E-News

According to the latest quarterly consumer confidence survey released by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), overall consumer confidence increased in five New York State metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the second quarter of 2012.Home buying plans increased in five of New York’s MSAs, while falling in four.

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Get involved and help guide the future of your state association by signing up for 2013 committee service. Committee sign up will be available online only between July 1 and July 31 at NYSAR.com.

Click here to learn more and to sign up. 

In its U.S. Foreclosure Market Report for the second quarter of 2012, RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State had 8,686 total foreclosure filings, a decrease of 8.21 percent from the 2011 first quarter and a decrease 2.55 percent from the previous quarter. Foreclosure filings were also down for the first half of the year as well as for the month of June.

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Monday was the final day to submit designating petitions to the state Board of Elections for New York State’s established parties. There are several interesting primaries taking shape.

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This week’s "Election Watch" features democratic Rep. Kathleen Hochul vs. Republican challenger Chris Collins. Hochul, who is leading the way in fundraising, is seeking her first full term in 2012 and is considered especially vulnerable because of redistricting. Collins won the republican primary and enjoys widespread name recognition throughout western New York. This race is expected to be highly contentious.

The Broker Involvement Program (BIP) empowers brokers to alert their agents to key REALTOR issues in Congress such as a proposal to reduce the mortgage interest deduction benefit and the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program. Sign up for the BIP today and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free iPad.

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Click here to read the entire Government Affairs Weekly Report. 

The Tuesday, July 24, NYSAR Radio show will cover common real estate-related commission issues. Tune in at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 24, by clicking here.

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The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation (NYSREEF) is offering scholarships to REALTORS allowing them to take a national designation course for free. Applications must be received by August 1.

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The Second Annual Western New York Appraisal Conference will be held Friday, August 3, at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, NY. Sponsored by the New York State Society of Real Estate Appraisers, this conference features "FHA Inspections: What Every Agent and Appraiser Should Know," which has been submitted for 6 hours of appraiser and real estate CE credit.

Registration must be received by July 27. Click here for more information or to learn more. 

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 407 – "Building Your Real Estate Practice" – will be offered July 27 at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS in Amherst, NY. In this course, you’ll discuss business plans, recordkeeping and tax considerations for independent contractors, and managing priorities.

Click here for more information or to register.

To date, RPAC of New York has raised a total of $375,117 or 51 percent of its 2012 fundraising goal of $728,970. In terms of participation, 8,646 members have invested in RPAC, representing 63 percent of its 2012 goal of 13,740.If you haven’t yet invested in RPAC this year, please do so now!

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The July RPAC silent auction item is rechargeable power stand for the iPhone. Bids must be placed by Tuesday, July 31, at 11:59 p.m.

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