E-News

The Triple Play REALTOR Convention and Trade Expo opens today in Atlantic City, NJ. Even if you didn't pre-register, you should still make the trip to Atlantic City and register on-site.  

To register on-site, visit the Convention Registration Area on Level 2 of the Convention Center during the following hours:

• Tuesday, December 4, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 5, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thursday, December 6, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Visit www.realtorstripleplay.com for more details.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced two proposals designed to provide property tax relief to New Yorkers hit hardest by Superstorm Sandy. The first measure would provide homeowners whose houses need extensive structural repairs or demolition interest-free extensions on their property tax bills until April 1, 2013. The second proposal would reimburse about 900 property owners for a portion of property taxes they paid this year to reflect the homes' diminished post-storm value.

Click here to learn more.

Without action before the end of the year, millions of families who hold distressed properties could face a hefty tax bill for trying to modify their mortgage or to seek a short sale through their lender. Even those facing foreclosure will find themselves forced to pay a "foreclosure tax" if Congress doesn't act. Take action today and urge Congress to extend Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief.

Click here to learn more.

Efforts are currently under way to raise funds that will be used for housing-related assistance to REALTOR families who have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy. You can help by making a contribution to the NAR REALTOR Relief Foundation. Any amount will help your colleagues get through these challenging times.

NYSAR is in the midst of processing applications and has begun delivering aid to qualifying members.

Please make a contribution today by clicking here. Click here to learn more.

Arguments over disputed ballots in the 46th Senate District race between Republican George Amedore and Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk will begin this week in Montgomery County Supreme Court.

Click here to learn more.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a revised set of proposed regulations for hydraulic fracturing and will begin taking public comment on the new regulations in December. The voluminous document was made public by the DEC on its website on November 28, a day before the deadline for adopting rules for the controversial drilling process known as "fracking."

Click here to learn more.

The Tuesday, December 11, NYSAR Radio show will cover advertising and social media. Visit the NYSAR Radio page on NYSAR.com at 10 a.m. to listen live on your computer using the player or click here to listen on your Apple computer. You will need to be logged in to listen. If you have not yet created your account with the website you will need to click on "New User" on the Member Login page and follow the prompts.

Click here for more information as well as a list of links to play NYSAR Radio from any of your mobile devices.

All REALTORS must take ethics training that complies with specific learning objectives and criteria prior to December 31, 2012. Click here to learn more.

Short Sales and Foreclosures (SFR) – "What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know" – will be offered December 14 at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS in Staten Island, NY. This course will provide you with the framework for understanding how to: qualify sellers for short sales; develop a short sale package; negotiate with lenders; tap into buyer demand; safeguard commissions; limit risk; and protect buyers.

Click here for more information or to register.

Your NYSAR membership gives you access to a variety of cost-effective, comprehensive medical plans through USI Affinity, and they will work with you to find the plan that fits your business and budget.

Click here to learn more.

If you are in Atlantic City for Triple Play tomorrow, visit the RPAC High Rollers' Suite! Amenities include: shoe shine; manicures; massages; professional photographs; blackjack and roulette lessons by one of Atlantic City's renowned card dealers; business facilities; hot lunch; beverages; and more!

Click here to learn more.

The 2013 RPAC fundraising and participation goals for local boards have been set. Once again, the fundraising goals are based upon NAR's formula of $15 per member based on the October 31 membership count.

Click here to learn more.