E-News

Last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his third State of the State address. Included in his speech were several real estate-related initiatives including creating a $1 billion "House NY Program" and stopping source-of-income discrimination in housing.

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

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With 11 months of data reported, 2012 will be counted as a record year for favorable housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). For all of 2012, NAR projects the index to be a record-high 194, up from 186 in 2011, which was the previous record.

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The State Appellate Division unanimously agreed to order election officials to open an additional 99 ballots in the 46th Senate District race between Republican George Amedore and Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk. Amedore has petitioned to appeal the ruling to the State Court of Appeals, the highest court in New York. While deciding whether or not it will hear Amedore’s appeal, the Court of Appeals has instructed election officials to wait on counting the 99 ballots.

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During the one-day meeting of the Legislature last week, each chamber elected new leaders to serve during the 2013-14 legislative session. In the Senate, Senator Dean Skelos (R- Rockville Center) and Senator Jeffery Klein (D- Bronx) were both elected President Pro Tempore. Skelos was also elected as the Republican Conference Leader, Klein was elected the Independent Democratic Conference Leader, and Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins (D-Westchester) was elected to serve as the Democratic Minority Leader.

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Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released his latest debt report last week, which indicates that New York is roughly $63.3 billion in debt and fast approaching its debt capacity.

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The Tuesday, January 22, NYSAR Radio show will take a look at the most common real estate-related myths. Tune in at 10 a.m. on January 22 by using the player on the NYSAR Radio page 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.

The NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings will be held February 11-14, 2013, at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, NY. The meetings will feature committee meetings, inaugural dinner, the General Session and more. Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Training will be offered January 31 at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia, NY and on February 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Ithaca, NY. This course provides attendees with an update on professional standards, Code of Ethics and enforcement procedures, plus other changes adopted by NAR's Board of Directors or Delegate Body. It also satisfies both NAR's new member and quadrennial ethics training requirement.

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NYSAR is pleased to announce a new partnership with TransUnion for its SmartMove rental screening portal. SmartMove is an easy, comprehensive and reliable web-based tenant background check offering access to a full credit report, criminal report, customized leasing recommendation and suggested deposit amount to request at lease signing. Click here to learn more.

Back by popular demand, the RPAC VIP Lounge will be offered at the Desmond on Tuesday, February 12, from 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lounge will feature a hearty continental breakfast, hot lunch buffet, snacks and beverages, chair massage, manicurist, professional photographer, cable TV, computers, printer, unlimited internet access, cell phone chargers, newspapers and more!

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The January RPAC silent auction item is the Coach – Ashley Dotted OP ART Hippie Handbag. This bag is silver with REALTOR-blue trim, excellent for all occasions and makes a great gift too for that special lady in your world! Bids must be placed by Thursday, January 31.

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