Sales of new single-family homes in the Northeast in February rose an impressive 152.9 percent to 43,000, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. January’s revised annual rate was 17,000. Nationally, new home sales were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 539,000, up 7.8 percent from January. This is 24.8 percent above the February 2014 total of 432,000.

To read the entire U.S. Commerce Department press release, click here.

After a small gain during the previous decade, upstate New York’s population dropped slightly between 2010 and 2014, according to Census Bureau data. The population of the 50 counties north of the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District decreased by 14,397 people, or 0.2 percent, during the latest four-year period, the Census Bureau estimated. However, growth in New York City was strong enough to push up the state’s total population by 368,115 people, or 1.9 percent, during the latest four-year period. 

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The National Association of REALTORS’ REALTOR Magazine is seeking nominations for the 2015 Good Neighbor Awards. The program recognizes REALTORS whose extraordinary commitment to community service has helped make their communities better places to live. Five winners will receive a $10,000 grant for their community cause and travel to the 2015 REALTORS Conference and Expo in San Diego. Five honorable mentions will receive $2,500 grants. Entries must be received by Friday, May 15.

Click here to learn more.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have agreed to a framework for the 2015-16 state budget. The agreement will mark the fifth consecutive on-time budget for the Cuomo administration. Overall the budget agreement includes: a total state operating fund of $94.25 billion, or a 2-percent increase over Cuomo’s original proposal; $23.5 billion in school aid, an increase of 6.1 percent; and $17.741 billion in Medicaid spending, a roughly 4.1-percent increase over original estimates. The final plan will also include the establishment of a pay commission for lawmakers, $1.5 billion for Cuomo's Upstate Revitalization Initiative competition, and $500 million for statewide broadband expansion.

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The New York State Department of State has published NYSAR-supported rule and regulation amendments to sections 175.12, 175.20 175.24(a), 177.2, 179.1, 179.2(b) and 179.3(a) of Title 19 NYCRR. The purpose of the amendments are to update outdated and obsolete regulations pertaining to real estate licensees. The publication of the amendments starts a 45-day public comment period. After the public comment period, DOS will either adopt or amend the published rules. The amendments reference delivering duplicate originals of documents, branch offices, exclusive listings of residential property and continuing education real estate courses. 

Click here to review the proposed amendments. 

The Tuesday, April 7, NYSAR Radio show will take a look at fair housing issues in honor of April being Fair Housing Month. Tune in at 10 a.m. on April 7 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 best way to receive and respond to NAR Calls for Action on the go is through the free REALTOR Action Center mobile app. It's the easiest way to stay informed about and involved in the key issues that matter most to your business and homeownership. To download, text "app" to 30644 and click the link that is sent. Where will you be when you get the Call for Action? Download the app today!

The Seller Representation Specialist (SRS) course will be offered April 7-8 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, 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.

Green 100, 200 and 300 will be offered April 13, 14 and 15, respectively, at the Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina in Alexandria Bay, NY. The Green designation teaches you the latest green technologies to help you serve a broader array of clients. Save $75 when you register for all three classes. To get this special rate, you must call NYSAR at 1-800-239-4432.

Click here for more information.

Energy Plus® is leaving its mark on the energy industry through its special cash back rewards program. Enroll your home with Energy Plus® and receive 3 percent cash back and a $25 enrollment bonus after two months of active service, and 5 percent cash back and a $50 bonus for a business account. Enrolling with Energy Plus® is easy and there are no monthly service fees, cancellation fees, or long-term commitments. Stop missing out on what you deserve and start earning cash back rewards. Click here to enroll today.

Your NYSAR membership gives you an extra 10-percent discount at NAR's REALTOR.org store. Shop the store and take advantage of exclusive savings on NAR's entire line of products and publications including books, brochures, DVDs, research reports and more. To redeem your 10-percent discount, visit http://www.realtor.org/store and simply enter member code "NYSAR2" at checkout.

The March RPAC auction winner is Lin Fields from the Jefferson Lewis Board of REALTORS! After a very spirited bidding war, Lin ultimately submitted the high bid of $450 for the coveted Michael Kors bag. Thank you Lin for your outstanding commitment to RPAC at the Crystal R level ($2,500). Stay tuned for the April auction item to be revealed in the days ahead.

Thank you to the 40 HGAR members for attending the Spring RPAC Mixer last week at the Beechmont in White Plains.The casual event kicked off HGAR’s fundraising season and raised $1,400 for RPAC. HGAR will be hosting a full calendar of RPAC events this year including a New York Yankees game, Mr. Legs Contest, Comedy Night and more. Visit www.hgar.com for all the updates.