According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were up 0.2 points to 4.1 percent in June. Overall consumer confidence also increased. According to the latest quarterly consumer confidence survey released by SRI, overall consumer confidence increased in eight New York State MSA’s in the second quarter of 2013. Home buying plans increased in four of New York’s MSAs, while falling in four and remaining unchanged in one.

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Get involved and help guide the future of your state association by signing up for 2014 committee service. Committee sign up will be available online only between July 1 and July 31 at NYSAR.com. 

Click here to learn more and to sign up.

Do you want to take a national designation course, but are finding it hard to afford? Earning a National Association of REALTORS designation can give you a competitive edge over your peers, but they are usually more costly than your average continuing education course. The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation (NYSREEF) can help you advance your career with a scholarship. 

Click here or visit www.nysreef.org to learn more.

Last week, the National Association of REALTORS launched an all-member Call for Action (CFA) urging U.S. senators to maintain real estate tax provisions in any changes to the U.S. tax code. Please take a moment and respond to this important CFA by clicking here.

Click here to learn more.

Join the Broker Involvement Program and take action on critical legislative issues affecting our industry and your bottom line. Right now there are proposals pending before Congress and the New York State Legislature that will impact your ability to do business.

For more information and to see a list of brokers who enrolled in the Broker Involvement Program in May and June, click here.

Today’s NYSAR Radio show will cover disclosures other than agency. Tune in at 10 a.m. this morning on your PC or Mac by using the player on the NYSAR Radio page. 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 Fall Business Meetings will be held September 29-October 2, at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. The meeting schedule is being finalized and registration will open on Monday, July 29. In addition to committee meetings, RPAC of New York will present "Monday Night Fever – A Flashback to the 1970s" on Monday, September 30, featuring live music, a costume contest, live and silent auctions and more.

Watch your email and stay tuned to NYSAR.com for more details.

REALTOR Institute 407 - "Building Your Real Estate Practice" - will be offered at the Dutchess County Association of REALTORS in Poughkeepsie, NY on July 31. This course will increase your productivity, help you retain more of your income and reduce your risk with tips from the nation's top producers.

Click here for more information or to register.

Your NYSAR membership gives you an extra 10-percent discount at NAR's REALTOR.org store. Shop the store and take advantage of exclusive savings on NAR's entire line of products and publications including books, brochures, DVDs, research reports and more. To redeem your 10-percent discount, visit http://www.realtor.org/store and simply enter member code "NYSAR2" at checkout.

NYSAR’s insurance plan administrator, USI Affinity, offers you access to more than 15 top-rated insurance providers and dedicated consultants who will do the legwork for you. Plus, by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance, you can save up to 30 percent a year. 

Click here to learn more.

Summer has finally arrived and this jumbo round pool float is perfect for a little "me time" in the pool. Millions of buoyant microbeads surround you with cloud-like support, while the all-weather Sunbrella fabric keeps its cool in direct sunlight. You can lie back, relax, and enjoy comfortable, even support knowing that you supported RPAC. Bidding closes July 23. 

Click here to learn more. 

Join your colleagues from across the Metro region for an elite RPAC experience at Modell’s Clubhouse at Citi Field for the New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals game on Tuesday, September 10. The RPAC experience at Modell’s includes: a ticket to the game and private access to the Modell’s Clubhouse; the ballpark buffet; and private bar service with complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks. *This RPAC event is open to the members of NYSAR’s Metropolitan Region including: Bronx-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan and Staten Island.

For complete details and registration instructions, click here.