News

The Connecticut REALTORS^® Foundation recently awarded their 2026 Raymond F. Gates, Jr. Memorial Scholarships.  The Raymond F. Gates, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1976 in memory of Raymond F. Gates, Jr. following his tragic death in an automobile accident.  Mr. Gates was the Executive Vice President of the Connecticut REALTORS®. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Connecticut REALTORS® Foundation is proud to announce that42 scholarships totaling $48,000 dollars to children of CTR members and association staff. GHAR is proud to announce the 9 winners that were among the 42 recipients. This is the 50th anniversary of the Gates Scholarship fund, with more than $1.3 million dollars awarded since inception.

Several GHAR leaders recently attended the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., from June 14-19th. REALTORS® from across the country met to discuss industry trends, advocacy priorities, professional standards, technology, and the future of our profession.

We are excited to share a major update regarding our sustainability efforts at our home, 430 New Park Avenue. Our facility recently finished with a commercial solar project through Connecticut’s Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions program. Created by the state and managed by Eversource, this clean energy initiative provides us with a locked-in, 20-year contract. This partnership ensures long-term operational stability and protects our organization against future utility rate spikes by securing fixed incentives for the next two decades.

The Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS^® (GHAR) Foundation for Hope is proud to announce that Terrie Thomas, a GHAR member with eXp Realty, is the recipient of the 2026 GHAR Good Neighbor Award. The award is in recognition of her charitable work on behalf of the Foundation for Educational Opportunities. The award recognizes a REALTOR^® who has made an extraordinary impact on their community through their volunteer time and talents. As a result of Ms. Thomas’ volunteer work, the Foundation for Educational Opportunities (FEO, Inc) will receive $1,000 from the GHAR Foundation for Hope.

The Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS® (GHAR) Foundation, event sponsors, and attendees raised $3200 for Rebuilding Together Hartford. Donations were made through a music bingo fundraiser on March 4th at New Park Brewery in West Hartford. Rebuilding Together Hartford is a nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income homeowners through home renovation and repair. Their vision is to provide safe homes and communities for everyone.  

The Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS® (GHAR) is pleased to announce David Sartirana, broker/owner of Northwest CT Realty, as the Association’s 2026 President. Sartirana was installed to the position at the GHAR Annual Meeting on January 29rh, which took place at Farmington Gardens in Farmington. The event also recognized the 2026 installation of the Board of Directors. Sartirana previously served as GHAR President-Elect, Vice President, and First Vice President in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

GHAR is proud to present David Sartirana, Broker/Owner of Owner of Northwest CT Realty, as the 2025 GHAR ROTY, the highest honor given to a REALTOR^® by their peers at the local level!!! 

The Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS® (GHAR) held a fundraiser on July 16th to raise funds for Hands on Hartford, a social service nonprofit organization that serves Hartford’s most economically challenged residents in the areas of food, housing, and health. Event participants enjoyed great food and beverages from three generous South Windsor restaurants: Burton's Grill, Ted's Montana Grill, and Golf Lounge 18. The evening included prizes donated by sponsors and area businesses.

The Connecticut REALTORS^® Foundation recently awarded their 2025 Raymond F. Gates, Jr. Memorial Scholarships.  The Raymond F. Gates, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1976 in memory of Raymond F. Gates, Jr. following his tragic death in an automobile accident.  Mr. Gates was the Executive Vice President of the Connecticut REALTORS®. Over the past 49 years, children of REALTORS^® have been awarded scholarships totaling more than $1,000,000.

The Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS^® (GHAR) will use a $6,000 Placemaking grant from the National Association of Realtors^® to help transform unused space in Keney Park into vibrant, public destination for community use and enjoyment.