The New York State housing market recovered strongly in 2012 as closed sales of existing single-family homes, condos and co-ops finished 7-percent ahead of 2011. There was a modest 1.2-percent growth in the median sales price as available inventory fell by nearly 20 percent.

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According to the results of the fourth quarter New York State Consumer Real Estate Sentiment Scores released by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), for the first time since the first quarter of 2010, New Yorkers as a whole and in every area of the state say that the market has turned and that values over the last year have improved.

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On Tuesday, January 22, Gov. Andrew Cuomo presented his budget proposal for the 2013-2014 state fiscal year. The budget totals $142.6 billion and represents an increase of 1.9 percent from 2012-13 levels.

The governor’s proposed budget release is the beginning of the annual budget process. Next week, the Legislature will begin joint hearings on specific issue areas contained within the budget. Negotiations will then typically begin between the governor and leadership from the Senate and Assembly.

Click here to read the highlights from the governor’s budget proposal with a focus on real estate and housing issues.

If you’re interested in finding out more about hydrofracking and how this may impact your business, you’ll want to attend the Legislative Policy Forum during the NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings. Presenting at the forum will be guest speakers Greg May, vice president residential mortgage lending at Tompkins Trust Company, and Dr. Alexander Bartholomew, professor of geology at SUNY New Paltz, who will be on-hand to discuss hydrofracking and related real estate issues.

The Legislative Policy Forum will be held Tuesday, February 12, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Fort Orange 5-9.

By a vote of 43-20, the Senate approved the second passage of a constitutional amendment that would create a new body to oversee the redistricting process by 2022. The amendment will now be submitted to the public with final approval resting on voters in November 2014. The resolution amends the Constitution to reform the process and substantive criteria used to establish new state legislative and congressional district lines every 10 years.

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The Tuesday, February 5, NYSAR Radio show will preview the Mid-Winter Business Meetings with special guest NYSAR Director of Government Affairs Mike Kelly. Tune in at 10 a.m. on February 5 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.

REALTOR Institute 401 – "Get it Listed...Get it Sold"– will be offered February 4-5 at the Staten Island Board of REALTORS office in Staten Island, NY. This course teaches you new methods of marketing and how to integrate technology into your business to increase your listings, sales and profits.

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 is pleased to announce a new partnership with TransUnion for its SmartMove rental screening portal. SmartMove is an easy, comprehensive and reliable web-based tenant background check offering access to a full credit report, criminal report, customized leasing recommendation and suggested deposit amount to request at lease signing. Click here to learn more.

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 this Thursday.

Click here to learn more.