Headlines

The New Jersey REALTORS® Governmental Research Foundation has released a new report: The Economic Importance of New Jersey Seasonal Home Rentals and Potential Impact of Imposing a Sales Tax.   This report was ordered and approved by the GRF in response to introduced legislation that would extend the 7 percent sales and use tax to seasonal home rentals. The report not only shows the importance of seasonal rentals to New Jersey’s economy, job market, and tax base, but it also highlights the negative impacts extending the sales tax…

On February 24, Gov. Chris Christie presented his Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal to a joint session of the New Jersey State Legislature. In his speech, Christie announced his proposed budget for the next fiscal year totals $33.8 billion and contains a 3.8 percent revenue increase due to an uptick in state economic activity leading to higher generation of state revenues. The Governor also indicated his budget proposal contains an additional $1.3 billion pension payment and calls for additional pension and benefit reforms.   The…

On Sunday, February 15, the Federal Aviation Administration released its long-awaited proposal for governing small commercial drones, setting a plan for remote-controlled aircraft to share the skies with passenger planes.   As USA Today reports, the FAA proposal would allow drones weighing up to 55 pounds to fly within sight of their remote pilots during daylight hours. The aircraft must stay below 500 feet in the air and fly less than 100 mph. People flying drones would need to be at least 17 years old, pass an aeronautics…

How does relationship status affect the kind of home you buy?   This infographic was originally published on realtor.org.

The last day to secure healthcare insurance for 2015 is February 15 - only five three days away. If you haven't gotten covered by that date, you may be subject to a penalty tax of 2 percent of your income.   But don't worry - you can find a wealth of information through the REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace, where you'll find a range of major medical insurance plans from top-rated insurance carriers. You can also download a quick reference guide here to help you along the way.   If you have additional questions or need…

Are you a REALTOR® interested in running for public office? Join NJ REALTORS® and campaign consultants from Cornerstone Solutions to get an introduction of what it takes to run for political office. February 18, 2015 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Lunch provided NJ REALTORS® Office: 295 Pierson Avenue | Edison, NJ 08837   The all-day training will provide candidates with a valuable head start in their political journeys, as well as information on how to run a successful campaign. The Candidate Training Academy is one day only and…

GRI is a nationally recognized designation attained by members of the National Association of REALTORS® after successfully completing a rigorous 60-hour program of course work covering various areas of real estate including: ethics, technology, business development, financing, fair housing and legal issues. Additionally, members may choose to complete the GRI Broker Course. The course is comprised of the supplemental courses that, along with the GRI designation, satisfy the education requirements for the New Jersey broker license. NJ…

New Jersey REALTORS® presented three outstanding members with Good Neighbor Awards during a ceremony on Dec. 9 at the Triple Play Realtor Convention & Trade Expo.   FIRST PLACE Ida M. Petkus, ABR Award: $2,500 for Domestic Violence Advocacy Center in Medford SECOND PLACE Andrew Fasy Award: $1,500 for the OC NJ C.A.R.E. in Ocean City THIRD PLACE Cindy Czaskos Award: $1,000 for the Anderson House in Whitehouse Station

Douglas Tortorelli, of the Ocean County Board of REALTORS®, was named the 2014 REALTOR-ASSOCIATE of the Year. Tortorelli's REALTOR® spirit, professionalism and association involvement earned him the distinguished title.