The New York State housing market started the new year on a strong note as closed sales jumped more than 13 percent compared to January 2015 to reach 7,640, according to the housing market report released by the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR). The January 2016 statewide median sales price remained unchanged compared to a year ago. Learn more here.

Existing-home sales crept forward in January to the highest annual rate in six months, and subpar supply levels propelled price growth to the fastest increase since last April, according to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). January existing-home sales in the Northeast increased 2.7 percent to an annual rate of 760,000, and are now 20.6 percent above a year ago. Learn more here.

In its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending Feb. 19, 2016, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported that the volume of mortgage loan applications fell 4.3 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one year earlier. The Refinance Index also decreased, falling 8 percent from the previous week, while the Purchase Index rose 2 percent. To read the entire MBA press release, click here.

POLITICO New York reported that Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration came out against a series of City Council bills aimed at stopping landlords from harassing tenants. One of the four bills, sponsored by Councilman Brad Lander, would require developers to obtain a "certificate of no harassment" before doing any construction or demolition to their properties. Learn more here.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released his executive budget report providing information and analysis of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposals, which can be found here. The state Senate and Assembly also released their respective economic and revenue reports. The Assembly report can be found here, and the Senate report can be found here.

On Feb. 24, President Barack Obama signed into law a trade and customs bill (H.R. 644) that includes a provision permanently banning state and local taxes on Internet access. The provision, known as the Internet Tax Freedom Act, has been a priority for the National Association of REALTORS because of its importance to buyers and sellers of real estate. Previous to this law, temporary Internet tax bans were being extended through legislation. More on this legislation can be found here.

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

The Tuesday, March 15, NYSAR Radio show will cover the topic of teams. Tune in at 10 a.m. on March 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.

Join NYSAR and Member Perks partner Taxbot for an enlightening webinar focused on automotive and mileage tracking including SUV/truck deductions and associated entertainment. The webinar will also cover: the true cost of taxes; dollar doubling; benefits of owning your own business; hiring your kids; meals; and home office basics. The webinar will conclude with an overview of the Taxbot mobile expense tracking app, which NYSAR members receive a 50-percent discount on. Click here to register today.

The GRI-4 Legal course will be offered on March 22 at the Ithaca Board of REALTORS in Ithaca, NY. Reduce your risk of claims, fines and lawsuits. Gain a complete understanding of: advertising that is legal and ethical; contracts, forms, deposits, disclosures and record retention; risk management strategies; and title insurance and settlement procedures.

Register online today or call 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

The GRI-6 Sellers course will be offered on March 23 at the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS in Albany, NY. Represent seller clients in a way that keeps them coming back. Get a competitive advantage with strategies to: gain more listings; get clients priced to sell; enhance your marketing; and avoid Fair Housing violations and safety concerns.

Register online today or call 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

The GRI-3 Agency course will be offered on March 23 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, NY. Provide effective, legal and ethical client representation. This course offers in-depth coverage of: all forms of agency representation, associated issues and proper disclosure; and how to avoid the risk of misrepresentation, vicarious liability and breach of fiduciary duties.

Register online today or call 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

NYSAR's compliance partner, PossibleNOW, makes Do-Not-Call compliance easy. With DNCQuickcheck you can instantly verify phone numbers, access compliance training, generate reports for safe harbor defense assistance and much more. Individual accounts pay just $10/month (a 50-percent savings) or cover unlimited agents in one office for $100/month. To subscribe, visit www1.dncquickcheck.com or call 800.585.4888 and use member code SC1477NY.

Your NYSAR membership gives you an extra 10-percent discount at NAR's REALTOR.org store. Shop the store and take advantage of exclusive savings on NAR's entire line of products and publications including books, brochures, DVDs, research reports and more. To redeem your 10-percent discount, visit www.realtor.org/store and simply enter member code "NYSAR2" at checkout.

One gallon of New York State-produced pure maple syrup could be yours with the highest bid! The syrup is donated by Michael Coughlin and made by Angela Swan, Homestead Maple Syrup, both members of the Clinton County Board of REALTORS. The auction closes Friday, March 25. Visit the RPAC Facebook group to place a bid or contact Derick King at dking@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x238.

Spring fever has prompted several local boards to leap into RPAC special event planning! The Long Island board, along with their YPN and WCR, will be returning to Bowlmor Lanes tomorrow for the annual Bowling for RPAC event. Meanwhile, Hudson Gateway will kick-off their 2016 event calendar with a twilight mixer at the Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson Thursday evening. To view the events scheduled for March, click here.