Bronx, NY The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR) has merged with the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMNAR). The merger was approved by both the BMNAR and HGAR board of directors, as well as the National Association of Realtors. In total, HGAR will now have nearly 1,500 members in the Bronx.
As a result of the merger, the Bronx Chapter of HGAR has been created and will initially operate out of the former BMNAR offices on Williamsbridge Rd. Eliezer Rodriguez, BMNAR’s CEO, has joined HGAR to assist with the expanded organization’s legislative advocacy agenda and the development of a stronger Commercial and Investment Division (CID). He now serves as HGAR’s director, advocacy, commercial and legislative issues for Bronx and Manhattan. Vincent Buccieri, BMNAR’s 2020 president, will now serve as the Bronx regional director on HGAR’s board of directors.
As members of HGAR, all Bronx Realtors are able to participate in OneKey MLS, the first regional MLS in the New York Metro area which was created by HGAR and The Long Island Board of Realtors. OneKey MLS currently has 42,000 subscribers.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome the Bronx to HGAR and look forward to expanding our presence there. With its proximity to the Lower Hudson Valley, this is a natural step that will greatly benefit all of our members,” said Richard Haggerty, CEO of HGAR and president and chief strategic growth officer at OneKey MLS. “The BMNAR has a rich history of leadership and advocacy and has always fought for the best interests of their Realtors. This merger brings together two strong organizations and it is truly a win-win for our respective memberships.”
HGAR President Gail Fattizzi noted the advantages to the merger include bridging the geography of HGAR’s reach between Westchester and central Manhattan. “By joining our organizations together, we’ll create greater political and legislative advocacy, help with expanding our Commercial Investment Division and bring in new talent to our organization,” she said.
“We had been talking about this for a while, and it’s in the best interest of both the Bronx and the Hudson Valley,” said Rodriguez. “We can offer a lot of great political connections and expertise in the commercial real estate sector, and we will benefit by being able to provide all of our Bronx members with the resources that a larger organization can provide. It’s really a great fit for both associations.”
At a Sept. 30 press conference, councilman Fernando Cabrera (District 14) touted the impact the merger will have on Bronx residents.
“This is a new beginning for all of you. Home ownership is such an important issue, especially here in the Bronx,” he said. “With this merger, and the OneKey™ MLS expansion, you’re going to be able to go to another level – and I’m here to support you. The greater days of the Bronx are yet to come and you’re going to be part of that.”
Councilman Mark Gjonaj (District 13) said, “This is more important than ever before – Realtors coming together and strategizing and planning for the ‘new’ world. This is our opportunity to be proactive and help shape our city and our state.”
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