NCJAR News
NAR’s presence was felt on Capitol Hill Wednesday as Wright talked housing priorities and the association’s advocacy team celebrated the relaunched Congressional Real Estate Caucus. NAR CEO Nykia Wright sat down with top congressional leaders Wednesday for a series of meet-and-greets on Capitol Hill, while members of the National Association of REALTORS®’ advocacy team hosted a reception marking the relaunch of the bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus in the House.
Wright and NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn met with Republican and Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). They discussed a range of issues from housing supply and affordability to taxes and government funding.
“Homeownership is the foundation of the American dream and one of Washington’s truly bipartisan issues,” said McGahn. “NAR members work and live in every congressional district in the country. We can serve Congress like no other organization, bringing solutions and research to policymakers who share our priority of making housing more affordable and available.”
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 NJR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® Celebration at The Venetian in Garfield, NJ!
It was an incredible evening of celebration and networking as we honored the outstanding achievements of our award recipients. With an open bar, delicious food, music, and unforgettable photo moments, we came together to recognize the hard work and dedication of our top professionals in real estate.
We appreciate your presence and look forward to many more moments of success and celebration with our NCJAR community! Thank you for making this night truly special!
Please visit NCJAR's Facebook @NCJARNJ to view all the photos from the event.
If you’re in the market for a new home, you may come across properties governed by a homeowners association (HOA) or other community association. While HOAs offer benefits like shared amenities and neighborhood upkeep, they also come with rules and fees that can impact your homeownership experience.
Before you buy, it’s important to understand what HOAs are, how they work, and what they mean for you as a homeowner.
What Is an HOA?
A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization that manages and enforces rules for a residential community. HOAs are common in:
Single-family home communities – especially master-planned neighborhoods and gated developments.
Townhouse and condo communities – where shared spaces require coordinated maintenance.
HOAs typically maintain common areas like parks, pools, and clubhouses. They also set guidelines to help keep the neighborhood uniform and well-maintained.
HOA Fees and Special Assessments
We want to make you aware of a recent surge in fraudulent listings targeting vacant land and vacant properties. Reports from NCJAR Members and GSMLS show an alarming increase in scams designed to deceive real estate professionals and buyers alike. These scams can cause significant financial and reputational damage — but you can take action to protect yourself.
Stay Vigilant: Verify Every Seller
Scammers often impersonate legitimate property owners, especially for vacant properties. To safeguard yourself, follow these recommended best practices from the Secret Service, FBI, and NAR:
Key Steps to Protect Against Fraud:
- Independently verify the seller’s identity.Conduct a thorough search to confirm who the seller is, including finding a recent photo and checking public records.
- Meet the seller in person.Always request an in-person meeting and ask for multiple forms of identification.
- Ask for proof of ownership.Require documentation that clearly shows the seller's legal ownership of the property.
- Test their local knowledge.Ask questions about the property and surrounding area. A real owner will typically know key details.
