The recovery of the New York State housing market continued into 2013 as January sales of existing single-family homes, condos and co-ops were 9.5 percent ahead of January 2012. The statewide median sales price grew by 5 percent compared to a year ago and available inventory continued to decrease.

The deadline for applications to NYSREEF’s Next Generation Scholarship has been extended to Friday, March 15. Please encourage your college-aged relatives to apply today!

Click here to learn more.

Last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued his 30-day amendments to his 2013-2014 Executive Budget Proposal. While there were no changes to his budget proposal with direct implications on real estate or real estate licensees, the highlights of the amendments can be found here.

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The New York State United Teacher’s Union (NYSUT) filed a lawsuit last week challenging that the state’s tax cap is unconstitutional. The lawsuit, which was filed in Supreme Court in Albany, asserts that the tax cap interferes with local control of schools.

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On February 21, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the New York State Department of Financial Services is investigating the practices of three insurance companies in the aftermath of storm Sandy. The insurers are being investigated for several items including: failure to send claims adjusters in a timely manner; failing to process claims; and being inaccessible to homeowners with claims. New York State has a website where insurance company report cards have been tabulated following the disaster, which can be found athttp://nyinsure.ny.gov/. New York State residents can also file a complaint against an insurance company at the website.

The Tuesday, March 5, NYSAR Radio show will cover best practices for operating a real estate team. Tune in at 10 a.m. on March 5 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.

Videos from the Mid-Winter Business Meetings including the State of the Association address from NYSAR President Margaret Hartman during the General Session, the Legal Update session, the YPN mobile technology presentation and more are now available on the Video page of the Media Center at NYSAR.com.

REALTOR Institute 403 – "Financing to Increase Homeownership" – will be offered March 6 at the Ithaca Board of REALTORS in Ithaca, NY. This course shows you how to research products, qualify buyers and explain the best financing options for your clients.

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 402 – "Real Estate Legal Issues" – will be offered March 7-8 at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS in Staten Island, NY. This course gives you a clear understanding of agency practice and policy issues, and by learning to avoid misrepresentation, antitrust and fair housing violations.

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 408 – "e-PRO Day One" – will be offered March 7 at the Elmira-Corning Board of REALTORS in Corning, NY. This new addition to the GRI program covers day one of the two-day e-PRO certification (day two is completed online - additional fee applies). In this program, you'll focus on the changing market, creating an online presence and managing your online reputation.

Click here for more information or to register.

Presented by a representative from the American Coalition of Competitive Energy Suppliers (ACCES), this webinar will cover what energy choice means, the benefits of energy choice, how energy choice works in New York State and more. Click here to register to attend this webinar.

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.

The February RPAC silent auction item is the Kindle Paperwhite WiFi e-reader. The Paperwhite has a higher resolution, higher contrast and the patented built-in light provides the ultimate reading experience even in bright sunlight. Bids must be placed by this Thursday!

Click here to learn more.

RPAC of New York will pay 75 percent of the cost to put on an RPAC fundraising event, while the local boards’ Local Revenue Sharing (LRS) account will be charged the remaining 25 percent. Many boards host events such as auctions, talent shows or group outings at a local attraction such as a restaurant, brewery, bowling alley or sporting event. As a reminder, local boards must complete the RPAC Local Board Event Fundraising Request Form prior to holding the event. By law, all expenses associated with RPAC fundraising must be paid for by RPAC and never by the local board. Please contact Political Affairs Coordinator Derick King at 518-463-0300 x238 or dking@nysar.com for RPAC events guidance.