New York State home sales were up more than 16 percent in July compared to last year, but failed to keep pace with the June sales total. The statewide median sales price posted gains compared to both last month and July 2010. Click here to learn more.

In its second quarter 2011 U.S. Foreclosure Sales Report, RealtyTrac, Inc. reported New York State total foreclosure sales decreased from the last quarter as well as the 2010 second quarter. Click here to learn more.

The required courses for the Certified International Property Specialist designation are being offered in Woodbury in September and in White Plains in October. In addition, the three elective courses are being offered in Long Island in October and are discounted if you sign up for all three. Click here to learn more.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced the framework for a new advertising campaign designed to lure businesses back to New York State. The campaign, titled "New York Open for Business," will promote New York State as a great place to live and work. Click here to learn more.

Last week, the National Association of REALTORS called upon the White House to host a summit of policy makers, industry leaders and government stakeholders focused on revitalizing the nation's housing market. Click here to learn more.

All New York brokers already involved or those 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.

Please take a moment to respond to NYSAR's brief survey regarding your website and your use of social media. It will take less than five minutes to complete and all respondents will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here to respond now.

REALTOR Institute 403 – "Financing to Increase Homeownership" – will be offered September 7 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS office in Rochester, NY. This course will teach you how to close more transactions by learning how to effectively counsel clients on financing options and how to guide them through to closing. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 404 – "Serving Real Estate Investors" – will be offered September 8 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS office in Rochester, NY. This course will help you guide your clients through the real estate investment process. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 409 – "Equal and Ethical Service for Today's Consumer" – will be offered September 8-9 at the Long Island REALTOR Service Center in West Babylon, 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.

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

NYSAR's partnership with UPS gives you access to exclusive shipping discounts – up to 30 percent! Enroll today to start saving on every package you send. Visit www.savewithups.com/enroll and use member code NER206. Or, call 800.325.7000.

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

The August RPAC silent auction item is a set of two Klean Kanteen water bottles. Bids must be placed by August 31 at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.

On behalf of New York's 51,000 REALTORS, RPAC of New York thanks the 2011 major donors for making an investment in RPAC. NYSAR would also like to recognize Susan Goldyfrom the Bronx Manhattan North Association of REALTORS for joining NAR's President's Circle! Click here to learn more.