The New York State housing market continued to impress by showing gains in closed sales, pending sales and median sales price in October compared to the same time last year. According to the housing market report released by the New York State Association of REALTORS, closed sales were up 17.1 percent, pending sales rose 23.9 percent, and median sales price was up 12.3 percent compared to October 2012. 

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The best way to receive and respond to NAR Calls for Action is through the REALTOR Action Center mobile app. The interactive app allows REALTORS to receive and respond to Calls for Action on the go. What are you waiting for? Download the app today.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a $13 billion mortgage settlement between JPMorgan Chase and several government authorities. The settlement requires JPMorgan to pay $9 billion in cash payments and provide $4 billion in consumer relief including mortgage modifications for homeowners at risk of foreclosure. New York State will receive more than $1 billion of the $13 billion settlement, including $613 million in cash and approximately $400 million in consumer relief for struggling New Yorkers. 

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State Senate Republicans issued a report last week on proposed tax reforms that calls for amendments to personal income taxes, business taxes, estate taxes and local property taxes. The report is the product of tax reform hearings held across New York State, which provided an opportunity for private sector organizations and citizens to express their views and share their ideas on ways to provide relief to overburdened taxpayers, while also improving the State’s overall climate for economic growth and new job creation.

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The Tuesday, December 17, NYSAR Radio show will take a look back at legal issues in 2013. Tune in at 10 a.m. on December 17 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.

Click here for more information as well as a list of links to play NYSAR Radio from any of your mobile devices.

New legislation now requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years. Homeowners will not have to register in order to receive their 2013 STAR exemptions and will not have to re-register every year.Based on the information provided in the registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners’ eligibility in future years. Registration will continue through December 31, 2013. Click here to register.

By popular demand, the online pre-registration deadline for Triple Play 2013 been extended until Monday, December 2, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Use this extra time to pre-register for Triple Play as a whole, take advantage of Registration Plus, and pre-register for a pre-convention designation course.

Click here to learn more or to register today.

Did you know saving $10,000 on your taxes is worth more than making an extra $17,000? You work hard for your commissions, so learn how to keep more of them through tax breaks!

Join us for this exclusive NYSAR webinar with former IRS trainer, CPA, and tax attorney Sandy Botkin on Thursday, December 5, at 2:30 p.m. This will be a powerful presentation covering five strategies to save on your taxes and stay out of trouble with the IRS. 

Click here to register today.

TransUnion SmartMove is an easy, comprehensive and reliable web-based tenant background check offering access to a full credit report, criminal report, customized leasing recommendations and suggested deposit amount to request at lease signing. The trusted brand’s process is all online and you pay only when you use it with no set-up, minimum or annual fees.

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Annually, more than 8 million children are relocated by their families. Ease fears and meet the special needs of this sizeable market with "The Great Moving Adventure" DVD, a part of World Class Coaches Moving Families Initiative. Plus, after purchasing you’ll, receive free training on practices to increase your client acquisition, satisfaction and retention rates. Visit www.worldclasscoaches.com/greatmoving-NYSAR.php for more details or to purchase the DVD for use with your clients. Please use coupon code "NYSAR2010" at checkout to apply your NYSAR discount.

When in Atlantic City...do as the high rollers do and enjoy all of the city’s pleasures in one location: the RPAC High Rollers' Suite on Wednesday, December 11, 2013! Amenities include: shoe shine; manicures; massages; professional photographs; blackjack and roulette lessons by one of Atlantic City’s renowned card dealers; business facilities; hot lunch; beverages; and a deluxe coffee barista. New this year, we are also offering a "barista pass" to take advantage of just the coffee barista for a $15 RPAC investment. 

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