New York REALTORS sold 6,145 existing single-family homes in New York State during April 2010, a 19.7 percent increase compared to the April 2009 sales total of 5,133.

The April 2010 median sales price in New York State of $197,000 represents an increase of 8.2 percent compared to the April 2009 median of $182,000.

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As a benefit to NYSAR members, the full results of the survey are available here. [link to PDF]

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"Today, the results of the New York Homeownership Survey conducted by the Siena Research Institute show that a great majority of New Yorkers consider homeownership to be a quintessential piece of the American Dream, but one that has become increasingly difficult to achieve and maintain in the Empire State," said NYSAR President Hank Fries. "The American Dream of homeownership is in danger here in the Empire State due to unfettered property tax increases, high closing costs and real estate transaction taxes."

Fries went on to say that New York State lawmakers should act to stem this tide. "Today, New York REALTORS, on behalf of our fellow Empire State residents, continue to urge Albany lawmakers to enact structural reforms to the tax system that will foster tax savings for property owners. Every step the state takes toward lower homeownership taxes is a step toward restoring the state's quality of life and economic vitality."

To read the entire statement, click here.

 

NYSAR's Lobby Day is just a couple of weeks away! If you haven't made plans tojoin New York's REALTORS as they converge upon Capitol Hill in Albany on Tuesday, June 8, to meet directly with lawmakers, please do so. Again, NYSAR will provide breakfast, lobbying orientations, "thank you" gifts and lunch.Talking points on legislative issues are now posted in the government affairs section of NYSAR.com. Click here to access these materials.

 

Energy Plus offers NYSAR members a unique program that includes tax savings AND cash rebates. Enjoy risk-free enrollment for your residence or business with no long-term commitments or cancellation fees. Eligible members must simply have an address within the Energy Plus service area, which covers all areas except those covered by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). Click here to learn more or enroll. Plus, earn extra cash just for referring friends to take advantage of the same unique benefits. Click here to learn more or to sign-up to become a referrer.

 

In February, 2010 NAR mailed a 93-question survey to a random sample of 58,022 REALTORS throughout the nation and an additional 43,869 completed a web-based survey. There were 316 responses from New York, which form the basis for this report.

The typical New York REALTOR completed five transaction sides in 2009, compared to seven nationwide. Additionally, REALTORS in New York had a median gross income of in 2009 of $30,000. The nationwide median gross income among REALTORS was $35,700.

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Your action is needed NOW! NYSAR recently launched a member wide Call for Action in opposition to a statewide increase to the mortgage recording tax. New York State currently faces a $9.5 billion budget deficit. Several weeks ago, Senator Martin Dilan proposed an increase to the statewide Mortgage Recording Tax to partly close this deficit. REALTORS across New York must make their voices heard and oppose any increase to the statewide Mortgage Recording Tax. New York's budget deficit is not the result of too few taxes. Rather, New York State government simply spends too much! Please take action and tell Gov. David Paterson andyour state legislatorsthat increasing the mortgage recording tax is not the way to solve New York's fiscal crisis. If you haven't done so already, please act now by clicking here.