Fixed-rate mortgages were once again on the way up this week, marking the sixth consecutive month for increases. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the most popular one among homebuyers, reached a new high for the year at 4.13 percent. Click here to learn more.

Mandatory Code of Ethics training (formerly known as the Quadrennial Code of Ethics training) must be completed by Dec. 31 of this year. Failure to complete the training by Dec. 31 will result in your local board/association suspending your membership on Jan. 1, 2017 until the requirement is met. Any member who has not met the requirement by March 1, 2017 will be automatically terminated. Learn more here.

Last week, President-Elect Donald Trump selected Dr. Ben Carson to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development. NAR President William E. Brown issued a statement in response to the selection congratulating Carson and wishing him the best of luck. Click here to read more on the nomination and here for NAR’s comment.

Last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo awarded more than $700 million in economic development aid to communities across New York State. Annually, the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) awards varying amounts of state aid to 10 different portions of the state. The Mid-Hudson region brought home the most this year with $83.3 million, followed by the Capital Region with $83.1 million and the Mohawk Valley region with $81.9 million. Click here for the full article and here for the governor’s press release.

Plan 2014, a newly-approved joint plan between the United States and Canada, will allow greater highs and lows of Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River water levels. The plan would allow about two inches to the upper range of what's now in place and an extra eight inches to the lower range. The plan also allows for the International Joint Commission to take emergency actions in the event of high or low water conditions. The new plan will go into effect at the end of January. Click here to read the full story.

The Tuesday, Dec. 20, NYSAR Radio show will take a look back at 2016 and preview what’s new for 2017. Tune in at 10 a.m. on Dec. 20 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.

Planning to shop on Amazon this holiday season? Remember to shop at smile.amazon.com and support the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. 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 them to defray the costs involved in closing on a home.

Learn how to hit the bullseye on perfect pricing with RPR during a webinar on Dec. 21 at 2:30 p.m. RPR’s powerful analysis tools are helping REALTORS across the country educate and impress clients. Starting with the AVM or RVM® for a property, learn how to apply your local market intelligence to refine this starting point with adjustments, addition of home improvement values, and comparison refinement tools. From there, create a quick and easy CMA as well as an in-depth sales comparison analysis, demonstrating how to lead clients through the intricacies of market realities with easy-to-understand facts and graphics. Click here to register today.

One out of every four adults will have their identity stolen – are you next? Stay vigilant this holiday season as you shop online and in stores with NYSAR Member Perks partner IdentityForce, a leader in identity protection. NYSAR has negotiated a special discounted rate to provide you with a proven solution to safeguard your personal information. Don’t wait to fall victim to identity theft, let IdentityForce start protecting you today! Visit www.identityforce.com/nysar for more information and to enroll.

NYSAR Member Perks partner UBS Financial Services helps you reduce your taxable income and save for retirement with Independent 401(k) plans. Designed with the flexibility to decide whether to contribute and how much on an annual basis, you have the ability to borrow against your own retirement savings both tax-free and penalty-fee. Through NYSAR’s partnership, you’ll pay a minimal annual fee of only $25 for your account. Visit the Retirement page of NYSAR.com or contact Christopher Michelsen, financial advisor at UBS Financial Services, at 212-626-8515 for more details and to enroll now. Click here to watch a recent webinar on tax and retirement planning for REALTORS.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the RPAC High Rollers Suite last week in Atlantic City to kick-off the 2017 RPAC fundraising year. RPAC of NY raised more than $7,500 in direct investments and pledges. The suite included a barista, shoe shine, massage, manicure, professional photographer, psychic readings, laptops, printer, phone chargers, hot lunch, snacks and beverages.

Starting bid for the December RPAC auction item, the iPad Air 2, is $200. Email bids to dking@nysar.com, call Derick King at 518-463-0300 x238 or join the RPAC of New York Facebook group to submit a bid. Bidding remains open until COB, Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Southern Adirondack REALTORS hosted their signature RPAC holiday luncheon and RPAC auction at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Water Park in Lake George last week. The event included the induction of the 2017 SAR officers, live & silent auctions to benefit RPAC, lunch and plenty of holiday cheer. Congratulations to 2016 REALTOR of the year Allen Van Hoff, who was also recognized during the event.