The New York State median home sales price increased by 1.3 percent in May compared to May 2013, while the number of closed sales fell by more than 14 percent compared to a year ago, according to the housing market report released by the New York State Association of REALTORS. Closed sales are down 5.2 percent compared to the first five months of 2013. 

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Privately-owned housing starts in May were at a seasonally adjusted rate of 95,000 for the Northeast, down 25.2 percent from April, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department. Building permits for the Northeast in May rose 3.5 percent to 117,000.

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The 2014 legislative session officially came to an end on Friday, June 20. Due to the active support and involvement of countless REALTORS from across the state, NYSAR successfully accomplished several of our legislative priorities this year including the passage by both the Senate and Assembly of three NYSAR supported bills. The first ensures the continued availability of FHA loans in New York. The second will require any builder who is contracting to construct a one- or two-family residence, under three stories in height, to provide the buyer with information on the installation of fire sprinklers prior to entering into a contract for construction of such dwelling. The third will codify the ability of brokers to offer rebates and incentives to buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords. NYSAR also successfully defeated legislation that would have required water quality tests as a condition of the transfer of any real property serviced by a well, and legislation to double the fines for violations of the real estate licensing laws.

Most importantly, NYSAR was able to prevent the passage of several bills that would have negatively impacted REALTORS. To read the full session overview, click here.

Residents in 10 of New York's 27 congressional districts will vote today in primaries for districts ranging from the Southern Tier to the Hudson Valley, the North Country, New York City and the eastern tip of Long Island.

Click here for more information on today’s races.

According to the latest Siena Research Institute poll released last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo holds a 36-point lead over Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, 57-21 percent. Astorino remains largely unknown to most New Yorkers with more than two-thirds of voters saying they don’t know or have no opinion of him. Governor Cuomo is also enjoying a 63-31 percent favorability rating.

In other statewide races, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, both Democrats, have large leads over their opponents. DiNapoli leads Onondaga County Comptroller Bob Antonacci by 34 points, and Schneiderman leads John Cahill by 25 points. For the full poll results, click here.

The second quarter edition of NYSAR’s Legal Lines publication is now available online at NYSAR.com. This edition covers key issues including a New York State Department of State ruling on collecting additional commissions, and whether a broker acted as procuring cause in a transaction. Federal cases include a ruling naming salespeople as independent contractors, an MLS copyright infringement lawsuit, and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) frequently asked questions.

Click here to read the latest issue.

The Tuesday, July 8, NYSAR Radio show will cover antitrust. Tune in at 10 a.m. on July 8 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.

In honor of June being NYSAR Housing Opportunities Month and in an effort to raise awareness for housing opportunities in New York State, the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation has made a goal of raising $5,000, which goes directly to its First-time Homebuyer Grant Program. The foundation will have a fundraiser at the NYSAR 2015 Mid-Winter Business Meetings called the "It’s New to You" Couture Store and is collecting gently-used items to be sold in the store. In recognition of this effort, any donation you make will raise the level in their virtual shopping bag.

The bag with donor recognition is prominently displayed on NYSARHousingFoundation.com, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of New York State REALTOR magazine, on the foundation’s Facebook page and at the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings. Click here to learn more and to donate.

REALTOR Institute 402 – "Real Estate Legal Issues" – will be offered July 1-2 at the Mahopac Library in Mahopac, NY. This course will teach you how to limit your liability by developing a clear understanding of agency practice and policy issues, and how to avoid misrepresentation, antitrust and fair housing violations.

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 405 – "Construction & Environmental Issues" – will be offered July 14 at the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS in Goshen, 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.

Open enrollment has begun for a July 1 effective date, so now is the time to consider NYSAR’s dental plan and optional vision rider for your insurance needs. Key benefits of United Concordia dental plan include: options to offer you a range in coverage and cost; lower rates with a two-year guarantee; orthodontia coverage; and more. New in 2014, the optional vision rider, administered by Davis Vision, includes: an annual vision exam; annual allowance for glasses or contacts; discounts on disposable contact lenses and laser vision correction; and more.

For more information about the plans and rates, please call 888-834-3713 or visit www.myrealtorinsurance.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.

It’s time to enjoy the great outdoors by gathering around this cozy fire pit! Made of durable steel with a rubbed bronze finish, it includes a log grate, fire poker, mesh screen and cover to protect against the elements. Bidding closes tomorrow, Wednesday, June 25. Click here to learn more.

Congratulations to the Columbia-Greene Board of REALTORS on raising $3,000 for RPAC at their second annual RPAC BBQ last week! It was a beautiful afternoon to be outside enjoying a BBQ lunch, dessert, beer samples, a water balloon toss and more in the name of RPAC. Thank you!