Please take action today and call Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to urge them to support the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act takes the crucial first step of delaying further implementation of some rate increases contained in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization known as the Biggert-Waters Law (BW12).

REALTORS must speak loudly and clearly with one voice to ensure this bill moves forward. Please call now and urge your senators to pass the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act.

According to the latest quarterly consumer confidence survey released by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), overall consumer confidence decreased in eight New York State MSAs in the fourth quarter of 2013. Home buying plans increased in seven of New York’s MSAs, while falling in two. 

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In its 2013 year-end foreclosure market report, which reports default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions, RealtyTrac Inc. reported New York State had 45,906 total foreclosure filings in 2013, an increase of 34.03 percent from 2012. With one in every 176 homes receiving a foreclosure filing in 2013, New York State ranked 36 of all 50 states. During the 2013 fourth quarter, New York State had 11,235 total foreclosures, a 7.76-percent decrease from the 2013 third quarter. New York State had 3,367 total foreclosures in December 2013, a decrease of 17.11 percent from November.

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Last week, the 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Bill was released to fund the federal government through September 30, 2014. The House and Senate both passed the legislation late last week to avert another government shutdown. Included in the bill are two provisions that are of importance to REALTORS: flood insurance and rural housing. 

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New York State’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has reached a civil settlement with a Delaware firm that used deceptive practices to get businesses to pay more money for patent licenses. The settlement requires the company to, before filing any patent infringement lawsuits, reveal the true identity of the targets of the suit, describe with "reasonable specificity" its claims, and have a good faith basis for claiming infringements. The settlement provides guidelines to assure that patent trolls do not use improper tactics going forward in New York. 

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Today’s NYSAR Radio show will cover agency issues, specifically seller’s agents. 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.

Give a gift that can help save a life by participating in the NYSAR Young Professionals Network’s American Red Cross Blood Drive being held in conjunction with the NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings on Wednesday, February 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are scheduled in 15 minute increments and are encouraged to avoid long wait times. To make your appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code "NYSARAlbany." Or, email Director of Marketing Kristen Pooler at kpooler@nysar.com with your availability.

REALTOR Institute 409 – "Equal and Ethical Service" – will be offered February 5-6 at the Ithaca Board of REALTORS in Ithaca, NY. This course fulfills the Code of Ethics training requirement for REALTOR membership and the fair housing training requirement for NYS license renewal.

Click here for more information or to register.

NYSAR’s exclusive partner for errors and omissions insurance, Pearl Insurance offers you comprehensive and affordable coverage customized to fit your needs. Their program, underwritten by XL Insurance, includes innovative features such as: deductible reduction; open house coverage; environmental failure to advise; innocent partner protection; and public relations advisory services.

For more details or a customized quote, call 800.289.8170 or visit www.pearlinsurance.com/nysar.

Looking for that distinctive Valentine’s Day gift for the lady in your life? This remarkable Coach handbag is guaranteed to make an amazing gift. The Signature Coach khaki bag with mahogany straps is excellent for all occasions. Bidding closes at the end of the day today, Tuesday, January 21. Click here to learn more.

The NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings are right around the corner! If you haven’t planned to do so already, plan to take a break from the hectic meeting schedule by attending the RPAC VIP Lounge on Tuesday, February 11. Back by popular demand, the lounge will again be open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will feature breakfast, gourmet hot lunch, manicures, professional photographer, massages, cable TV, computers, printer, phone chargers and more. Admission is a $250 RPAC investment. For complete details and to register, click here.