In its U.S. Foreclosures Market Report for March 2014, RealtyTrac Inc. reported that New York State had 3,681 total foreclosures, a 1.76-percent decrease from February and a 31.49-percent decrease from the same time last year. 

Click here to learn more.

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has launched a Twitter Call for Action on patent trolls. Both the House and Senate are considering legislation to stop patent trolls and this Call for Action will provide needed local input. Without needed reforms that reinforce legitimate patent rights and curtail frivolous litigation schemes, REALTORS’ ability to grow, innovate and better serve modern consumers will be put at risk. 

Click here to participate in this Twitter Call for Action. Click here to learn more.

The second in NYSAR’s series of infographics, "Ready to Buy Your First Home?" takes a look at the steps involved for a first-time homebuyer, starting with contacting a REALTOR. NYSAR’s infographics are available to download in both jpeg and PDF formats on the Infographics page of NYSAR.com.

On Thursday, April 10, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced S. 2244, a bill to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for seven more years. The bill is currently set to expire at the end of 2014. Along with extending the program, the bill also makes some changes to its mandatory recoupment amount ($27.5 billion to $37.5 billion) and reduces the federal share of the compensation for insured losses (from 85 percent to 80 percent). 

Click here to learn more.

On Thursday, April 10, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio gave a speech outlining his first 100 days in office and some of the major issues he will address in the future. The overall theme of the speech, like his election campaign, focused New York City government on addressing the economic inequality many city residents face.

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The Tuesday, April 22, NYSAR Radio show will take a look at the Legal Hotline’s most frequently asked questions. Tune in at 10 a.m. on April 22 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.

Did you know that NYSAR has a presence on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn? Follow us on your preferred social media network to get the latest news and updates on the association and the real estate industry, while connecting with your colleagues from across the state.

In addition, make sure to follow the NYSAR_President Twitter feed. 2014 NYSAR President JP Endres updates this feed as she represents New York's REALTORS, calling out information you may have missed and must-read news.

The Housing our Military with Excellent Service (HOMES) course will be offered April 23-24 at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS in Staten Island, NY. In this course, you’ll learn to identify the special housing needs and motivations of military personnel and veterans.

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 405 – "Construction and Environmental Issues" – will be offered April 24 at the REALTOR Service Center in West Babylon, NY. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the physical structure and systems in a home, in addition to energy efficiency and energy rating systems.

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 406 – "Price it Right – Understanding the Appraisal Process" – will be offered April 25 at the REALTOR Service Center in West Babylon, 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.

Take advantage of one of NYSAR’s newest Member Perks partners, Taxbot, to keep more of your commissions through tax deductions! The Taxbot mobile app offers you the ability to track business mileage and expenses with your iPhone or Android smartphone or tablet, and turn those expenses into IRS compliant tax deductions. Click here to learn more.

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.

Click here to learn more.

Spring has finally sprung and it’s time to bring your music outside! Brookstone’s wireless Bluetooth speaker will allow you to enjoy music from any Bluetooth-enabled device – from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or iPod for wireless, crystal clear sound. Bidding closes tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16.

Click here to learn more.

Once again RPAC of NY will return to Citi Field to lend our support to the New York Mets. The event will be on Friday, April 25, and features a ticket to the game in the exclusive Party City Deck, located feet from the action in left field at field level. The Party City Deck offers bar stools and regular seats. Every ticket also includes complimentary food and beer service throughout the game! Contact Derick King, NYSAR political affairs coordinator, for complete details at dking@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x238. Click here for a flyer with more information.