The New York State housing market posted a solid first quarter of 2013 with gains in closed sales, median sales price and pending sales compared to the 2012 first quarter. The statewide inventory of homes for sale continued to decline, reaching its lowest point since January 2006.

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The Spring 2013 Housing Market Survey found that New Yorkers were more positive about the current real estate market in the spring of 2013 than they were in 2012 and their outlook for the future continues to improve. Residents say the gap between sellers and buyers has changed, with improved conditions for sellers anticipated to continue over the coming year. The majority of residents who plan to buy or sell their home in the next six months plan to use a REALTOR.

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According to the results of the first quarter 2013 New York State Consumer Real Estate Sentiment Scores released by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), for the second consecutive quarter, the assessment of housing values in every region of the state is positive and predicted to increase by New Yorkers.

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The New York State Department of State has released amendments to sections 1101.4, 1103.4 and 1104.1 of Title 19 NYCRR relating to appraisal trainee/supervision standards and reciprocity. The amendments are to make New York appraiser rules conform to federal requirements.

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The New York City Council Committee on Housing and Building will be holding a hearing on NYSAR supported Intro. 188, the Fair Cooperative Procedure Law, on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the 14th Floor Committee Room, 250 Broadway, New York, NY. We encourage all New York City NYSAR members to come and be present at the hearing to show REALTOR support for the passage of this important legislation. Click here to read NYSAR's full Memorandum in Support. 

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According to the latest Quinnipiac University poll, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's approval rating is up slightly compared to last month, from 55-27 to 57-29. Meanwhile, 48 percent of voters polled said corruption is a "very serious" problem and another 39 percent said it is a "somewhat serious" problem.

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The House Ways & Means Committee has set a "hearing on Federal tax provisions that affect residential real estate as part of the Committee's continued work on comprehensive tax reform," on April 25. This is one more step in a long process of the tax reform discussions at the national level. National Association of REALTORS President Gary Thomas will be providing testimony to the committee on behalf of REALTORS.

Also, last week NAR submitted testimony to the Ways & Means Committee regarding the need for MID preservation. To read NAR's tax policy document, click here.

Today's NYSAR Radio show will cover recent court and New York State Department of State decisions. Tune in at 10 a.m. this morning on your PC or Mac by using the player on the NYSAR Radio page. 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.

Time Warner Cable, NYSAR's newest Member Perks Partner, is kicking off the summer with a one week sweepstakes, giving away two pairs of Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses. To qualify, simply register in the REALTOR Referral Program any time during the week of April 23-30. By registering, you will automatically receive 25 points and qualify for the drawing. To learn more about the program and to register today, visit www.twcablerealty.com/NYSAR.

Green 100, 200 and 300 will be offered April 29, May 1 and May 3, respectively, at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS in Johnson City, NY. The Green designation teaches you the latest green technologies to help you serve a broader array of clients.

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REALTOR Institute 402 - "Real Estate Legal Issues" - will be offered April 30-May 1 at the Mohawk Valley Association of REALTORS in Utica, NY and May 2-3 at the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS in West Nyack, NY. This course gives you a clear understanding of agency practice and policy issues, and teaches how to avoid misrepresentation, antitrust and fair housing violations.

Click here for more information or call 800-239-4432 to register for the free course.

"Global Real Estate: Local Markets" and "Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools" - Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) courses - will be offered May 2 and 3, respectively, at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS office in Staten Island, NY. The CIPS designation gives you the knowledge and expertise to conduct business with those from other countries and cultures.

Click here for more information or to register.

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.

Thank you to the Oswego County Board of REALTORS for inviting NYSAR Government Affairs staff to their Agent's Appreciation Day this past week to speak about RPAC. Dozens of Oswego members invested in RPAC onsite through patriotic pin sales and auction items. Congratulations on reaching your RPAC fundraising goal for the second consecutive year!

Dawn Carpenter from SIBOR submitted the high bid of $200 on the New York Yankees grill cover. Thank you Dawn for your outstanding service and dedication to RPAC. Dawn is the 2013 RPAC of New York vice chair, Golden R Investor, NAR President's Circle Investor and RPAC of New York Hall of Famer. The May RPAC auction item will be announced on May 1.