New York State home sales were up nearly 26 percent in August compared to the same time last year, and up 11.4 percent compared to the July sales total, according to preliminary single-family sales data accumulated by the New York State Association of REALTORS. The statewide median sales price decreased slightly from July. Click here to learn more.

All New York State REALTORS who have an interest in becoming more involved with NYSAR and who want to project a positive influence on the association and the industry, should consider applying for the 2012 NYSAR Leadership Academy. The deadline for application is November 1, 2011. Click here for more information.

All New York brokers already involved or who join the Broker Involvement Program from now until October 19, 2011, will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new iPad! The drawing will take place the first week of November 2011. Click here to learn more.

On September 26, 2011, the Senate passed the Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 2608), which also includes a provision extending the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until November 18, 2011. Click here to learn more.

Tell Congress to extend the National Flood Insurance Program and to restore higher loan limits! Please ask all the REALTORS you know to respond to both of these CFAs and get another round of letters flooding into Congressional offices. Click here to take action now! Click here to learn more.

Submit your most creative video telling everyone the value of working with a New York State REALTOR and you could win a $500 American Express gift card! Submissions must be received by December 31, 2011. Click here to learn more.

"Global Real Estate: Transaction Tools (CIPS)" will be offered October 12 at the Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS in White Plains, NY. This course provides the tools and concepts real estate professionals need to serve clients and customers in the global real estate market. Click here for more information or to register.

"Global Real Estate: Local Markets (CIPS)" will be offered October 13 at the Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS in White Plains, NY. This is the first of six international courses developed by the National Association of REALTORS and is designed to introduce the basic skills and knowledge needed to facilitate international real estate transactions. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 408 – "The Tech Agent"will be offered October 13 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS in Rochester, NY. This course teaches you how to use the latest technology to guide clients through their transaction by remotely accessing data, using mobile presentations, interpreting information and matching client needs with inventory. Click here for more information or to register.

"Housing Our Military with Excellent Service (HOMES)" will be offered October 14 at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS in Johnson City, NY. This course will teach you to effectively assist military personnel and their families, as well as veterans, in securing housing to best suit their needs. Click here for more information or to register.

If you haven't invested at least your $20 fair share to RPAC this year, please do your part and invest in RPAC today. RPAC of New York still has more than $160,000 to raise to make its fundraising goal by Friday, October 7. Click here to learn more.

On behalf of New York's 51,000 REALTORS, RPAC of New York thanks its donors for making a recent major investment in RPAC. Click here to learn more.