According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were down 1.5 points to 2.9 percent in December, while overall consumer confidence decreased.

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On January 1, both the Senate and House passed H.R. 8 legislation to avert the "fiscal cliff." The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 2. Contained in the legislation were several real estate related tax extenders and changes. For a full summary of all real estate related proposals, click here.

The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Next Generation Scholarship. This fund awards scholarships for higher education to the next generation of real estate professionals. Eligibility is limited to relatives of active NYSAR members living in New York State. The application deadline is March 1.

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President Barack Obama signed the first Hurricane Sandy disaster relief bill into law over the weekend, approving $9.7 billion for the National Flood Insurance Program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administers the flood insurance program, recently notified Congress that it would run out of money within the next week to cover claims filed by individuals.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo will deliver his third annual State of State Wednesday, January 9, in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Cuomo has declined to give specifics about what his speech will cover, however, he has alluded to two topics he will be discussing: Superstorm Sandy and the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.

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State senators are set to gavel into session tomorrow, and the chamber’s first order of business will be to vote on new rules governing how the Senate will operate during the coming year. The stalled release of the rules will give justices of the Appellate Division some extra time to rule in an election case between Republican George Amedore and Duanesburg Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk.

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Today’s 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. today 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. The show will also re-air tomorrow at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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

The Legal Hotline is now available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Now you’ll have 30 hours per week to access our attorneys for answers to your legal questions relating to real estate law and practice. For more information on the Legal Hotline, click here.

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. Reserve your hotel room by Monday, January 14, to take advantage of NYSAR’s discounted room rate of $139 per night. Click here for more information or to register.

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.

Click here for more information or to register.

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.

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. Click here to learn more.