Real Estate Leaders Gather at The Venetian to Celebrate a New Era of Advocacy, Education, and Professional Excellence
photos courtesy of Celeste Homaychak
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
GARFIELD, NJ – The North Jersey real estate community converged on The Venetian on the evening of Wednesday, December 17, 2025, for a night of glamour, celebration, and pivotal leadership. The Greater Bergen REALTORS® (GBR) hosted their highly anticipated 2025 Holiday Gala, marking the official installation of Jim Arakelian as the association’s new President.
pictured Celeste Homaychak,Jim Arakelian and Frank T. Pallotta
Arakelian, a respected professional from RE/MAX, steps into the role with an impressive resume of service to the industry. In addition to leading GBR, he serves as a Director for both the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the New Jersey Association of REALTORS® (NJR), ensuring that North Jersey’s voice is heard at the highest levels of real estate policy.
A Vision for North Jersey Real Estate
Greater Bergen REALTORS® is far more than just a local group; it is a powerhouse not-for-profit trade organization representing over 8,800 members across Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. Under Arakelian’s leadership, the association is set to double down on its four core pillars:
-
Connections: Networking the top professionals in the Garden State.
-
Advocacy: Fighting for private property rights and the dream of homeownership.
-
Resources: Providing members with the data and tools needed to navigate a complex market.
-
Education: Ensuring REALTORS® stay at the forefront of industry trends and legal requirements.
“Our mission is to advocate for the public to protect private property rights,” the association stated. “We empower the success of those we serve through professional development and unwavering ethics.”
The REALTOR® Difference: Ethics First
The gala also served as a reminder to the public about the importance of the REALTOR® title. Unlike a standard real estate agent, a REALTOR® is a professional who has voluntarily chosen to abide by the National Association of REALTORS®’ strict Code of Ethics. This commitment ensures that clients receive a level of professionalism and protection that is the gold standard in the industry.
The Venetian: A Fitting Backdrop
The elegance of The Venetian in Garfield provided the perfect atmosphere for the transition of power. Between the holiday festivities and the formal installation, the event highlighted the strength of the local economy and the vital role real estate plays in the North Jersey community.
As the leading voice of real estate in North Jersey, Jim Arakelian and the GBR Board of Directors are poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 2026 market, keeping homeownership accessible and professional standards high.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
I worked with an Emma Arekelian in the city.
She was kind of full of herself in my opinion.