The New York State Department of Tax and Finance has published a form for distribution to new homeowners providing guidance on the new STAR tax credit program. Homeowners who purchased their current home prior to May 1, 2014 and already receive the STAR exemption under the current program do not have to do anything. There are no changes for them and they will continue to receive their STAR exemption. If a homeowner purchased a home between May 1, 2014 and Aug. 1, 2015, they may fall under the new STAR credit program and may have to apply. More information can be found here. Homeowners who purchased after Aug. 1, 2015 will fall under the new STAR credit program and will have to register here.

In a unanimous ruling  in the case of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers v. Hawkes Co. Inc.,  the U.S. Supreme Court held that developers and landowners can ask a court to review a federal finding that a wetland or waterway on their property falls under the Clean Water Act. In an amicus brief, written in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders, NAR contended that the decisions hurt landowners without giving them a proper appeals process. The National Association of REALTORS has supported past Supreme Court decisions to reject federal agency attempts to assert jurisdiction beyond the navigable to all waters based on theories like the presence of migratory birds. The decision yesterday is a victory and should help as we continue the process of addressing our concerns with the Waters of the U.S. rule. More on this story can be found here.

In a recent interview with LookTV Onilne in  Saratoga, Southern Adirondack REALTORS Executive Luisa Craige-Sherman and NYSAR Government Affairs Director Mike Kelly discussed NYSAR’s NY First Home legislative proposal. If adopted, the NY First Home program would allow individuals to deposit up to $5,000 per year ($10,000 per year for couples) into a designated savings account to be used solely for the purpose of purchasing a first home in New York State and deduct that principal from their state income taxes. REALTOR members and the public are encouraged to support this proposal by going to NYfirsthome.com.

 

The interview was a continuation of the REALTOR effort that began on Lobby Day. For a video recap of Lobby Day, click here. 

In December, Gov. Andrew Cuomo authorized the "50 by 30" Clean Energy Standard requiring 50 percent of the state’s energy to be produced by renewable sources by 2030. While the state aggressively promotes the plan, an option for towns to opt out of tax breaks offered by state law has become a primary point of discussion. For most towns, these tax issues and land use and zoning regulations need to be resolved through local laws, which require public hearings. More on this story can be found here.

Sign up today for REALTOR Party Mobile Alerts in the month of June and be entered to win a $250 Amazon gift card. Text the word, "REALTORS" to 30644 or sign up here. You will receive important messages about REALTOR Calls for Action a few times a year to help protect our industry.

Reduce your risk by participating in the Summer Legal Update Webinar on Thursday, June 16, at 2:30 p.m. Presented by NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto, Esq., the webinar will cover:

• Social Media Dos and Don'ts: Use of the term REALTOR; copyright; posts that will get you in trouble.
• New DOS opinion: Licensees obligation to investigate the legality of a property prior to listing.
• Listing agreements: Obligation of licensees to obtain the signatures of every owner on a listing agreement.
• NEW Fair Housing Issues: Use of criminal background checks; gender Identity.

The webinar will conclude with a brief Q&A session.

 

Register today by clicking here.

June is Housing Opportunities Month!  Celebrate by helping the NYSAR Housing Opportunities Foundation reach its goal of raising $5,000 for its First-time Homebuyer Grant Program, which assists low-to-moderate income individuals and families with closing and down payment costs. Click here to donate to the foundation and be entered into a drawing for a $50 American Express Gift Card drawing.

The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) course will be offered June 14-15  at the Long Island Board of REALTORS in West Babylon, NY. Elevate your standards, enhance your performance, and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential to professionally and ethically represent sellers. 

 

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

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) course will be offered June 23-24 at the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS in Albany, NY. Become a proficient and profitable buyer's representative, serving with quality, fidelity, and confidence. You will gain a thorough understanding of agency relationships, policy options and disclosure requirements.

The Graduate, REALTOR Institute GRI-5 Buyers course will be offered June 27 at the Long Island Board of REALTORS in Woodbury, NY. Learn how to demonstrate your value to buyers while satisfying the New York State fair housing training requirement

 

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. Click here to view a recent webinar on tax and retirement planning for REALTORS.

The Crosby crossbody by Coach is crafted in luxuriously smooth leather with two zippered compartments. This compact crossbody is packed with function and style. Its refined, double-gusset design is finished with an adjustable strap, interior pockets and minimalist hardware.

• Inside zip, cell phone and multifunction pockets.
• Zip closure, fabric lining.
• Strap with 22" drop for shoulder or crossbody wear.
• 9 3/4" (L) x 6" (H) x 2 1/2" (W)

Current bid: $1,000
Bidding Increments: $25

 

Email bids to dking@nysar.com, call Derick King at 518-463-0300 x238 or join the RPAC of New York Facebook group to submit a bid. Bidding remains open until COB, Wednesday, June 22.

The Spring RPAC fundraising season remains hot! The following local boards are holding RPAC events in the weeks ahead:

• June 9: Greater Capital – 2^ndAnnual Wine & Beer Gathering
  Join your colleagues for a Happy Hour gathering at the Thirsty Owl in Saratoga Springs and enjoy a glass of wine, a beer and appetizers too! Visit the IMS Section of www.gcar.com to purchase your tickets. See flyer for complete details. 

• June 10: Dutchess County – Hudson River Sunset Cruise
  Dutchess County REALTORS will return for a sunset cruise along the majestic Hudson River. The event features gourmet appetizers, refreshing drinks, auctions and a guaranteed good-time in support of RPAC. Contact DCAR for complete details at (845) 471-2811 or www.dcar.com.

• June 15: Columbia-Greene – RPAC BBQ & Perks Fundraiser
  The Columbia Greene Board of REALTORS will host its fourth annual RPAC BBQ and Perks fundraising event at the board office. The event featured a BBQ lunch, professional photographer, a cooking contest and more.For complete details or to register, contact Suzanne Close at (518) 828-7871 or email ae@columbiagreenerealtors.com.

• June 30: Hudson Gateway – New York Yankees Game
  HGAR will return for a NY Yankees game on June 30 to benefit RPAC! Pre-game BBQ and bar open at 11 am on the Rooftop Terrace. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. as the Yankes face the Texas Rangers. Contact Phil Weiden at (914) 681-0833 x3011, email Philip.Weiden@HGAR.com or visit www.hgar.comfor complete detail. See the flyer for more.