According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans decreased 0.3 points to 4 percent in November. Overall, New York State consumer confidence increased 1.2 points, while the nation's confidence increased 3.9 points. At 67.1, New York's overall consumer confidence is 4.5 points below the nation's confidence level of 71.6.

Click here to learn more.

In its third quarter 2010 U.S. Foreclosure Sales Report™, RealtyTrac reported that in New York State 2,147 properties in some stage of foreclosure — default, scheduled for auction or bank-owned (REO) — were sold to third parties, a decrease of 20.25 percent from the previous quarter and a decrease of 34.28 percent from the third quarter of 2009.

The average foreclosure sales price in New York State was $287,352, a 29.5-percent discount from the average non-foreclosure sales price. The average REO sales price was a 53.81-percent discount and the average pre-foreclosure sales price was 16.66-percent discount.

Click here to learn more.  

As the weather conditions start to cool down it is important to make sure your business and home are equipped to handle the coming months. Making little changes can help to improve efficiency and can have a big impact on both your electricity bill and the environment. Click here for tips on keeping your energy bill delightful!

In addition, NYSAR has partnered with Energy Plus to offer members an exclusive, customized electricity program that includes annual Cash Back, a sales tax savings every month, and the same reliable service from your local utility company.

Click here to learn more.

The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released its final report, which recommends a host of controversial spending cuts and tax changes in an effort to tackle the nation's debt. Among the proposals is a scaled-back mortgage interest deduction (MID) for homeowners.

In response to the report, the National Association of REALTORS has issued a Call for Action defending MID from any cuts or reductions. MID is vital to both homeownership and our economy, and the proposed changes will affect all 75 million homeowners in the United States.

To take action now, click here.

Join NYSAR's Government Affairs staff on Thursday, December 16, at 10 a.m., for this webinar intended to brief local board/association executive officers and RPAC fundraising teams on RPAC of New York's 2011 fundraising plan.

Beginning in the 2011 RPAC fundraising year, NYSAR Government Affairs staff will be working closely with local boards/associations to implement a comprehensive RPAC fundraising plan. The webinar will provide local board leaders with the objectives and strategies designed to reach the collective 2011 RPAC goals. During the webinar, NYSAR Government Affairs staff will walk local board leaders through the plan and discuss the resources NYSAR will be providing to local boards for 2011 fundraising efforts.

While this webinar is targeted at local board/association staff and fundraising teams, all members are welcome to attend to gain a better understanding of RPAC.

To attend this webinar, you must first register for it.