For the second consecutive month, the New York State housing market report posted gains in closed sales, pending sales and median sales price compared to the same period in 2011. Sales of existing single-family homes, condo and co-op transactions increased by 4 percent compared to last November, while pending sales were up 2.3 percent and median sales price rose by 4 percent.

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HomeGain recently released the results of its nationwide fourth quarter 2012 home values survey. The survey showed 65 percent of real estate professionals expect home values to increase in the next six months. Thirty-nine percent of homeowners expect home values to increase.

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Freddie Mac has developed an information sheet on Superstorm Sandy relief options and guidance for homeowners on how to access available programs. Click here to view the information. 

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The Tuesday, January 8, NYSAR Radio show will take a look back at 2012 and also preview what’s to come in 2013. Tune in at 10 a.m. on January 8 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.

NYSAR’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Training will be offered January 16 at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse, 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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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.

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NYSAR's health insurance plans, administered by USI Affinity and underwritten by MVP Health Care, offer members four cost-effective, comprehensive plan options all with prescription drug coverage, a nationwide provider network, flexible care with no referrals and much more. Don't wait, review plan options and get your customized quote today.Visit www.myrealtorinsurance.com/nysar or call 888.834.3713 x18626 to speak with Ned Cox, NYSAR's dedicated benefits counselor.

Annually, more than 8 million children are relocated by their families. Ease fears and meet the special needs of this sizeable market with the Great Moving Adventure DVD, a part of World Class Coaches Moving Families Initiative. Plus, after purchasing you’ll receive free training on practices to increase your client acquisition, satisfaction and retention rates. Visit www.worldclasscoaches.com/greatmoving-NYSAR.php for more details or to purchase the DVD for use with your clients. Please use coupon code "NYSAR2010" at checkout to apply your NYSAR discount.

Back by popular demand, the RPAC VIP Lounge will be held 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 December RPAC silent auction item is a heated ice scraper from Sharper Image. This ingenious tool heats and clears away stubborn ice quickly and easily. Bids must be placed by Friday, December 28.

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