New York REALTORS sold 5,233 existing single-family homes during April 2012, an increase of 2.3 percent from April 2011.The April 2012 median sales price of $205,000 represents an increase of 5.3 percent compared to the April 2011 median of $194,650. Click here to learn more.

In its first quarter U.S. Foreclosure Sales Report, RealtyTrac, Inc. reported New York State total foreclosure sales decreased by 29.48 percent from the 2011 first quarter and increased 2.64 percent from the previous quarter. Click here to learn more.

According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans increased in May. Overall, New York State consumer confidence also increased. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR's annual Lobby Day will start next Tuesday, June 12 at 8:30 a.m. Click here for a full schedule of events and legislative talking points.

On May 30, 2012, the House of Representatives passed a 60-day extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This temporary extension enables the Senate to act on the NAR supported 5-year reauthorization and reform bill this June. For more information, click here.

Click here for the entire Government Affairs Weekly Report.

Today's NYSAR Radio, "Lobby Day Preview" with special guest NYSAR Director of Government Affairs Mike Kelly will re-air tomorrow, Wednesday, June 6, 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.

Please donate $20 to the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation in honor of June being NYSAR Housing Opportunities Month and to help build awareness of housing opportunities in New York State. Each $20 donation buys a brick with the donor's name on it for the virtual house being built on the foundations website. Everyone who donates $20 in the month of June will be entered into a drawing for a $50 American Express gift card. Click here to learn more.

Certified International Property Specialist – "Europe and International Real Estate" will be offered June 15 at Broker Heaven NY in New York City, NY. This course gives you the knowledge and awareness of basic cultural, political and economic conditions in Europe to enhance your ability to represent, interact with, and command the respect of clients. Click here for more information or to register.

Effective July 1, 2012, the NYSAR dental program will be transitioning carriers from MetLife to United Concordia, giving NYSAR members three plan options with lower rates and orthodontia coverage. Click here to learn more.

RPAC of NY has raised a total of $343,115 or 47 percent of its $728,970 goal. Compared to the same time last year, RPAC of NY fundraising is up slightly. Last year at this time, RPAC of NY had raised 46 percent of goal. Stay tuned to the RPAC page of NYSAR.com for the complete RPAC monthly report for the month of May.

The June RPAC silent auction item is a pair of pop-up mini speakers with FM tuner. Bids must be placed by Friday, June 29, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.