According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were down 0.8 points to 4.3 percent in June. Overall, New York State consumer confidence rose 2.8 points, while the nation’s confidence level increased 0.6 points. At 78.8, New York State’s overall consumer confidence is 3.7 points below the nation’s confidence level of 82.5.

Buying plans were also down for furniture, while plans were up for cars/trucks, consumer electronics and major home improvements.

To read the entire SRI press release,click here.
 

The National Association of REALTORS announced Monday a new national advertising campaign called "Real People." The campaign is part of a $35 million annual advertising effort that targets home buyers and sellers across television, radio, online, and via mobile channels."Real People" aims to reinforce the REALTOR brand online and in person with consumers. The commercials will feature people talking about their experiences with REALTORS and realtor.com, while explaining the value of combining REALTOR insights and the accurate data from realtor.com.

 

 Click here to learn more.

Candidates filed their campaign finance reports for the first six months of the year Friday.  According to the reports from the New York State Board of Elections, Gov. Andrew Cuomo reports having raised $33 million in campaign contributions, while his opponent, Republican Rob Astorino, raised roughly $2.4 million. According to the filings, the Senate Democrats have more than $1 million; the Senate Independent Democratic Conference had $1.1 million and the Senate Republicans started the year with $2.8 million, however, final fundraising numbers have not been released at this time.

Click here to learn more.

According to the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 poll released last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo holds a 35-point lead over Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, 59-24 percent. Astorino remains largely unknown to most New Yorkers with 54 percent of voters saying they don’t know or have no opinion of him. Governor Cuomo also is enjoying 58-42 percent favorability rating. For the full poll results, click here.

On Tuesday June 17, 2014, the Federal Reserve and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) held a webinar describing the forthcoming August 2015 changes to loan disclosures and settlement statements. In addition to significant changes to the form, new rules will require the settlement statement to be completed three days prior to closing. The webinar requires a short form to be completed and can be viewed here.

The Tuesday, July 22, NYSAR Radio show will take a look at disclosures other than agency. Tune in at 10 a.m. on July 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.

REALTOR Institute 405 – "Construction & Environmental Issues" – will be offered July 23 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, 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 July 24 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, NY. This course will familiarize you with appraisal principles, how appraisers must operate, where their responsibilities are, and to whom. You’ll also analyze data to develop and present an effective CMA.

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.

This is your final chance to enroll in NYSAR’s dental plan with optional vision rider for your insurance needs. After July 31, you will have to wait until next summer to enroll. 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.

Congratulations to the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS and WCR on raising more than $1,600 for RPAC during the second annual mini-golf family picnic at Clifton Park Golf this past week! Thank you Jennifer Vucetic for again lending the venue and to GCAR’s RPAC team of Jeffery Decatur, Susan Sommers and Victoria Gettings. Thank you GCAR and WCR members for your ongoing support of RPAC.

The summer fundraising season is in full swing! Find out which boards across the state are busy holding RPAC fundraising events in the coming weeks and months by clicking here.