The New York State Association of REALTORS will hold its annual Fall Business Meetings from September 30 to October 3 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. NYSAR encourages all members to participate as many of the sessions do not require official committee service. For more information or to register for the meetings, click here.

According to Bankrate.com's recently released 2012 survey of closing costs in the largest city of each state, New York State is home to the highest closing costs in the nation for the third year in a row. The New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR), however, has fought and will continue to fight against legislation that would make purchasing a home even harder. Click here to learn more.

In its U.S. Foreclosure Market Report for July 2012, which reports default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions, RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State had 3,083 total foreclosures, an increase from both the previous month and year-ago totals. Click here to learn more.

The overseer of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks may attempt to block municipalities' use of eminent domain to seize mortgages. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has determined that action may be necessary on its part to avoid taxpayer expense. Click here to learn more.

After four years of development, the New York State Board of Real Estate unanimously voted to advance the proposed advertising regulations with minor technical changes.This is just the first step of possibly many, but it is an important one. Thank you to the NYSAR Article 12-A Working Group and Legislative Steering Committee for getting us to this important juncture. Click here to learn more.

Enroll in NAR's Broker Involvement Program and you could win an iPad or $50, while helping advance critical legislative issues affecting your industry. Click here to learn more.

The Tuesday, August 21, NYSAR Radio show will cover legal issues relating to electronic signatures. Tune in at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 21, by clicking here. Click here for more information.

REALTORS who complete the Code of Ethics Training Requirement between July 1 and August 31 will have a chance to win an Apple iPad 3. To enter the "Know Your Ethics Sweepstakes," simply successfully complete either of the two NAR Code of Ethics online training programs by August 31. Click here for more information.

Green 100, 200 and 300 will be offered July 22, 23 and 29, respectively, at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS in Johnson City, NY. The Green designation teaches you thelatest green technologies to help you serve a broader array of clients. Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR members can save 10 percent on the Guardly Mobile Safety App. The app allows you to instantly connect with managers, colleagues, family and 9-1-1 when faced with safety concerns. Click here to learn more.

NYSAR's health insurance plans, administered by USI Affinity and underwritten by MVP Health Care, offer members four cost-effective, comprehensive plan options all with prescription drug coverage, a nationwide provider network, flexible care with no referrals and much more. Don't wait, review plan options and get your customized quote today. Visit www.myrealtorinsurance.com/nysar or call 888.834.3664 x18626 to speak with Ned Cox, NYSAR's dedicated benefits counselor.

RPAC of NY is hosting "A Cruise to Die For," an interactive murder mystery RPAC fundraising event, on Monday, October 1, from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. during the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. Tickets cost $50. Click here to learn more.

The August RPAC silent auction item is a Major League Baseball deluxe grill cover, available with a variety of MLB team logos. Bids must be placed by Friday, August 31, at 11:59 p.m. Click here to learn more.