Empire Westchester Chapter
Mission
Third Quarter 2013 • Volume 3, Issue 1
President’s Message
We are a network of
successful REALTORS®
empowering women to
exercise their potential as
entrepreneurs and industry
leaders.
Governing Board
President
Carol Christiansen,
Judy Johnson Real Estate
[email protected]
President-Elect
Roseann Paggiotta, PMN
Better Homes & Gardens Rand
Realty
[email protected]
VP, Membership
Lisa Hogan
Douglas Elliman
[email protected]
Secretary
Carol Dorado-Galarza
Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate
[email protected]
Treasurer
Toni Schoen
Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate
[email protected]
Greetings Members,
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to
blossom."
Anais Nin
Are we blossoming? I think we are…I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!
WCR has been having quite a year, I am happy to report that our programs have been
attracting an incredible amount of agents.WCR started the year off with new faces,
members and sponsors…let’s keep the ball rolling. Invite your colleagues to join you at
all of our WCR events.
Two of our WCR programs were panels, our April panel was “Deal Breakers”
Our sponsors graciously agreed to be on the panel and help educate us, we discussed
what can kill a real estate deal, and what actions we as realtors can take to prevent the
deal dying, if any. We were informed, educated and had fun..Walter Sadowski was our
moderator, who kept the panel going with much humor, thank you Walter. What was
more hysterical then to see Phil Faranda dressed as the mother in law who kills the deal.
A big thank you, to our sponsors who participated on the panel. In addition, a special
Thank You to Phil Faranda who was a good sport.
Our Fashion Show in May was a huge success, close to 300 people attended this
event. Bonnie Koff Chair and Stephanie Liggio Co-chair along with their committee
members did an outstanding job on this event! I am happy to report through the
generosity of all who attended and the relentless work the Fashion Show committee did
we raised $22,000.00 for the Coalition of the Hungry & Homeless of Westchester.
Wayne LaFranco once again did an extraordinary job as MC.
Our June Event was “The Market Has Changed, Have you? I am thrilled to report our
attendance for this program was over 170, the most to attend an event other than the
Fashion Show. Our panel consisted of Real Estate Owners, Brokers & Managers, who
took the time from their busy schedules to join us and share information.
Everyone left this program with a little more knowledge. I truly thank the panel for their
participation. Phil Faranda was our moderator, I’m happy to report Phil was not in dress.
Again Thank you to our great panel and to our moderator.
July was our “Thank You” to our members and sponsors Martini and Meatballs night
another great turnout.
Thank you for your continued support of the Empire Women’s Council of Realtors.
My very best,
Carol Christiansen
2013 President Empire-Westchester Women’s Council of Realtors
Empire Westchester Chapter Celebrating 39 Years
1974-2013
Governing Board Spotlight
On
Toni Schoen
2000 Empire-Westchester Women’s Council of Realtors President
In 1998 Toni Schoen was elected to the governing board of the Empire-Westchester
Chapter and in 2000 she became President. This year she is Treasurer and heads the
scholarship committee. Toni is a full time Associate Broker with Houlihan Lawrence in
White Plains. She holds several Real Estate designations, has been honored as Top
Sales Associate and received the Spirit Award from Houlihan Lawrence. Each year Toni
serves as a Team Captain for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
SAVE THE DATE
September 12
Realtor2Realtor Networking & Fundraiser for Sandy Hook Elementary School
Cost only $10 and 100% of the Proceeds go to the School Fund
Food-Wine-Music-Raffles
September 16
Speaker is Rob Astorino at DoubleTree by Hilton in Tarrytown
Networking-Lunch-Speaker
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Empire Chapter of The Women’s Council of Realtors is offering scholarships. Three
awarded, each in the amount of $250.00
Contact Toni Schoen: 450-0850 or [email protected]
Have you been to our site lately?
wcrempireny.com
Homeowner Policy Premiums on the Rise
By Gary J. Forbes
It’s amazing to think people will drive 20 miles to save $20 on a pair of sneakers, yet pay thousands of dollars in insurance premiums
– and not make any effort to learn what they need, if they have it and how much it costs!
Knowledge is power – and this should be the case whenever you are making a major purchase – but recently homeowner policy
premiums are on the rise – which makes it more important to pay attention.
It should not be a surprise that most, if not all of the major insurance companies have increased, or will be increasing homeowner
policy premiums. Weather related catastrophes like Irene and Sandy along with forest fires in the west, and floods and tornadoes in
the mid-west have combined to create losses that will result in higher premiums for homeowners in all parts of the US. This, coupled
with low interest rates on investments, will make it necessary for insurance companies to strive for an ”underwriting profit” which, in
turn will drive premiums higher.
Where does that leave the consumer - either the new homeowner seeking a policy for the first time, or one whose policy has renewed
every year without review?
Again - Knowledge is Power! Know what your homeowner policy covers, what your property and liability limits are, what your
deductible(s) is and what it costs. Important coverage questions or options include:
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How much is your dwelling insured for? Do you have a “Guaranteed Dwelling Replacement” endorsement that provides
increased coverage if the dwelling amount is less than needed?
What is your deductible? Does it make sense to increase your deductible to save money, and avoid small claims? Is there a
separate wind or hurricane deductible?
What is your liability limit – in case you are sued for an injury on your property, or bodily injury or property damage you may
cause – anywhere in the world (golf or skiing possibly!)?
Have you scheduled and insured valuable items (jewelry, furs, fine arts & collectibles) separately – providing better
coverage for replacement or stated amount reiumbursement?
If it’s an older home – do you have increased “Law & Ordinance” coverage to rebuild the home to today’s construction
codes?
If you belong to a homeowners association – have you increased your “Loss Assessment” coverage?
Do you have an alarm system, a fire hydrant near by – or other protection that may lower your premium?
Do you have an Excess Liability (Umbrella) policy? It is safe to say that anyone reading this article MUST have one. It is
the best buy in insurance! You never know when you, or someone in your family will make an error that will result in
someone getting hurt. Protect your assets and your earning power with an Umbrella Policy!
If you are dealing with an Independent Insurance Agent - one who deals with many insurance carriers - ask for an Insurance
Summary, and ask if there are any other companies that might provide the same coverage at a better price. Let your agent do the
shopping, if you like dealing with them and have faith in their service.
If you are dealing with a direct writer (Geico, AMICA, USAA etc) or a captive agent (State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide etc) – ask if
there is any savings they can find, without sacrificing valuable coverage. If you are not confident with the answers or advice you get –
it’s probably time to start shopping around.
The average family in our area spends approximately $3,000 every year for home, auto and umbrella policies. You might have the
right coverage at the right price – but unless you educate yourself and ask the right questions – you’ll never know.
Forbes Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency located in Katonah, representing many fine regional and national insurance carriers such as
Chubb, Fireman’s Fund, Travelers, Hartford, Encompass, Adirondack, National Grange and Merchants, and licensed in New York, Connecticut and
New Jersey, as well as other states. Gary Forbes can be reached at [email protected], office phone -914-232-7750 or cell phone –
914-299-9689.
Thank you
To our membership and sponsors for your renewals and a warm welcome to new members and
new sponsors
For Sponsorship information contact Pat Sposato at 914-725-5997 or [email protected]
Newsletter Contact: Carol Dorado-Galarza 914-282-3284 [email protected]