Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that requires builders of one- and two-family homes to provide buyers with information on the installation of automatic sprinkler systems. NYSAR strongly supported this legislation, as the decision to install fire sprinklers should be a consumer choice. 

Click here to learn more. To read NYSAR’s Memorandum in Support, click here.

According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were up 0.8 points to 5.1 percent in July. Overall, New York State consumer confidence fell 5.3 points, while the nation’s confidence level decreased 0.7 points. At 73.5, New York State’s overall consumer confidence is 8.3 points below the nation’s confidence level of 81.8.

Click here to learn more.

The New York State Association of REALTORS will hold its annual Fall Business Meetings from September 28 to October 1 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.

Primary Day is September 9, 2014. As a REALTOR, you are a vital and integral part of the community. REALTORS must maintain their commitment to support political candidates that impact public policy for the benefit of the real estate industry and the protection of private property rights. One of the important ways that REALTORS demonstrate this support is by getting out to the polls and voting!

To view the full list of primaries, click here.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Reserve will be hosting a webinar on the implementation of changes to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) on Tuesday, August 26, at 2 p.m. In addition to major changes to the loan disclosure and closing forms themselves, the new rules will require that the settlement statement be completed three days prior to closing. The new forms and rules go into effect less than one year from now. This webinar is part of the process of answering questions and concerns relating to implementation. All those with an interest in disclosures, the closing process, and RESPA/TILA should sign up and listen in. 

Click here to view the sign-up page.

The Tuesday, August 19, NYSAR Radio show will review recent court and New York State Department of State decisions. Tune in at 10 a.m. on August 19 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.

The NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation will be 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 to top it off, the winner will receive a $200 American Express gift card to use during their stay. 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. Enter between now and September 30. Click here for a flyer with full details.

The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) course will be offered August 19-20 at the LIBOR REALTOR Service Center in Woodbury, NY. The course provides the skills, training and resources you need to represent the interests of sellers in today’s marketplace.

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 409 – "Equal and Ethical Service" – will be offered August 20-21 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, NY. This course fulfills the Code of Ethics training requirement for NYS license renewal.

Click here for more information or to register.

By popular demand, the deadline for enrollment in NYSAR’s dental plan with optional vision rider has been extended until August 30. After August 30, 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.

Enjoy a night of comedy, a ventriloquist, live and silent auctions - all in the name of RPAC! Tickets cost $50 each and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Register online to attend NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings and the RPAC fundraising event today. Or, simply download, complete and return the registration form to NYSAR via fax or mail.

We are seeking auction item donations to be featured in RPAC’s LOL Stand-Up Comedy Night fundraising event. If local boards or individual members would like to donate auction items, please contact Derick King at dking@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x238 with a description of the item and the value by Monday, September 22. Local boards and individual members will receive RPAC credit for auction item donations!

Tired of hunting for an outlet to power up your mobile device? The Yubi Power Pack battery charger rapidly charges two devices at the same time, including Apple, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, LG, Nokia, Blackberry, Sony, and 5V Tablets compatible devices. Bidding closes on Wednesday, August 20.

Click here to learn more.