Entering the second half of 2014, the number of home sales in New York State declined in July compared to a year ago, but competition for those purchases netted sellers more of their asking price, according to the housing market report released by the New York State Association of REALTORS. July 2014 home sales fell more than 10 percent from July 2013 to 10,545, while the statewide median sales price of $239,000 nearly held pace with last July. 

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released a bulletin outlining expectations for mortgage servicers that transfer loans. The bulletin includes information on how mortgage servicers should pay special attention to new rules protecting consumers applying for loss mitigation help or trial modifications.

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Privately-owned housing starts in July were at a seasonally adjusted rate of 144,000 for the Northeast, up 44 percent from June, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department. Building permits for the Northeast also rose in July, increasing 18.8 percent to 120,000.

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The New York State Department of State has amended the broker record retention rule to clarify and simplify the types of records that need to be maintained by licensed real estate brokers in New York. The Notice of Adoption was published on July 30, and will become effective on October 15, 2014. 

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The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released a "Request for Input" on its Strategic Plan for 2015-2019. The plan outlines the direction that FHFA will guide the GSEs while in conservatorship. Goals include ensuring safe and sound regulated entities, ensuring liquidity, stability and access in housing finance, and managing the enterprises ongoing conservatorship.

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A recent Quinnipiac poll found that 48 percent of New Yorkers are opposed to drilling in the Marcellus Shale region due to environmental concerns. That's the highest level of opposition to the controversial natural gas drilling technique found by the poll since it has been tracking voters' opinions on this issue.

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A state appellate court unanimously rejected an appeal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s campaign to remove Zepher Teachout on the ballot for next month’s Democratic primary. Cuomo challenged Teachout’s candidacy based on her residency status claiming she is actually a resident of Vermont. The court’s ruling allows Teachout to continue her long-shot challenge to unseat Cuomo for New York’s next governor.

The Tuesday, September 9, NYSAR Radio show will debunk popular real estate-related myths. Tune in at 10 a.m. on September 9 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.

Dig your old cell phones out of your desk drawers and bring them with you to Turning Stone! The Young Professionals Network will be collecting cell phones to be donated to domestic violence centers across the state during the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings, September 28-October 1. 

This year, the collection has a twist - each region will be competing to see who can collect the most. The collection from each region will be taken back by a representative to be donated locally. The region that collects the most phones will be spotlighted in a future issue of New York State REALTOR magazine.

The New York State Association of REALTORSwill 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. Also, be sure to reserve your hotel rooms by this Friday, August 29, to get the discounted room rates.

For more information or to register for the meetings, click here.

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.

It’s the final week to enroll in NYSAR’s dental plan with optional vision. 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.

NYSAR's compliance partner, PossibleNOW, makes Do-Not-Call compliance easy. With DNCQuickcheck you can instantly verify phone numbers, access compliance training, generate reports for safe harbor defense assistance and much more. Individual accounts pay just $10/month (a 50-percent savings) or cover unlimited agents in one office for $100/month. To subscribe, visit www1.dncquickcheck.com or call 800.585.4888 and use member code SC1477NY.

RPAC of NY is hosting the "LOL Stand-Up Comedy Night" fundraising event on Monday, September 29, from 7:30-11 p.m. during the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. Enjoy a night of comedy, a ventriloquist, and 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. Click hereto view a flyer about the event. 

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 & individual members will receive RPAC credit for auction item donations!

GCAR’s Miguel Berger was the high bidder on the August RPAC auction item, the portable battery charger. Thank you Miguel for submitting the high bid of $500 and for your long-standing commitment as an RPAC Major Investor. The September RPAC auction item will be announced in early September.