Last week’s REALTOR Lobby Day was a large success thanks to all of those who attended and showed their support. Throughout the day, local REALTOR boards and their members found much support from lawmakers for our priorities, which include extending the state’s property tax cap and providing first-time homebuyer assistance for New Yorkers. Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan gave Lobby Day attendees a warm welcome and positive insight saying he is confident the property tax cap will be extended. A video of Flanagan’s remarks can be seen here. A full recap video of Lobby Day 2015 can be seen here.

Learn more here.

Americans’ attitudes about the housing market are strengthening, according to Fannie Mae’s May 2015 National Housing Survey, a survey of about 1,000 consumers on their views about homeownership.The share of consumers who say now is a good time to sell a home continues to rise, reaching an all-time survey high in May at 49 percent of respondents. What's more, the number of consumers who say they would prefer to buy rather than rent a home on their next move rose three percentage points in May to 66 percent.

Learn more here.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced $11 million in grants to build, improve and preserve affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. The 61 awards across the state’s 10 regions were given to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to help support community priorities, keep people in their homes and expand local opportunities for affordable housing.

Learn more here.

NYSAR played a critical role in passing New York State’s property tax cap in 2011 and is continuing to push for its extension as negotiations continue in Albany. NYSAR CEO Duncan MacKenzie was invited to speak on this issue and other REALTOR priorities on Time Warner Cable News’ Capital Tonight.

MacKenzie reiterated the importance of a tax cap and keeping costs down for homeowners and buyers saying, "Property taxes in New York play a big role in that final cost and what you are going to pay every month." The tax cap has stabilized New York’s property taxes and now additional steps should be taken to further incentivize homeownership. The full interview can be seen here.

Tens of thousands of REALTORS now receive REALTOR Party mobile alerts directly to their phone, giving them exclusive opportunities to take action on important real estate issues. Don’t miss out – join the network quickly and easily by texting "NY REALTORS" to 30644.

The National Association of REALTORS will send you short text messages when they need you to respond to a Call for Action (usually only three to five times per year). Message and data rates may apply, and you can unsubscribe at any time. For questions about the REALTOR Party mobile alerts, contact comments@realtoractioncenter.com.

Stay up-to-date on NYSAR Government Affairs news and events by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Today’s NYSAR Radio show will cover disclosures other than agency. 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.

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

Don’t miss NYSAR’s Legal Update webinar presented by NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto, Esq. this Thursday, June 18, at 2:30 p.m. The webinar will cover recent court and DOS decisions relating to commissions, fair housing and unlicensed individuals. Teams and broker rebates will also be discussed. Register today!

In honor of June being NYSAR Housing Opportunities Month and in an effort to raise awareness for housing opportunities in New York State, the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation has made a goal of raising $5,000, which goes directly to its First-time Homebuyer Grant Program. Donor recognition will be prominently displayed on NYSARHousingFoundation.com, in an upcoming issue of New York State REALTOR magazine, on the foundation's Facebook page and at the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings. Learn more about the foundation's efforts, and donate here.

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) course will be offered June 18-19 at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS in Amherst, NY. Become a proficient and profitable buyer’s representative, serving with quality, fidelity and confidence.

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Find more information here.

The Short Sales and Foreclosures (SFR) course will be offered on June 26 at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS in Johnson City, NY. Maneuver the complexities of short sales and help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities. This course is the SFR requirement and also provides elective credit for the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation.

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Find more information here.

The open enrollment period for NYSAR’s dental plan has begun, and there’s never been a better time to re-evaluate your dental and vision coverage. Administered by USI Affinity and now underwritten by MetLife, the NYSAR dental plan offers: options for a range in coverage and cost; third straight year of no rate increases; coverage for individuals and families; freedom to visit any dentist, in or out-of-network; and coverage for orthodontia.

Through this new partnership with MetLife, vision coverage is now being offered as a standalone option in addition to being an optional rider on the dental policy. Visit the Insurance page of NYSAR.com or all USI Affinity’s dedicated sales representative Ned Cox at 888.834.3713 for more information.

Take advantage of NYSAR Member Perks partner Taxbot to keep more of your commissions through tax deductions! The Taxbot mobile app offers you the ability to track business mileage and expenses with your iPhone or Android smartphone or tablet, and turn those expenses into IRS compliant tax deductions. Watch a video showing how easy the app is to use. 

Learn more here.

It’s time to enjoy the great outdoors by gathering around a cozy fire. Picture your family and friends around this fire pit, roasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories and consuming a few refreshing beverages! Screen, fire poker tool and PVC cover included. Bidding closes Monday, June 22.

Visit the RPAC page of NYSAR.com to learn more.

Local boards across the state have been busy hosting local RPAC events this spring! Already, local boards have raised more than $54,000 for RPAC. From Greater Rochester’s March Madness to Greater Syracuse’s Cooking for RPAC, Columbia Greene’s wine tasting, LIBOR’s Day at the Races, Greater Capital’s Bowling for RPAC and Hudson Gateway’s Mr. Legs Pageant and casual mixers, REALTORS have come out to support RPAC in their communities. View the calendar of RPAC events to be held over the next several weeks.