According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were down 0.3 points to 4.5 percent in March. Overall consumer confidence also fell.

Click here to learn more.

On March 29, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released information on changes to the policies and rates of the National Flood Insurance Program. Highlights of the changes, required under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Bill that passed in 2012, include: revised premium rates; a new Reserve Fund assessment; updated rates for non-primary residences; exclusion of certain properties from receiving subsidized premium rates; and no extensions of subsidy to new policies or lapsed policies.

For more information, click here.

NYSAR's annual Lobby Day will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Albany. NYSAR will once again reimburse anyone wishing to participate in Lobby Day 50 percent of your total individual travel costs including gas, tolls, and/or a hotel room up to $75!

Click here to learn more.

Join the Broker Involvement Program and take action on critical legislative issues affecting your industry and your bottom line. Visit the REALTOR Action Center at www.realtoractioncenter.com or click here for more information.

Today's NYSAR Radio show will cover common commission issues. Tune in at 10 a.m. this morning 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.

CRS - Silver Bullet Solutions - will be offered April 16 at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS in Amherst, NY. This course will teach you to handle the most difficult buyer and seller challenges in today's market.

Click here to watch a video about the Silver Bullet Solutions course. Call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219 to register today. Click here for more information.

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.

Click here to learn more.

REALTOR Institute 403 - "Financing to Increase Homeownership" - will be offered April 18 at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS in Johnson City, 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.

Time Warner Cable recognizes the vital connection you provide to their potential customers and wants to reward you for your referrals. To get started, you first need permission from your broker to present clients with this opportunity. Then, register yourself and gain access to the online referral portal. Your clients will appreciate the time-saving concierge services and a free standard installation, while you earn award points that can be redeemed for thousands of exciting awards, such as electronics, travel awards and luxury gifts, or even donated to charity. You can even choose to use your points to make donations to either the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation or New York State Real Estate Education Foundation (NYSREEF).

For more information or register as a referrer, visit www.twcablerealty.com/nysar. Click here to watch a brief video about the program.

NYSAR's insurance plan administrator, USI Affinity, now offers you access to more than 15 top-rated insurance providers and dedicated consultants who will do the legwork for you. Plus, by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance, you can save up to 30 percent a year.

Click here to learn more.

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.

Click here to learn more.