On Tuesday, April 12, the New York State Association of REALTORS officially launched its two-percent property tax cap media campaign. This multi-media campaign, which includes a website as well as advertisements in print, television and radio, highlights New York State’s nation-leading tax burden and urges New Yorker’s to take action and write to their legislators.

The 30-second television and 60-second radio ads, titled "Cap that Tax," feature a game show theme and a host who tests the contestants’ knowledge of property taxes in New York using a series of three questions.

Visit the website at taxcapny.com, follow the campaign on Twitter at twitter.com/taxcapny and then share the links with your clients, customers and colleagues.

In a statement regarding the recently passed state budget, NYSAR CEO Duncan Mackenzie said:

"NYSAR applauds Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders for taking positive action toward alleviating the state’s crushing structural deficit in a timely fashion. We hope this lays the foundation for economic recovery, job creation and a stronger housing market. Now, we urge the same swift and effective action on a property tax cap law."

In its U.S. Foreclosure Market Report for the first quarter of 2011, which reports default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions, RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State ranked number 43 of all 50 states for quarterly total foreclosure filings and number 44 for filings in March 2011. New York had 8,252 total foreclosure filings in the first quarter and 2,604 filings in the month of March, figures representing decreases from both the prior quarter and month.

Click here to learn more.

NYSAR Radio will air its sixth show, "Legal Hotline FAQs," on Tuesday, April 26, at its new time from 10-11 a.m. The Internet-based, live call-in show is an extension of NYSAR's widely used free Legal Hotline and will be hosted by NYSAR Director of Legal Services S. Anthony Gatto, Esq. During the show, members can call and ask their real estate-related legal questions. The ultimate goal of the show is to assist the member making the call and to educate all listening members.

For more information about NYSAR Radio, please click here.

On Thursday, April 21, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. NYSAR will be hosting the quarterly legal webinar titled, "Agency: Substantive Contact and the Use of the Disclosure Form." Presented by NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto, Esq., this free, informative webinar will cover will explore what constitutes "substantive contact" and various exceptions that have evolved over the years. The webinar will also review when to use the agency disclosure form when "substantive contact" occurs. The webinar will conclude with a brief Q & A session.

Click here for more information and to register.