Staten Island Board of Realtors® leaders press for OK of first-time homebuyer savings account program and other proposed legislations

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Representatives of the Staten Island Board of Realtors® (SIBOR) were among 400 Realtors® from across New York state who recently gathered in Albany to address important real estate-related issues with lawmakers.

New York State Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, center, welcomes members of Staten Island Board of Realtors® (SIBOR) in Albany. With Assemblyman Pirozzolo, clockwise, from left, are: Rosanne La Fata, SIBOR immediate past president; Frank Reali, chair of SIBOR’s Advocacy/Legislative Committee; Daniel Fausak, Staten Island Multiple Listing Service director; Steven Caro, SIBOR director; Coleen Siracusa, SIBOR secretary; Fran Reali, 2024 SIBOR president, and Annmarie Triolo, SIBOR president-elect. (Photo: Courtesy of Staten Island Board of Realtors®)

The Realtors® traveled to the state capital to ask legislators to support initiatives that are vital to the industry, advocating for public policies in support of homebuyers, sellers and renters.

During the Albany visit March 26-27, SIBOR members met with State Senators Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Andrew Lanza, and Assemblymembers Sam Pirozzolo, Michael Reilly, Charles Fall and Michael Tannousis.

When meeting with lawmakers, the Staten Island real estate professionals supported a variety of issues and proposed legislations, such as: The development of more housing; the creation of a first-time homebuyer savings account program; further enhancing transparency and fairness in cooperative housing; increasing the experience required for a broker’s license, and fixing the current ban on telemarketing during states of emergency.

The Realtors also opposed multiple proposed legislations, such as enactment of the “Good Cause Eviction” bill, which would impose statewide rent regulation of all rental housing, except for owner occupied buildings with fewer than four units, and the Affordable Gas Transition Act and NY HEAT Act, proposed legislations that would authorize the Public Service Commission to discontinue portions of the gas distribution system.

“Having the opportunity to meet face-to-face with our legislators on their home turf underscores our concern over vital matters and the impact real estate-related legislations have upon all New Yorkers,” said 2024 SIBOR President Fran Reali.

The Island Realtors included seven members of SIBOR’s 2024 leadership team: Fran Reali, president; Annmarie Triolo, president-elect; Coleen Siracusa, secretary; Rosanne La Fata, immediate past president; Steven Caro, director; Daniel Fausak, Staten Island Multiple Listing Service (SIMLS) director, and Frank Reali, chair of SIBOR’s Advocacy/Legislative Committee.

About the Staten Island Board of Realtors® (SIBOR)
and Staten Island Multiple Listing Service (SIMLS)

Established in 1915, the Staten Island Board of Realtors® (SIBOR) is the largest professional association in
Staten Island, N.Y.

SIBOR exists to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business successfully and
ethically, and promote the preservation of the public’s right to own, transfer and use real property.

Comprised of approximately 2,500 members, SIBOR serves real estate agents, brokers and affiliated
professionals throughout the borough and surrounding areas.

SIBOR is the provider of the Staten Island Multiple Listing Service Inc. (SIMLS), which works as a
clearinghouse through which more than 275 local real estate firms exchange information on properties they
have listed for sale or rent. Together, its members participate in over 5,000 real estate transactions every year.
SIMLS is the premier source for real estate listings and market information on Staten Island, providing real
estate professionals and the community with a comprehensive platform for property listings, market data, and
professional development opportunities.

All SIBOR Realtors belong to the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) and the National
Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

SIBOR and the SIMLS may be reached at 718-928-3220 and viewed online at MLSsiny.com. SIBOR may also be visited on Facebook at Staten Island Board of Realtors, Twitter via @SIBOR, LinkedIn (Staten Island Board of Realtors) and Instagram at SIBOR REALTORS (siborrealtors).

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Media Contact: Barton Horowitz
Relevant Public Relations, LLC
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