Realtor.com is beefing up its for-sale and for-rent listings in New York City through new partnerships with several prominent New York brokerages, which will bring thousands of New York City listings onto its national database for buyers and renters.

Move Inc., owner of realtor.com, announced agreements with New York brokerages Bond New York, Brown Harris Stevens, Compass, Halstead Property, and NestSeekers, as well as brokerage listing syndicator RealPlus in boosting the display of New York City real estate listings on realtor.com. The agreements will generate greater listings on realtor.com among more than 350 New York brokerage firms.

Click here to learn more.

The state budget process continues to move forward. Late last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Legislature announced agreement on a revenue forecast that is $200 million above the original Executive Budget estimate.

Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli issued his review of the governor’s Executive Budget amendments. His analysis questions the governor’s decision to insert policy matters into appropriations bills. Meanwhile, the state Senate and Assembly are finalizing their respective one-house budget bills. The bills may be available soon as both houses are expected to approve their respective one-house budgets by Thursday, March 12, which should be followed by the commencement of the budget conference committee process.

New York State regulators have delayed a vote on a measure that will require the installation of fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family homes and townhomes built in New York. NYSAR supports fire sprinklers and consumer education about the benefits of a sprinkler system, but is opposed to mandating their installation. NYSAR has launched an all-member Call for Action opposing the proposed mandate. Take action in opposition to this proposal by clicking here.

NYSAR also launched a media campaign including a radio commercial, newspaper ads and a website in opposition to this mandate. A link to the radio commercial and more information including fire sprinkler facts and poll results can be found at www.stopalbanymandates.com.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched a "Fight for Fair Pay" campaign last week to advocate for his two-tiered budget proposal to raise the New York City specific minimum wage to $11.50 per hour and $10.50 elsewhere by the end of the year. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio again called for $13 city-wide minimum wage.

If no action is taken in the budget or during this legislative session year, the statutory minimum wage, which is currently $8.75, will still rise to $9 by December 31, 2015. Similarly, the Department of Labor Commissioner’s Wage Board Order will raise the hospitality industry’s tip wage to a uniform $7.50 also by December 31. However, if the governor’s tiered state/city minimum wage proposal is approved, city tipped workers would receive $8.50 per hour effective on the same day as the city’s increase.

Join the Broker Involvement Program and take action on critical legislative issues affecting our industry and your bottom line. Right now there are proposals pending before Congress and the New York State Legislature that will impact your ability to do business. 

Click here to learn more.

The Tuesday, March 17, NYSAR Radio show will discuss the proper operation of real estate teams. Tune in at 10 a.m. on March 17 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.

Learn how to pay the lowest amount of taxes possible next year by doing a few simple things today. Join former IRS trainer and best-selling author Sandy Botkin for a free webinar this Thursday, March 12, at 2:30 p.m. and learn how you can give yourself that raise by keeping more of what you earn. This webinar will cover: advantages of home-based business (HBB); mileage deduction; SUV deduction; meals and entertainment; home office; and hiring kids. The webinar will conclude with an overview of the Taxbot mobile app, which NYSAR members receive a 50-percent discount on through NYSAR’s Member Perks program. 

Click here to register today.

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) course will be offered March 16-17 at the Mohawk Valley Association of REALTORS in Utica, NY. Gain a thorough understanding of agency relationships, policy options and disclosure requirements. You’ll also learn how to avoid conflicts of interest, reduce your legal liability, and develop negotiating skills while building buyer commitment.

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) course will be offered March 18-19 at the Ithaca Board of REALTORS in Ithaca, NY. Elevate your standards, enhance your performance, and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential to professionally and ethically represent sellers.

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

The Short Sales and Foreclosures (SFR) course will be offered March 18 at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS in Johnson City, NY. Maneuver the complexities of short sales and help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities. This course also provides elective credit for the ABR designation.

Register online today or call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

Take advantage of NYSAR Member Perks partner 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 watch a video showing how easy the app is to use. 

Click here to learn more.

NYSAR’s insurance plan administrator, USI Affinity, will do the legwork for you to find the best policy to suit your needs and budget. They will shop the market for you, leverage their size and tap into their nationwide provider relationships to get you the best plans and rates possible. Plus, by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance, you can save up to 30 percent a year.

Click here to learn more.

Beat the winter blues with a sophisticated and chic Michael Kors handbag! The bag is fashioned in luxe Saffiano leather with gilded hardware, and the adjustable strap offers custom-fit carrying. Bidding closes Friday, March 27.

Click here to learn more.

RPAC of New York has unveiled the official RPAC flask. To purchase your RPAC flask today for a $50 RPAC investment, please complete the order form and return to NYSAR’s Political Affairs Coordinator Derick King via fax at 518-462-5474 or at dking@nysar.com. Or call Derick King directly to order your flask over the phone at 518-463-0300 x238.