On Dec. 1, the Federal Conference Committee reconciled the House and Senate versions of the Surface Transportation Bill. The newly-released report uses the House language supported by REALTORS that eliminates an extension of the g-fee as a financing mechanism for transportation. While this is an important step in the process, the final report still must be passed by both the House and Senate, then be signed into law by the President Barack Obama. Learn more here.

Home sales are poised to reach the highest levels since 2006 next year, according to a 2016 housing forecast issued by REALTOR.com. Gains in new-home construction and existing home sales are both expected to push total home sales to the highest levels in years. Fueling the increase in total sales, REALTOR.com predicts three distinct segments of home buyers to dominate: older millennials (25 to 34 years old); younger Generation Xers (35 to 44 years old); and retirees (65 to 74 years old). Learn more here.

Mark your calendar! NYSAR’s annual Lobby Day will be on May 24, 2016 in Albany. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.

The Tuesday, Dec. 15., NYSAR Radio show will take a look back at 2015 and discuss legal items to watch for in 2016. Tune in at 10 a.m. on Dec. 15 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.

Planning to shop at Amazon this holiday season? Remember to shop at smile.amazon.com and support the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation. Just search for NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation in the search bar, select the organization, and shop! All donations go directly to the First-time Homebuyer Grant Program that awards $2,000 grants to low-to-moderate income families/individuals helping to defray the costs involved in closing on a home.

The 2016 training will emphasize NAR’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards hearing procedures. Attendees will gain an understanding of ethics, arbitration and mediation as well as the new mandatory Ombudsman program and citation options. In addition to six hours of CE credit, this course also satisfies NAR’s mandatory ethics training requirement. Click here for more information on dates and to register today.

NYSAR's partnership with UPS gives you access to exclusive shipping discounts – up to 30 percent! Enroll today to start saving on every package you send this holiday season. Visit www.savewithups.com/nysar or call 800-325-7000 to enroll.

Enrollment for health insurance in 2016 is now open! USI Affinity’s dedicated sales representatives will help you navigate the plan options and find the coverage that best suits your needs. Remember, you will face tax penalties if you do not obtain coverage. Also, if you miss open enrollment, you will not be able to obtain health insurance until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment. Shop the NYSAR exchange at http://www.myrealtorinsurance.com/nysar or call USI Affinity’s dedicated sales representative Ned Cox at 888.834.3713 for more information. Click here to watch a recent webinar about how to best navigate open enrollment season.

If you are in Atlantic City for Triple Play tomorrow, visit the RPAC High Rollers’ Suite! Amenities include: shoe shine; manicures; massages; professional photographs; a psychic reader; business facilities; hot lunch; beverages; and a deluxe coffee barista!
Where: Atlantic City Convention Center, Room 308/309
Cost: $250 RPAC investment (to be applied to 2016 RPAC year)