Courtesy EXIT Realty Empire Associates
By Jill Nagy
EXIT Realty now has a Glens Falls office in addition to its Clifton Park and Hudson offices.
The real estate group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Glens Falls office in February. But actually, the office had been open since June 2021. The event was delayed by the COVID pandemic.
The Glens Falls branch is part of the regional franchise, EXIT Realty Empire Associates. The group’s headquarters is in Clifton Par.
Jennifer Vucetic, principal broker and owner, said the company was doing so much business in the Lake George area, out of its Clifton Park office, they decided to open the new office at 1 Lawrence St.
Empire Associates celebrate its fifth anniversary this summer. Vucetic has been in the real estate business since 2005.
Currently, there are 12 agents in the Glens Falls office. The core of the group is a team of agents headed by Bill Moon, who is also director of the board of the local Big Brothers and Sisters organization. The office occupies the first floor of a former pediatrics office.
The connection with Big Brothers and Sisters reflects the community service participation that is part of the DNA of both the national EXIT Realty International organization and the local franchise. A portion of every transaction fee received by the parent company is applied to its charitable fund, $7 million, to date, according to the company.
Locally, fees are shared with the Open Door Mission, Habitat for Humanity, the Food Pantry, and other organizations in addition to Big Brothers and Sisters. In addition, brokers donate time to community organizations and make cash contributions, including a recent $5,000 gift to Big Brothers and Sisters to help that organization serve more young people.
“EXIT has a very big culture of giving back to the community but Glens Falls does it to a greater extent,” Vucetic said.
One of the employees, Lisa Grassi Bartlett, was recently recognized by the Women’s Council of Realtors as a top producing agents and received an award from EXIT Realty International for her dedication to real estate and to her community. Grassi helped the Open Door Mission sell its former headquarters building and then donated her commission back to the organization.
“We are very good at time management,” Vucetic replied when asked how she and her colleagues can devote so much time to the community and still hold full-time jobs and raise families.
Vucetic just completed a year as president of the New York State Association of Realtors. As president, she placed much of her emphasis on advocacy activities.
“Anyone who knows me understands that advocacy is a passion of mine. As Realtors, it is paramount that we have an active voice at the table on local, state, and national levels,” she said.
Activities of the organization during her tenure included providing frequent legislative updates to association members and organizing the group’s annual lobbying day in Albany. She also participated in a trade mission to Italy, revamped the group’s Leadership Academy, and created a new strategic plan.
There are no immediate plans to add to the current team of 12 agents in the Glens Falls office. However, Vucetic said, “We will consider anyone of a like mind set who is community driven and has a passion for real estate.”
Further information about EXIT’s Glens Falls operation is available online at www.exitrealtyempireassociates.com, or by telephone at 518-225-1013.