Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced that first-time home buyers can now qualify for loans with down payments as low as three percent. That will expand credit for qualified home shoppers who may have been sidelined the last few years because of higher down payment requirements, housing analysts say.

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According to the latest poll by Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were up 6.8 percent in November. Overall, New York State consumer confidence rose 5.2 points to 84 from the last measurement in June 2014. New York’s overall consumer confidence is 4.8 points below the nation’s index of 88.8.

Buying plans were also up for cars/trucks, consumer electronics and furniture. Buying plans were down for major home improvements.To read the entire SRI press release, click here.

In its U.S. Foreclosure Market Report for November 2014, RealtyTrac reported that New York State had 4,824 total foreclosures, a 14.97-percent increase from October and an 18.76-percent increase from November 2013. New York State ranks 25^th out of all 50 states for monthly total foreclosure filings. One in every 1,680 housing units in New York State received a foreclosure filing in November.

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The National Association of REALTORS has recognized NYSAR in this month’s "REALTOR Party Success Stories" for its work to help elect George Amedore to the New York State Senate. To read NAR’s full success story coverage, click here.

During last week’s Regional Economic Development Council Awards Ceremony, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $709.2 million in economic and community development funding through Round IV of the Regional Economic Development Council process. 

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On Wednesday, December 17, 2014, the New York Gaming Commission’s Facility Location Board will announce up to four of the 16 proposals that will be selected to operate casino resorts in New York. The board is currently considering proposals in the Hudson Valley Region, Capital District and the Eastern Southern Tier Region. Stay tuned to NYSAR.com for updates.

Karl Brabenec (R-Rockland, Orange) was declared the winner in Assembly District 98 over Elisa Tutini (D) in the last unresolved legislative race of the year. The total party membership in the Assembly is now 105 Democrats to 44 Republicans, with one Independent conferencing with the Democrats.

Today’s NYSAR Radio show will recap 2014 and take a look at what’s ahead for 2015. 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 Mid-Winter Business Meetings will be held February 9-12, 2015, at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, NY. The meetings will feature committee meetings, inaugural dinner, the General Session and more.

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The Instructor Training Institute (ITI) will be offered January 27-29 at the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS office in Albany, NY. This three-day intensive program will help you develop or enhance your skills as an instructor. You’ll learn how to deliver information in the most meaningful ways to meet the needs of a diverse audience. 

Click here for more information or to register.

Take advantage of NYSAR Member Perks partner Taxbot to keep more of your commissions through tax deductions! The Taxbot mobile app offers you the ability to track business mileage and expenses with your iPhone or Android smartphone or tablet, and turn those expenses into IRS compliant tax deductions. Click here to learn more.

Enrollment for health insurance in 2015 is now open. It will close on February 15, 2015. Look to NYSAR Member Perks partner USI Affinity to help you navigate the plan options and find the coverage that best suits your needs. Remember, you will face tax penalties if you do not obtain coverage. Also, if you miss open enrollment, you will not be able to obtain health insurance until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment. For more information, visit www.myrealtorinsurance.com/nysar.

RPAC of New York kicked off the 2015 fundraising year in Atlantic City with the successful RPAC High Rollers Suite. The New York State, New Jersey and Pennsylvania associations of REALTORS joined forces to host the event in conjunction with Triple Play. All told, RPAC of New York took in nearly $10,000 in investments and pledges during the one-day event!

The Warren County association hosted their signature RPAC holiday auction at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Water Park in Lake George on December 5. As usual, the event was complete with an array of auction items that raised thousands for RPAC! While total proceeds are still being tabulated, chances are that Warren County has reached its 2015 fundraising goal through this successful annual event!