E-News

According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans decreased 1.9 points to 3 percent in September. Click here to learn more.

RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State ranked number 45 of all 50 states for both quarterly total foreclosure filings and filings in September 2011. New York had 6,234 total foreclosure filings in the third quarter and 1,908 filings in the month of September. Click here to learn more.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced a plan to streamline government, which will save the state $100 million next year and $600 million over the next five years. The plan includes reducing the vacancy rate in state-owned and leased property from 25 percent to 10 percent. Click here to learn more.

The New York State Court of Appeals heard arguments last week in a lawsuit filed by 50 taxpayers regarding the constitutionality of the state's ability to provide and distribute funds and credits to private organizations. The suit argues that this funding violates a clause in the state constitution that prohibits gifts or monetary loans to private entities. Click here to learn more.

All New York brokers already involved or who join the Broker Involvement Program from now until Wednesday, October 19, 2011, will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new iPad! The drawing will take place the first week of November 2011. Click here to learn more.

To read the entire Government Affairs Update for October 14, 201, click here.

Please make a tax-deductible contribution to the REALTORS Relief Foundation to help those affected by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. Click here to learn more.

The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS in Albany, NY is offering GREEN 100: Real Estate for a Sustainable Future on October 26; Green 200: The Science of Green Building on October 27; and GREEN 300: Greening Your Real Estate Business on October 28. NAR's new and improved Green Designation will teach you the latest "green" technologies to serve a broader array of clients. In order to qualify, you must pass three one-day courses (Green 100, 200 and 300) and submit your free application. Click here for more information or to register.

The Long Island REALTOR Service Center in West Babylon, NY is offering GREEN 100: Real Estate for a Sustainable Future on November 1; Green 200: The Science of Green Building on November 2; and GREEN 300: Greening Your Real Estate Business on November 3. Click here for more information or to register.

The Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS in White Plains, NY is offering GREEN 100: Real Estate for a Sustainable Future on November 14; Green 200: The Science of Green Building on November 15; and GREEN 300: Greening Your Real Estate Business on November 16. Click here for more information or to register.

Enroll today to receive your electricity and/or natural gas for your home or business from NYSAR's energy partner Energy Plus, an Energy Supply Company (ESCO). You'll receive an activation bonus and earn cash back for each account you enroll, while still receiving the same reliable service from your local utility company. Click here to learn more.

The 2011 end-of-year receipts show RPAC of New York raised $628,345, representing 82 percent of its 2011 fundraising goal of $763,530. While falling short of achieving the fundraising goal, RPAC of New York was closer to its goal than last year and received a higher participation rate than last year. Click here to learn more.

To kick off the 2012 fundraising year, RPAC will once again be hosting the VIP Lounge at the Triple Play Convention & Trade Expo in Atlantic City on Wednesday, December 7, featuring food, beverages, laptops, printers, cell phone chargers, newspapers, shoe shine, chair massage and happy hour! Click here for more information.

The October RPAC silent auction item is a "come back with a warrant" door mat. Bids must be placed by October 31, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.