A few hundred New York State REALTORS were part of an estimated 15,000 REALTORS that converged on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC last week to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the American Dream of homeownership. Click here to learn more.

In its U.S. Foreclosure Market Report for April 2012, RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State had 2,188 total foreclosures, an increase of 1.72 percent from March and an increase of 3.55 percent from April 2011. Despite the increase, New York State ranked number 45 of all 50 states for monthly total foreclosure filings. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR is actively working on legislation in the New York State Legislature.

· Click here to view NYSAR's memorandum in support of legislation to provide a more streamlined process for real estate salespersons who switch brokerages.

· Click here to view NYSAR's memorandum in opposition to legislation requiring real estate licensees and home inspectors provide clients with information regarding the importance of well water testing.

· Click here to view NYSAR's memorandum in opposition to a bill that requires sellers partially or wholly within 500 feet of an agriculture district to prove the disclosure form to prospective buyers.

Click here to view the entire Government Affairs Weekly Report.

NYSAR's annual Lobby Day will be held Tuesday, June 12, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Albany. Hundreds of REALTORS from throughout the state will gather at the Capitol to educate their legislators on issues, such as mandate relief, that matter to the real estate industry and to homeownership. NYSAR will once again reimburse anyone wishing to participate in Lobby Day 50 percent of your total individual travel costs including gas, tolls, and/or a hotel room up to $75! Click here to learn more.

Today's NYSAR Radio, "Disclosures (other than agency)" will re-air tomorrow, Wednesday, May 23, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also listen to it any time after tomorrow by visiting NYSAR.com. To listen to the show during one of its regularly scheduled hours, click here.

On Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. NYSAR's government affairs staff will be hosting the free, informative webinar, "NYSAR Pre-Lobby Day Briefing and Overview," covering NYSAR legislative priorities, talking points and more. Click here to learn more.

REALTOR Institute 405 – "Construction and Environmental Issues" – will be offered May 30 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS office in Rochester, NY This course provides an in-depth understanding of the physical structure and systems in a home, in addition to energy efficiency and energy rating systems. Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 408 – "The Tech Agent" – will be offered May 30 at the Dutchess County Association of REALTORS office in Poughkeepsie, NY. In this course, you'll discoverhow 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.

REALTOR Institute 406 – "Price it Right – Understanding the Appraisal Process" – will be offered May 31 at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS office in Rochester, NY. This course will familiarize you with appraisal principles, how appraisers must operate (USPAP Standards), what their responsibilities are, and to whom. 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 http://www.savewithups.com/nysar  or call 800-325-7000 to enroll.

The May RPAC silent auction item is a Brookstone CD/DVD storage system. Bids must be placed by
Thursday, May 31, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.