According to Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research Group, housing indicators showed mixed performance in early 2013, but the market is continuing its upward trajectory. Home prices have increased significantly and are expected to firm further, helping to boost household net worth and providing support to consumers amid ongoing fiscal tightening.

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As part of the budget that was passed last week by the New York State Legislature, homeowners will have to re-register to receive Basic STAR benefits by April 1, 2014. This one-time renewal will eliminate those who are receiving the benefit improperly, either by having the deduction on more than one property or exceeding the maximum income level, by creating a statewide database accessible to all local enforcement officials.

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The National Association of REALTORS' REALTOR Magazine is seeking nominations for the 2013 Good Neighbor Awards. The program recognizes REALTORS whose extraordinary commitment to community service has helped make their communities better places to live. Five winners will receive a $10,000 grant for their community cause and travel to the 2013 REALTORS Conference and Expo in San Francisco. Five honorable mentions will receive $2,500 grants.

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For the third straight year, the New York State Legislature has passed an on-time budget. The 2013-14 state fiscal year budget closes a $1.3 billion deficit, while increasing spending by just under two percent to $141.3 billion. Importantly, this year's budget does not contain any proposals to increase the state mortgage recording or transfer taxes, nor does it contain any proposals affecting the fee structure or requirements for licensing real estate professionals.

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After a vote by the Legislative Steering Committee, NYSAR has entered a memo in opposition to a proposal approved by the New York State Residential Sprinkler Task Force mandating the installation of fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family homes and townhomes in New York.

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The Tuesday, April 9, NYSAR Radio show will cover common commission issues. Tune in at 10 a.m. on April 9 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.

Take four GRI courses, earn 37.5 hours of GRI credit (almost half of the designation requirement), and stay at the Riveredge Resort - all for less than $800 when you register for the GRI Academy in Alexandria Bay. You can choose two courses for $125, three for $250 or all four - that's five days of education - for only $375. The registration deadline has been extended to Monday, April 15. Call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 to register today.

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REALTOR Institute 403 - "Financing to Increase Homeownership" - will be offered April 8 at the LIBOR REALTOR Service Center in Jackson Heights, NY and April 9 at the LIBOR REALTOR Service Center in Riverhead, NY. This course shows you how to research products, qualify buyers and explain the best financing options for your clients.

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Green 100, 200 and 300 will be offered April 9, 10 and 11, respectively, at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, NY. The Green designation teaches you the latest green technologies to help you serve a broader array of clients.

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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.

It's simple, we partner with premier vendors to save you money. With access to exclusive price discounts and special offers, along with a host of additional programs and services, your NYSAR membership can help you do your business better. Take advantage of our partnerships to access: comprehensive insurance options from USI Affinity; E&O coverage from Pearl Insurance; electrical and natural gas supply from Energy Plus; tenant screening discounts from TransUnion SmartMove; shipping discounts from UPS; and much more! Visit the Member Perks section at NYSAR.com for a complete list of NYSAR programs and full details about each program.

The April RPAC silent auction item is a Major League Baseball grill cover. Back by popular demand, this item features the New York Yankees logo, but may be available with other team logos for the right price! The RPAC monthly auction items will now be open for a two-week period instead of the full four weeks. As a result, bidding on the April auction item closes Monday, April 15.

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