The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors is YOUR local association by Rodriguez

Eliezer Rodriguez, Bronx - Manhattan North Association of Realtors

Today, we are known as The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors (BMNAR). When the association was first incorporated in 1924, we were known as the Real Estate Board of The Bronx (REBB).  In 1924, The Bronx was only 10 years old, the population was slightly over one million and the average home cost about $2,500.

The excitement of The Bronx having its own local real estate board moved REBB to host its first annual banquet to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of their members. The Banquet took place at the Schnorer Club of Morrisania on May 2, 1925.  For the next 41 years, the tradition continued at the Schnorer Club until it closed its doors in May of 1966. 

Year after year and generation after generation, Realtor members stayed fast to their goals and The Bronx flourished as did their loyalty to their Board. Realtor members created more networking opportunities to keep each other well informed and to exchange ideas on better ways to serve their customers. The Board’s efforts and commitment throughout the years have helped paved the way for others interested in real estate. REBB was the talk of real estate trade.

The Board has played an invaluable role in serving its community as well as in developing leaders for its trade.  Three generations of the Houlihan family have served as president of REBB: James A. Houlihan, 1940-41, James G. Houlihan, 1961-62 and Daniel Houlihan, 1971-72.  James A. Houlihan also served as president of the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR).   

Two other families have provided generational leadership:  The Schmelzer and the Engel families. Michael Schmelzer, Tryax Realty Inc., served as president from 1974 to 1976, and his son Mathew Schmelzer served as president in 2012.  A strong advocate for organization, Mark Engel, from Langsam Property Service Corp., served as president in 1988 and again 1990.  His son, Matthew Engel, served as president in 2011-2012.

To date, five of BMNAR past presidents have served as president of NYSAR: Herman Acker, 1937; Frank Mazzetti, 1954; James G. Houlihan, 1965; Michael Schmelzer, 1983; and Susan Goldy, 2012. Michael Schmelzer and Susan Goldy are both distinguished members as they are both inductees of the Realtors Political Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame.   

In May 2000, the National Association of Realtors approved the name change to BMNAR. In January of 2013, I began my employment as BMNAR’s CEO.  As a Bronx resident, I was going to make sure BMNAR availed itself of the financial resources offered to better the neighborhoods we serve. In the past two years, BMNAR has received five grants from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) totaling $62,500. As an attorney, I made my members aware of the legal services their membership provides as a good neighbor, I further developed BMNAR’s presence in the community. We currently support several charities and our office is also a recognized safe haven for our school children, seniors and neighbors. 

Unfortunately, years before my arrival, our membership started to lessen because of changes on how local realtor associations were to operate. More recent changes caused smaller Realtor associations to merge.  Last week, I learned of other changes that may adversely affect how we do business. Out of respect for BMNAR’s rich history, greater efforts and sacrifices are now needed to ensure that we continue to provide service to our members in the territory stated in our charter–The Bronx and Upper Manhattan. 

This is a call to action of all Realtors with an office in The Bronx, but are not members of BMNAR–your local Realtor association. The call is even greater if your Realtor membership is not with BMNAR and you live in The Bronx and are considered a Bronx leader. If the shoe fits, it’s time for you to come home and help BMNAR make the positive changes that will make you proud to be a member. I love the “New Bronx” and I need your support to make BMNAR the talk of real estate trade again.  Why?  Because this is your Local Association.

Eliezer Rodriguez, Esq. is the executive director of The Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors, Bronx, N.Y.