The New York State housing market continued its strong start to 2016, posting the highest number of closed February sales in the past 10 years at 7,521, according to the housing market report released by the New York State Association of REALTORS (NYSAR). The February 2016 statewide median sales price increased by 4.4 percent compared to last February. Learn more here.

Privately-owned housing starts in February fell 51.3 percent for the Northeast to 73,000, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department. January’s total was 150,000. However, building permits for the Northeast rose in February, increasing 40.4 percent to 125,000. To read the entire U.S. Commerce Department press release, click here.

NYSAR’s annual Lobby Day is Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in Albany. This year, we will be advocating for a statewide first-time homebuyer savings account program, among other NYSAR legislative priorities. For those traveling to Albany the day prior, a block of rooms at the new Renaissance Albany Hotel, located across the street from the New York State Capitol Building, has been set aside until April 23. The rate is $179. To reserve a room, call 518-992-2500 and use our room block code SAR, or enter the online group code: SARSARA. NYSAR will reimburse up to $75 per person for travel expenses to Albany for Lobby Day. NYSAR also reimburses local boards half the cost to lease mass transportation to Lobby Day. NYSAR will provide breakfast, lunch, lobbying orientation and lobbying materials.

New York’s Congressional Delegation is made up of 18 Democrats and nine Republicans. Four seats – two currently held by Republicans and two currently held by Democrats – are up for grabs. Here’s a look at the state’s representatives and who is running for each seat.

The first quarter 2016 edition of NYSAR’s Legal Lines is now available online at NYSAR.com. This edition covers the addition of gender identity as a protected class in New York State, a case where a broker was unable to recover a commission due to an absence of a written agreement, and a case dealing with the issue of procuring cause. National cases including a possible RESPA violation are also covered. Read the latest issue here.

Congratulations to Judith Gabler of Delmar and Mandy Friend Gigliotti of Rochester for making the list of finalists for the National Association of REALTORS’ REALTOR Magazine 30 Under 30 contest! Now through Friday, March 25, members of the public will be able to vote for their favorite finalist. The finalist who collects the most votes is guaranteed a spot among this year’s 30 Under 30. Encourage your members to show their support for their fellow New York REALTORS and vote! Click here for more information.

The GRI-6 Sellers course will be offered April 1 at the Long Island REALTOR Service Center in Jackson Heights, NY. Represent seller clients in a way that keeps them coming back. Get a competitive advantage with strategies to: gain more listings; get clients to price to sell; enhance your marketing; and avoid Fair Housing violations and safety concerns. 

Register online today or call 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

The GRI-2 Business course will be offered April 6 at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS in Amherst, NY. Take your business to the next level and gain market share. This course provides the building blocks to: create an effective business plan; build support structures using assistants and teams; prospect successfully and tap into niche markets; and develop policies to avoid risk. 

Register online today or call 800-239-4432 x219. Click here for more information.

NYSAR’s newest Member Perks partner, UBS Financial Services, helps you reduce your taxable income and save for retirement with Independent 401(k) plans. Designed with the flexibility to decide whether to contribute and how much on an annual basis, you have the ability to borrow against your own retirement savings both tax-free and penalty-fee. Through NYSAR’s partnership, you’ll pay a minimal annual fee of only $25 for your account. Visit the Retirement page of NYSAR.com or contact Christopher Michelsen, financial advisor at UBS Financial Services, at 212-626-8515 for more details and to enroll now. Join NYSAR UBS Financial Services for a must-attend webinar covering tax and retirement planning and the benefits of starting an Independent 401(k) plan on Thursday, April 7, at 2:30 p.m. Click here to register today.

NYSAR Member Perks partner HealthiestYou, a health and wellness delivery innovator, puts you in control of your healthcare by giving you 24/7 access to U.S. Board-certified physicians via phone, email or video who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications. For as little as $9/month for individuals and families, you’ll have unlimited doctor consultations, prescription discounts and access to their interactive wellness platform. No consultation fees, no waiting rooms, no co-pays - and do it all from an app! Click here for more details or to enroll today.

One gallon of New York State-produced pure maple syrup could be yours with the highest bid! The syrup is donated by Michael Coughlin and made by Angela Swan, Homestead Maple Syrup, both members of the Clinton County Board of REALTORS. The auction closes this Friday, March 25. Visit the RPAC Facebook group to place a bid or contact Derick King at dking@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x238.

It was a productive week for local board RPAC events with nearly $12,000 in combined proceeds raised for RPAC across New York State. Congratulations to the Northern Adirondack board on raising $200 during the first-ever Paint & Sip for RPAC event. Greater Rochester scored big during the annual March Madness event, raising $6,700, and Greater Capital REALTORS laced up their bowling shoes to raise more than $5,000. Thank you to the members from all three boards for the dedication to building RPAC. To find out if your local board is holding an event, click here.