In its 2012 year-end foreclosure market report, which reports default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions, RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State had 34,251 total foreclosure filings in 2012, an increase of 31.23 percent from 2011. With one in every 237 homes receiving a foreclosure filing in 2012, New York State ranked 41 of all 50 states. During the 2012 fourth quarter, New York State had 10,250 total foreclosures, a 7.17-percent increase from the 2012 third quarter. New York State had 2,871 total foreclosures in December 2012, a decrease of 22.8 percent from November.

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After months of anticipation, the House of Representatives voted to approve $50.5 billion in emergency aid to help victims of Superstorm Sandy. The bill will now move to the Senate, where it is expected to be passed by lawmakers after the new session begins on January 22.

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The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Next Generation Scholarship. This fund awards scholarships for higher education to the next generation of real estate professionals. Eligibility is limited to relatives of active NYSAR members living in New York State. The application deadline is March 1.

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its long-awaited qualified mortgage (QM) rule and while NAR has some concerns, on the whole the rule is expected to help bring certainty to the market by providing clear mortgage standards.

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More than two months after Election Day, a winner has been decided in the race for the 46th State Senate District. After counting 90 disputed ballots in Ulster County, Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk has edged out Republican George Amedore, winning the seat by a total of 19 votes.

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Last week, the Siena Research Institute released a poll asking voters about their feelings toward Gov. Andrew Cuomo and several proposals he included in his annual State of the State address. According to the poll, Cuomo is still immensely popular with voters with a 71-percent favorability rating and a 60-percent job approval rating.

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Today’s NYSAR Radio show will take a look at the most common real estate-related myths. Tune in at 10 a.m. today by using the player on the NYSAR Radio page or click here to listen on your Apple computer. You will need to be logged in to listen. If you have not yet created your account with the website, you will need to click on "New User" on the Member Login page and follow the prompts.

Click here for more information as well as a list of links to play NYSAR Radio from any of your mobile devices.

The NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings will be held February 11-14, 2013 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, NY. The meetings will feature committee meetings, inaugural dinner, the General Session and more. Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Training will be offered January 31 at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia, NY and on February 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Ithaca, NY. This course provides attendees with an update on professional standards, Code of Ethics and enforcement procedures, plus other changes adopted by NAR's Board of Directors or Delegate Body. It also satisfies both NAR's new member and quadrennial ethics training requirement.

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Now is the time to take advantage of your exclusive member rewards. The New York State Association of REALTORS has partnered with Energy Plus, one of the fastest growing energy supply companies. With this unique electricity and natural gas program you can receive cash back, and have the opportunity to go green, all while receiving the same reliable delivery service from your local utility company.

Switching is easy. There are no sign-up fees, cancellation fees or long-term commitments. Plus nothing about the way your service is delivered will change.

Click here to learn more or to sign up today!

Back by popular demand, the RPAC VIP Lounge will be offered at the Desmond on Tuesday, February 12, from 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lounge will feature a hearty continental breakfast, hot lunch buffet, snacks and beverages, chair massage, manicurist, professional photographer, cable TV, computers, printer, unlimited internet access, cell phone chargers, newspapers and more!

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The January RPAC silent auction item is the Coach – Ashley Dotted OP ART Hippie Handbag. This bag is silver with REALTOR-blue trim, excellent for all occasions and makes a great gift too for that special lady in your world! Bids must be placed by Thursday, January 31.

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