E-News

On March 13, the United States Senate voted 72-22 to approve the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (H.R. 3370). The Senate acted quickly to pass the bill as amended by the House to avoid the need for a conference committee to reconcile any differences. The new bill further reins in and holds the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable for the Biggert-Waters implementation issues.

Click here to learn more.

In its U.S. Foreclosures Market Report for February 2014, RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State had 3,747 total foreclosures, a 2.09-percent decrease from January, but an 8.11-percent increase from the same time last year. 

Click here to learn more.

The New York State Department of State issued amendments to the broker record retention rule to clarify and simplify the types of records that need to be maintained by licensed real estate brokers in New York. The rule was published on March 12, beginning a 45-day public comment period. 

Click here to learn more.

Both the New York State Senate and Assembly have passed their respective one-house budget resolutions. Each resolution serves as a template for negotiation towards the final state fiscal year budget due by April 1, 2014. Of note, neither the Assembly nor Senate fully included Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Property Tax Freeze proposal in their budget plans. 

Click here to learn more.

Today’s NYSAR Radio show will take a look at the most common real estate-related myths. Tune in at 10 a.m. this morning 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.

Did you know saving $10,000 on your taxes is worth more than making an extra $17,000? You work hard for your commissions, so learn how to keep more of them through tax breaks! Join NYSAR this Thursday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m. for an exclusive webinar presenting five strategies to save on your taxes and stay out of trouble with the IRS with former IRS trainer, CPA and tax attorney Sandy Botkin.

Click here to register today.

REALTOR Institute 405 – "Construction and Environmental Issues" – will be offered March 26 at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS in Amherst, NY. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the physical structure and systems in a home, in addition to energy efficiency and energy rating systems.

Click here for more information or to register.

The Resort and Second-home Property Specialist (RSPS) course will be offered April 2 at the LIBOR REALTOR Service Center in Woodbury, NY. This course gives you the knowledge and skills you need to specialize in: buying, selling, or managing second homes in a resort, recreational, and/or vacation destination; and properties for investment, development or retirement.

Click here for more information or to register. 

"Global Real Estate: Local Markets" and "Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools" – Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) courses – will be offered April 3 and 4, respectively, at the REALTOR Service Center in Jackson Heights, NY. The CIPS designation gives you the knowledge and expertise to conduct business with those from other countries and cultures.

Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR's compliance partner, PossibleNOW, makes Do-Not-Call compliance easy. With DNCQuickcheck you can instantly verify phone numbers, access compliance training, generate reports for safe harbor defense assistance and much more. Individual accounts pay just $10/month (a 50-percent savings) or cover unlimited agents in one office for $100/month. To subscribe, visit www1.dncquickcheck.com or call 800.585.4888 and use member code SC1477NY.

The March RPAC auction item is the Brookstone mobile charger. Brookstone’s powerful mobile charger lets you travel light while making quick work of charging. Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad devices, it easily charges two tablets or devices at once. Plus it works with most other smartphones and small devices including Android, Blackberry and Samsung Galaxy. Bidding closes Thursday, March 20. 

Click here to learn more.

Once again RPAC of NY will return to Citi Field to lend our support to the New York Mets. The event will be on Friday, April 25, and features a ticket to the game in the exclusive Party City Deck, located feet from the action in left field, field level. The Party City Deck offers bar stools and regular seats. Every ticket also includes complimentary food and beer service throughout the game! Contact Derick King, NYSAR political affairs coordinator, for complete details at dking@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x238. Click here for a flyer with more information.