates Rand Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage, and Hudson United Home Services, which provides residential mortgage lending, title services, and personal and commercial insurance. For more information, visit https://randrealty.com.

About Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the largest privately held real estate broker in the United States. The full-service real estate company has nearly 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices across 13 states, including Allen Tate Realtors® in the Carolinas and F.C. Tucker Company in Indiana, with more than 14,000 sales associates and staff, including many of the industry’s top-producing real estate agents. For more information, visit www.HowardHanna.com.

HHRR • May 3, 2022

Howard Hanna | Rand Realty State of the Company 2022

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet, NY- Howard Hanna | Rand Realty held its annual State of the Company in a two-day event with more than 500 agents.

The meeting was led by Howard Hanna | Rand Realty C.E.O. Matt Rand with contributions from NY Region General Manager Renee Zurlo, NJ Region General Manager Justin Wrobel, and Dan Rand, the President of Hudson United Home Services, Rand’s Title, Mortgage, and Insurance businesses.

Matt Rand kicked off the meetings by telling those in attendance that “2021 was a fantastic year. I’m incredibly proud of what our team was able to accomplish. We saw tremendous growth as we continue to be the leader in the communities we serve.”

This year’s meeting provided agents with an overview of the market, strategies, and tools that Howard Hanna | Rand Realty is incorporating to generate more listings, provide amazing service to all clients, and give our agents the best incentives in the business.

Rand provided projections for 2022 and introduced two new programs coming in Q2 of 2022. Hanna Rand Home Concierge is a service that assists home buyers throughout their homeownership experience, and the Hanna Health and Wealth Program a benefits program available exclusively to Howard Hanna agents.

The program provides health benefits, including medical insurance, vision, dental and disability insurance, as well as financial and wealth-building benefits including a tax savings plan, I.R.A. and 401K plans, and college funding options. These plans truly differentiate Howard Hanna | Rand Realty from other real estate companies.

Rand also announced The Big Spring Open House Event. This event will take place in May and will be an opportunity for sellers to showcase their properties to buyers. The goal is to have every listing with the company hold at least one Open House in the month of May.

The meetings concluded with a recap of our affiliate company Hudson United presented by President Daniel Rand; he shared the explosive growth that Hudson United has enjoyed over the last decade in both sales, staffing, and geographic reach.

About Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Howard Hanna Rand Realty has more than 1,100 residential real estate sales associates serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. Its 31 offices serve Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Morris County, Essex County and Union County in New Jersey, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Dutchess County, Ulster County, and the Bronx in New York, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Rand also owns and operates Rand Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage, and Hudson United Home Services, which provides residential mortgage lending, title services, and personal and commercial insurance. For more information, visit https://randrealty.com.

About Howard Hanna: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the #1 family-owned and -operated broker in the U.S.A. The full-service real estate company has nearly 400 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices across 13 states, including Allen Tate Realtors® in the Carolinas and The F.C. Tucker Company in Indiana, with more than 13,000 sales associates and staff, including many of the industry’s top-producing real estate agents. For more information, visit http://www.HowardHanna.com.

HHRR • April 15, 2022

The Rand Quarterly Market Report Q1 2022 | The Big Story: Rates finally go up – What does this mean for you?

by Imelda Heaney

The biggest story of the quarter was a long-awaited rise in interest rates. It felt like we had been talking about “historically-low” interest rates for almost 20 years, as they started a slow and stubborn decline in the early 2000s that took them from about 7% (which at the time was a historic low) all the way through to under 3% during the Pandemic Market. Year after year, we kept expecting that they might start to go up, only to see them continually go down.

Well, all that ended in the first quarter of 2022, with interest rates surging, largely because of a red-hot economy driving a spike in inflation. The average interest rate throughout 2021 was 2.96%, but by the end of the first quarter, rates had risen up to over 4.5%, with legitimate concerns that they might continue to go up throughout the year. This increase might be giving some buyers “sticker shock,” but let’s try to have a longer-term view on just how low rates remain from a historical perspective.

– Joe Rand CCO at Howard Hanna | Rand Realty

What’s Going on in the Market?

So how have these rising interest rates impacted the housing market? Well, remember that most of the deals that closed in the first quarter were put into contract, and perhaps locked into an interest rate, before the surge in rates. Accordingly, we’re not going to see much of an impact in the closed transactions. Even in the pending contracts, many of the deals reported during the quarter got into contract before the spike in rates.

What about the market for the rest of the year? We believe that those rising interest rates will not have much of an impact on sales or prices, at least through the summer. Why? Because inventory is just so low. Sales and Pending Contracts are down, but that’s largely because we can only sell what’s for sale – and we don’t have enough homes on the market. And we still have enormously strong buyer demand. Even with rates going up, buyers generally will adapt by opting for those adjustable-rate mortgages or putting more down. So with demand high and inventory low, we believe that prices will continue to go up, at least through the end of the year. We doubt that we will continue to see double-digit appreciation for another year, but we simply see too much demand and too little supply to think prices will flatten out anytime soon.

Five Takeways for the First Quarter of 2022:

1. Sales were down from last year, but largely because of the lack of homes to sell.
2. New pending contracts cooled down after a torrid streak.
3. Prices continued to rise dramatically, reaching new historic highs.
4. Listings are down, keeping inventory at historic lows.
5. Sellers continue to enjoy negotiating leverage over buyers

To Read the Full Report contact your preferred Real Estate Agent and have it directly on your inbox or download it on the link below:

https://randrealty.com/files/2022/04/NJ-State-Market-Q12022.pdf

https://randrealty.com/files/2022/04/NYS-State-Market-Q12022.pdf

About Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Howard Hanna Rand Realty has more than 1,100 residential real estate sales associates serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. Its 30 offices serve Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Morris County, Essex County and Union County in New Jersey, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Dutchess County, Ulster County, and the Bronx in New York, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Rand also owns and operates Rand Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage, and Hudson United Home Services, which provides residential mortgage lending, title services, and personal and commercial insurance. For more information, visit https://randrealty.com.

HHRR • March 7, 2022

The Howard Hanna | Rand Realty team joined the Hanna Family Company’s first destination convention HannaCon 2022 – Stronger Together.

by Imelda Heaney

Nanuet NY- Howard Hanna | Rand Realty joined more than a dozen other companies under the Howard Hanna umbrella at HannaCon 2022 – Stronger Together held at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 2-3 2022.

More than 2000 real estate professionals and company employees attended the HannaCon 2022 convention in Las Vegas, where they were offered two full days of networking activities and educational opportunities followed by sessions with industry-leading speakers.

The event featured two main sponsors, HSA Home Warranty and the Hanna Family of Financial Companies, including Hudson United Services: Mortgage, Title and Insurance, Rand family-owned business.

The keynote speaker for the convention was Earvin “Magic” Johnson. He shared his experience transitioning from the basketball court to business owner and his winning strategies that have helped him overcome obstacles that led to his current success.

Howard Hanna also welcomed Matthew Ferrara, an industry expert and professional speaker who motivated and inspired the audience with the philosophy of always bringing service to the next level.

“We are incredibly proud of being a part of the Howard Hanna Family Companies, the #1 Privately Owned Real Estate Brokerage in the United States. We are excited to continue growing and strengthening the brand in the territories that we represent.” Matt Rand Howard Hanna | Rand Realty Chief Executive Officer.

“As we headed into our convention this week, it was truly amazing to see the size and scope of the Hanna Family of Companies,” said Howard W. “Hoby” Hanna, IV, president of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “We have grown considerably since the last convention.”

About Howard Hanna | Rand Realty: Howard Hanna Rand Realty has more than 1,100 residential real estate sales associates serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs of New York City. Its 30 offices serve Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Morris County, Essex County and Union County in New Jersey, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, Dutchess County, Ulster County, and the Bronx in New York, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Rand also owns and operates Rand Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage, and Hudson United Home Services, which provides residential mortgage lending, title services, and personal and commercial insurance. For more information, visit https://randrealty.com.