According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were up 0.5 points to 4.6 percent in July. Overall, New York State consumer confidence fell 3.3 points. 

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Last week, President Barack Obama delivered a speech and released a fact sheet on the administration’s proposal for housing finance reform. This was the administration’s most significant discussion on housing finance since the release of the Treasury Department’s 2011 white paper, "Reforming America’s Housing Finance Market." 

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According to the latest poll results by the Siena College Research Institute, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has seen his favorability rating increase to its highest level since February, as well as increases in his job performance rating and the percentage of voters prepared to re-elect him. Meanwhile, 68 percent of New Yorkers say the national attention from the Weiner and Spitzer candidacies is "embarrassing." 

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The Tuesday, August 20, NYSAR Radio show will take a look at electronic signatures one year after they became legal in New York State. Tune in at 10 a.m. on August 20 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 Housing Opportunities Foundation will be raffling off a prize worth more than $1,200! The winner will enjoy a two night stay at The Lodge at Turning Stone as well as a complimentary round of golf for two or spa treatments at Skana worth $210. And to top it off, the winner will receive a $200 American Express gift card to use during their stay. The winner will be announced during the Board of Directors meeting at the Fall Business Meetings. A special thanks to our generous sponsor, The Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Some restrictions apply. Click here for a flyer with full details.

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) Required Course– will be offered September 9-10 at the Elmira-Corning Association of REALTORS in Corning. This course will teach you how to become an efficient and profitable buyer’s representative by providing the quality of service and degree of fidelity today’s buyers expect. 

Click here for more information or to register.

REALTOR Institute 407 – "Building Your Real Estate Practice" – will be offered at the Bronx-Manhattan North Association of REALTORS in Bronx, NY on September 11. 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.

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The New York State Association of REALTORSwill hold its annual Fall Business Meetings from September 29 to October 2 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.

NYSAR's health insurance plans, administered by USI Affinity and underwritten by MVP Health Care, offer members four cost-effective, comprehensive plan options 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 888.834.3713 x18626 to speak with Ned Cox, NYSAR's dedicated benefits counselor.

Access affordable, exclusive voluntary products including accident, disability, cancer, critical illness, term-life and universal life insurance from Allstate. You can select the plans you need or bundle them together to enhance your coverage. This plan can be used as a supplement to the major medical plan or on its own.

To learn more or get a customized quote, call 888-834-3713 x18626 or visit www.MyRealtorInsurance.com/NYSAR.

The August RPAC silent auction item is the Brookstone Deluxe Lawn Game Set. It combines three of the hottest backyard games into one portable unit – Bag Toss, Washer Toss and Ladder Toss. Bidding closes this Friday, August 16. 

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Register now for RPAC’s "Monday Night Fever – A Flashback to the 1970s" fundraising event, happening Monday, September 30, from 7-11 p.m. at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. Tickets cost $50 each and will be applied toward your 2013 RPAC investment total. Click here for more information.

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.