On August 28, the six financial federal regulators responsible for writing and implementing the Qualified Residential Mortgage rule, or "QRM", re-proposed the rule after receiving considerable pushback from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), other housing industry groups, consumer groups, and lawmakers. The re-proposed rule sharply revises the definition of QRM and marks a victory for REALTORS. 

Click here to learn more.

Today is Primary Day for local elected officials. Please let your REALTOR voice be heard and get to the polls and vote!

To find out if you are registered, and where your local polling place is located, click here.

The NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation is raffling off a prize worth more than $1,200! The winner will enjoy a two night stay at The Lodge at Turning Stone as well as a complimentary round of golf for two or spa treatments at Skana worth $210, and a $200 American Express gift card. The winner will be announced during the Board of Directors meeting at the Fall Business Meetings. A special thanks to our generous sponsor, The Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Some restrictions apply. Click here for a flyer with full details.

The New York State Senate Committee on Finance and the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations recently held the first of several hearings on the subject of tax reform. The hearing was an effort by the Senate to gather input and recommendations for creative ways to change and improve New York’s extensive tax laws. 

Click here to learn more.

The National Association of REALTORS has created a centralized resource for all things related to the flood insurance issue. The new Flood Insurance Toolkit is now available on REALTOR.org by clicking here. This toolkit is a one-stop shop to provide you with all the information you’ll need about the issue, and is a great resource to answer the questions you might have.

Specific questions about flood insurance can be directed to Austin Perez at aperez@realtors.org.

During the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings, the NYSAR Young Professionals Network (YPN) will be collecting toys to be donated to the Albany Medical Center Children’s Hospital. A collection area will be designated in the registration area at Turning Stone. Members of the YPN will deliver the toys to the hospital on a to-be-determined date after the meetings conclude.

In the weeks leading up to the meetings, please consider collecting toys and participating in this important effort. Click here to view a flyer with more information as well as a list of suggested donation items.

REALTOR Institute 402 – "Real Estate Legal Issues" – will be offered September 17-18 at the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS in Syracuse, NY. This course gives you a clear understanding of agency practice and policy issues, and teaches how to avoid misrepresentation, antitrust and fair housing violations.

Click here for more information or call 800-239-4432 to register for the free course.

REALTOR Institute 406 – "Price it Right – Understanding the Appraisal Process" – will be offered September 19 at the Best Western PLUS University Inn in Canton, NY. This course teaches you the role and responsibilities of the appraiser in order to foster a smooth real estate transaction and offer your clients a higher level of professionalism. 

Click here for more information or to register.

The New York State Association of REALTORSwill hold its annual Fall Business Meetings from September 29 to October 2 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. NYSAR encourages all members to participate as many of the sessions do not require official committee service.

For more information or to register for the meetings, click here.

NYSAR’s exclusive partner for errors and omissions insurance, Pearl Insurance offers you comprehensive and affordable coverage customized to fit your needs. Their program, underwritten by XL Insurance, includes innovative features such as: deductible reduction; open house coverage; environmental failure to advise; innocent partner protection; and public relations advisory services.

For more details or a customized quote, call 800.289.8170 or visit www.pearlinsurance.com/nysar.

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. Visit http://www.savewithups.com/nysar or call 800-325-7000 to enroll.

Congratulations to the Jefferson Lewis board on hosting a very successful RPAC BBQ and auction at the Coyote Moon Vineyard in Clayton last week. Nearly $2,000 was raised at the event. Thank you to the members for attending and investing in the name of RPAC.

RPAC is seeking auction item donations to be featured in the live and silent auctions at the "Monday Night Fever" RPAC event to be held at Turning Stone during the Fall Business Meetings. Local boards and their respective members will receive RPAC credit worth the value of the auction item. Please contact NYSAR Political Affairs Coordinator Derick King at 518-463-0300 x238 or dking@nysar.com by Monday, September 23, with the description of your auction item and the value. Thank you in advance for the auction donations to RPAC.