Ep. 132 - Reimagining Rochester Housing

Rochester’s housing market is at a crossroads. In this episode, hosts Nick and Christine are joined by TST co-host, Jess DeCotis, as they all sit down with Jim Yakko, CEO of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors (GRAR), and GRAR President Don Simonetti Jr. to unpack the region’s housing crisis and the bold steps being taken to address it. From accessory dwelling units and modular builds to 3D-printed homes and large-scale redevelopment projects, the conversation explores both the challenges and innovative solutions reshaping how Rochester can meet its housing needs. Discover how the Reimagine Rochester Housing initiative is pushing for affordable, sustainable, and community-minded development across the 585.

Connect and Follow ReImagine Roc Housing at: www.ReImagineROCHousing.org

About Jim Yockel, CEO, Greater Rochester Association of Realtors

Email: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-yockel-7b8a103a

Jim Yockel is the Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®, representing more than 3,000 REALTORS® across 11 counties in the Rochester, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions of New York.

As the Association’s spokesperson, Jim works alongside community and government leaders to improve housing affordability and equitable access in the region. He currently co-leads the ReImagine ROC Housing initiative, an industry-driven effort to tackle Rochester’s housing shortage by collaborating with key stakeholders in business, government, and community development.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Management from Cornell University. He also holds the prestigious REALTORS® Certified Executive designation from NAR and the Certified MLS Expert designation from the Council of MLSs.

About Donald Simonetti Jr.

Email: [e-mail]

Donald specializes in executive relocation to the Greater Rochester Area. Born and raised in Rochester, he have a detailed understanding of the local housing market and history. I’m also a proud member of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors. I look forward to working you and finding your next home.

About Jess DeCotis

Email: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/em-marketing

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessdecotishomes

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessdecotishomes

Jess DeCotis is an experienced Real Estate Agent focused on providing premium service in all transactions. Clients rave about her ability to quickly analyze and adapt to the market when buying and selling homes. With almost 15 years of professional marketing and sales experience, Jess has a strong business acumen that assists in advocating and negotiating for her clients. Whether you’re buying or selling your way into a dream home, Jess DeCotis is the smart move. Jess is also the co-host of TST in the 585 sister podcast That Sounds Terrifying.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at [e-mail].

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!