In its mid-year 2011 metropolitan foreclosure market report, RealtyTrac, Inc. reported that all eight of New York's metropolitan areas posted decreased foreclosure filings. Additionally, the Utica-Rome, NY metropolitan area had the lowest foreclosure activity of all 211 U.S. metropolitan areas. Click here to learn more.

First-time homebuyers, who are veterans or active-duty military members, may be eligible for a grant up to $5,000 to use on down payments and closing costs when buying their first home. Click here to learn more.

Governor Cuomo announced the 10 regional economic development councils throughout New York State, tasked with revitalizing the state's economy by developing localized strategies to create jobs, attract business and compete for $1 billion in state funding, grants and tax credits. Click here to learn more.

The National Association of REALTORS launched its first-ever consumer Call for Action to six million current or future homeowners. NAR is asking them to visit HomeOwnerActionCenter.com and send a letter to their legislators in opposition of legislation requiring a 20-percent down payment on a purchase of a home. Click here to learn more.

All brokers who join the Broker Involvement Program from now until October 31, 2011, will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new iPad! Click here to learn more.

Planning on attending NYSAR's Fall Business Meetings in September? Reserve your room by August 12 to receive NYSAR's discounted room rates. Call the Turning Stone Resort & Casino directly at 800.771.7711. Click here for more information.

NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto will present "Seller's Agency: An In-depth Review" on Thursday, August 18, at 2:30 p.m.This webinar will review the statutes, rules and/or laws applicable to seller representation and is part one of a comprehensive three-part series focusing on different agency relationships. Click here for more information or to register.

The NYSAR Fall Business Meetings will be held September 11-14, 2011 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. The meetings will feature committee meetings, the fourth annual "REALTORS Got Talent" event, the Association Update and more. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 409 – "Equal and Ethical Service for Today's Consumer"will be offered August 24 – 25 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS office in Rochester, NY. This course fulfills the Code of Ethics training requirement for REALTOR members and the new fair housing training requirement for New York State licensees. Click here for more information or to register.

RPAC of NY will be hosting its fourth annual "REALTORS Got Talent" fundraising event on Monday, September 12, and is seeking nine acts. Click here for a registration form and to learn more.

Several local boards/associations will be holding RPAC events this month, including: the Long Island Board of REALTORS, the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS, the Rockland County Board of REALTORS, the Orange County Association of REALTORS , the Dutchess County Association of REALTORS and the Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS. Click here for more information.