E-News

According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were down 1.1 points to 4 percent in November. Overall, New York State consumer confidence increased 3.7 points.

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Sales of new single-family homes in the Northeast in October were up 19.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted rate of 31,000, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. September’s revised annual rate was 26,000. 

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New York’s response rate is currently 12 percent on this critical flood insurance program legislation. Please take action and urge your Federal Representatives to pass the "Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act." This legislation would delay flood insurance rate increases for certain properties until the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) completes the congressionally mandated study of flood insurance rate affordability.

Please respond to this Call for Action by clicking here.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption released a preliminary 98-page report last week detailing what it assessed as the "deplorable" condition of New York State’s elections, ethics and campaign finance laws. The report detailed a series of recommendations and reforms on how to "restore the public trust."

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The Tuesday, December 17, NYSAR Radio show will take a look back at legal issues in 2013. Tune in at 10 a.m. on December 17 on your PC or Mac by using the player on the NYSAR Radio page. 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.

New legislation now requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years. Homeowners will not have to register in order to receive their 2013 STAR exemptions and will not have to re-register every year. Based on the information provided in the registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners’ eligibility in future years. Registration will continue through December 31, 2013. Click here to register.

Gain a full understanding of ethics and arbitration hearings, enforcement procedures and disciplinary guidelines during the 2014 Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Procedures Training. The Code of Ethics and recent changes adopted by NAR’s Board of Directors and Delegate Body will also be covered. In addition to 6 hours of CE credit, this course also satisfies NAR’s mandatory ethics training requirement. 

Click here for the schedule and registration form.

TransUnion SmartMove is an easy, comprehensive and reliable web-based tenant background check offering access to a full credit report, criminal report, customized leasing recommendations and suggested deposit amount to request at lease signing. The trusted brand’s process is all online and you pay only when you use it with no set-up, minimum or annual fees.

Click here to learn more.

NYSAR’s insurance plan administrator, USI Affinity, offers you access to more than 15 top-rated insurance providers and dedicated consultants who will do the legwork for you. Plus, by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance, you can save up to 30 percent a year.

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 a deluxe coffee barista! 

Click here to learn more.