The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was the first of six financial regulators to release the final version of the long-awaited qualified residential mortgage (QRM) rule, which stems from the banking reform legislation the federal government enacted after the financial crisis. The QRM rule provides a set of requirements a loan must meet to be considered safe and eligible to be sold to investors as part of a mortgage-backed security without the lender having to retain five percent of the loan amount on its books. Because the QRM loan comes without the risk-retention requirement, lenders should be able to make more loans because they do not have to pass along that risk-retention cost to borrowers.

Under the QRM rule, as under the QM rule, loans are generally considered qualified if the borrower's debt-to-income ratio is 43 percent and there is no onerous down payment requirement. For more information on the final QRM rule, click here.

Home sales throughout New York State remained at a strong level through the third quarter of 2014, even as closings fell off the 2013 pace, according to the housing market report released by the New York State Association of REALTORS. Third quarter closed sales decreased by 4.3 percent compared to the same period last year, while the statewide median sales price remained close to the 2013 third quarter level. 

Click here to learn more.

The latest Siena College poll found Gov. Andrew Cuomo maintains a wide, 21-percentage point lead over his Republican challenger, County Executive Rob Astorino, with just one week to go before Election Day. The race for state attorney general has widened slightly with incumbent Democrat Eric Schneiderman maintaining a 20-point lead over Republican John Cahill, 55-35 percent. And in the race for state comptroller, incumbent Democrat Thomas DiNapoli leads his Republican challenger, Bob Antonacci, 58-31 percent, his largest lead to date. 

Click here to learn more.

Funding for Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan program is now available for fiscal year 2015. Loans that were issued conditional commitments "subject to" commitment authority will be obligated on the agency’s Guaranteed Loan System (GLS). 

Click here to learn more.

The New York City Campaign Finance Board has issued its 2014 voter guide outlining all the races occurring within the five boroughs including races for congressional seats, governor, state Senate and Assembly. This online guide contains important voter information including candidates’ website and social media links to help you cast an informed vote. The guide also covers three state ballot proposals that will appear on the ballot on November 4. The guide provides extensive information about each proposal, including the impact it will have if it passes, reasons to vote yes or no, and statements from individuals and organizations who support or oppose it. 

To see the full guide, click here.

The Tuesday, November 11, NYSAR Radio show will cover agency issues, specifically related to dual and designated agents. Tune in at 10 a.m. on November 11 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.

Enrollment for health insurance in 2015 will be open from November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015. Look to NYSAR Member Perks partner USI Affinity to help you navigate the plan options and find the coverage that best suits your needs. Remember, you will face tax penalties if you do not obtain coverage. Also, if you miss open enrollment, you will not be able to obtain health insurance until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment. Stay tuned for more information regarding 2015 open enrollment or visit www.myrealtorinsurance.com/nysar.

REALTOR Institute 401 – "Get it Listed...Get it Sold" – will be offered November 5-6 at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS in Amherst, NY. This course teaches you new methods of marketing and how to integrate technology into your business to increase your listings, sales and profits. 

Click here for more information or to register.

The Housing our Military with Excellent Service (HOMES) course will be offered November 5-6 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, 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 408 – "e-PRO Day One" – will be offered November 6 at the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS in Goshen, NY. This course covered day one of the two-day e-PRO certification (day two is completed online – additional fee applies). In this program, you’ll focus on the changing market, creating an online presence and managing your online reputation.

Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR’s newest Member Perks partner, Taradel, is an approved affiliate of the U.S. Postal Service’s Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) program. Through this partnership, NYSAR members receive a 5-percent discount to design, target, print and mail marketing pieces to every address in a specific zip code or carrier route. Forget buying mailing lists and printing labels, get started with Every Door Direct Mail® today. Click here to access the exclusive NYSAR EDDM® member portal. 

Learn more about Every Door Direct Mail® during a webinar on November 13, at 2:30 p.m. You'll get a detailed overview of the program and step-by-step instructions for setting up a mailing. Click here to register today!

Remain entertained on the go with the Amazon Fire HD, which features front and rear cameras, free unlimited cloud storage for photos taken with Fire devices, the world’s largest selection of digital content, and more. Bidding closes on Friday, October 31.

Click here to learn more.

When in Atlantic City, do as the high rollers do and enjoy all of the city’s pleasures in one location: the RPAC High Rollers Suite on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.
Where: Atlantic City Convention Center, Room 308/309
Cost: $250 RPAC investment (to be applied to 2015 RPAC year)
Amenities include: shoe shine; manicures; massages; professional photographs; gaming lessons by one of Atlantic City’s renowned card dealers; business facilities; hot lunch; beverages; and a deluxe coffee barista!

To register today, contact NYSAR’s Political Affairs Coordinator Derick King at 518-463-0300 x238 or complete the registration form and return to NYSAR via fax 518-462-5474 or email to dking@nysar.com.