NYSAR has launched a public campaign to support its NY First Home proposal to make buying a first home more affordable in New York State. The program would allow individuals to put away up to $5,000 ($10,000 for couples) per year in a designated savings account to be used solely for costs associated with the purchase of a first home. These funds would be deductible on state personal income taxes, and the principal and any gain would be tax free. The NY First Home campaign will be calling on members and the public to take action by contacting legislators to support and pass this proposal into law. Online ads, a mailer and phone calls will drive support. Learn more at NYFirstHome.com.

On Tuesday, May 24, join the hundreds of NY REALTORS who will converge on Albany to be the voice of the New York State real estate industry and homeowners on key issues including the NY First Home proposal. A list of NYSAR Lobby Day Talking Points can be found here. NYSAR will reimburse up to $75 per person for individual travel expenses. Breakfast, lunch, lobbying orientation and lobbying materials will be provided. View the latest edition of NYSAR At the Capitol to learn more.

School districts in New York are required to submit information about their proposed spending and their proposed tax levy for the upcoming year. To see whether your school district is seeking to override the tax cap, check the data submitted by each district found 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. 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 medical tax tracking. This includes health savings and reimbursement accounts, hiring a professional to manage accounts, and home office/furniture deductions. The webinar will also cover: the true cost of taxes; dollar doubling; benefits of owning your own business; hiring your kids; meals and entertainment; and home office basics. Register today!

The Home Sweet (Second) Home course will be offered May 23  at the Long Island REALTOR Service Center in Riverhead, NY. Learn how to specialize in buying, selling or managing resort properties and second homes for recreation, investment or development.

 

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

The Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI) GRI-8 Technology course will be offered May 25 at the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS in Albany, NY. Discover the latest tools to streamline your business and exceed client expectations. Learn how to be mobile and paperless in your real estate practice.

 

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

NYSAR Member Perks partner HealthiestYou, a health and wellness delivery innovator, puts you in control of your healthcare by giving you 24/7 access to U.S. Board-certified physicians via phone, email or video who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications. For as little as $9/month for individuals and families, you’ll have unlimited doctor consultations, prescription discounts and access to their interactive wellness platform. No consultation fees, no waiting rooms, no co-pays - and do it all from an app! Click here for more details or to enroll today.

Office Depot and Office Max are now one company, and have partnered with NYSAR to provide you exclusive members-only discounts at all store locations and online. Benefits include: up to 80 percent off preferred products; 93,000 products discounted below retail pricing; free next-day delivery on online orders more than $50 (excludes furniture); exclusive low printing costs; and more. Visit www.officediscounts.org/nysar.html to shop online or print your free royalty card for in-store purchases. You can also enroll your business in a business account/direct billing account by calling 855-337-6811 ext. 12897.

Several distinguished NYSAR members were inducted into the National RPAC Hall of Fame during NAR’s Legislative Meetings in Washington, DC last week. Congratulations to the following Hall of Fame Inductees:

$25,000 Lifetime Tier
JP Endres, Hudson Gateway Association
Richard Haggerty, Hudson Gateway Association
Nancy Kennedy, Hudson Gateway Association

$50,000 Lifetime Tier
Max Wm. Gurvitch, Brooklyn Board
George K. Wonica, Staten Island Board

On behalf of a very thankful association, Congratulations and thank you all for your leadership with RPAC!

Connect wirelessly to your devices with the SONY Bluetooth Stereo Headphones. Cut the cord and roam free while enjoying your favorite tunes, audio books, Youtube videos, phone calls and more!

• Bluetooth audio streaming with convenient one-touch pairing to your device.
• Built-in microphone for hands-free phone calling, rechargeable battery for up to 30 hours.
• Music playback.
• Compact, swiveling on-ear ear design, USB charging cable supplied.

Current high bid: $350
Bidding Increments: $25
Email bids to dking@nysar.com, call Derick King at 518-463-0300 x238 or join the RPAC of New YorkFacebook group to submit a bid. Bidding remains open until the close of business on Monday, May 23.

The Spring RPAC fundraising season remains hot! The following local boards are holding RPAC events in the weeks ahead:

• June 9: Greater Capital – 2^ndAnnual Wine & Beer Gathering
  Join your colleagues for a Happy Hour gathering at the Thirsty Owl in Saratoga Springs and enjoy a glass of wine, a beer and appetizers too! Visit the IMS Section of www.gcar.com to purchase your tickets. See flyer for complete details. 

• June 10: Dutchess County – Hudson River Sunset Cruise
  Dutchess County REALTORS will return for a sunset cruise along the majestic Hudson River. The event features gourmet appetizers, refreshing drinks, auctions and a guaranteed good-time in support of RPAC. Contact DCAR for complete details at (845) 471-2811 or www.dcar.com.

• June 15: Columbia-Greene – RPAC BBQ & Perks Fundraiser
  The Columbia Greene Board of REALTORS will host its fourth annual RPAC BBQ and Perks fundraising event at the board office. The event featured a BBQ lunch, professional photographer, a cooking contest and more.For complete details or to register, contact Suzanne Close at (518) 828-7871 or email ae@columbiagreenerealtors.com.

• June 30: Hudson Gateway – New York Yankees Game
  HGAR will return for a NY Yankees game on June 30 to benefit RPAC! Pre-game BBQ and bar open at 11 am on the Rooftop Terrace. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. as the Yankes face the Texas Rangers. Contact Phil Weiden at (914) 681-0833 x3011, email Philip.Weiden@HGAR.com or visit www.hgar.comfor complete detail. See the flyer for more.