Warning: Possible phishing attempt and spam email alert
If you receive an email claiming to be from "REALTOR Party via DocuSign," it is not from the National Association of REALTORS. The email contains an attachment. Do not open any attachments or click any of the links, which may ask for passwords. NAR will never ask you for your DocuSign credentials. Additionally, members should be aware of a suspicious email being deployed with the subject line: "ANNUAL REPORT TO ALL MEMBERS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTOR (NAR)" from the email address presiidentceo@usa.com. Please note that official NAR emails will come from a realtor.org or realtors.org email address and include proper branding, messaging, contact information and opt-out provisions.
Learn more.
NYSAR continues to protect its members from potential legal issues
NYSAR is pleased to report that the New York State Court of Appeals recently published its decision in the Congel v Malfitano matter supported in part by NYSAR’s Legal Action Fund. The case involved a partnership that was dissolved by a minority partner contrary to what was contained in the fully executed partnership agreement. NYSAR joined a number of real estate related entities supporting the legal theory that the procedures and terms of dissolution set forth in the partnership agreement should have been followed. Fortunately, the court decided the matter consistent with the position of NYSAR and the other entities. This was an extremely important issue that would have negatively impacted those NYSAR brokerages that were formed as partnerships and rely on the partnership agreement to be the controlling document when it is time for dissolution. A copy of the decision can be
found here.
Free NYSAR Tech Hotline coming soon!
NYSAR's free Tech Hotline will be launching this summer, and will feature on-call experts available five days a week to assist you with your technology-related issues. Watch your mail in the coming months for more information.
Make your voice heard – sign up for the Broker Involvement Program
The Broker Involvement Program provides you, the broker, with a quick and effective tool to rally your agents and send a clear united voice to our state and federal leaders on critical legislative and regulatory issues affecting our industry. Quickly
enroll here, and read more information from the Broker Involvement Program
brochure.
Receive your Calls for Action via text message!
Text the word “NYREALTOR” to 30644 to sign up for REALTOR Party text message alerts. It takes less than a minute, and will only notify you a few times a year when there is an important REALTOR issue to take action on.
NYSAR meets with Assembly housing chair on coop transparency bill
NYSAR staff met with Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Brooklyn), chair of the Committee on Housing, and Assembly counsel staff to discuss the advancement of cooperative transparency legislation (
A.10084/S.7523). The bill would improve transparency by establishing a clear timeline for the receipt, acknowledgement, completion and acceptance/denial of a cooperative purchase application. These efforts on the state-level are in conjunction with similar efforts to introduce and advance legislation before the New York City Council. NYSAR will continue to update members on any progress.
NY enacts $168 billion budget, rejects real estate transfer tax increases
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature finalized a $168.3 billion on-time state budget on March 31. The budget closes a $4.5 billion deficit and excludes roughly $1 billion in new taxes and fees proposed by the governor and state Assembly. NYSAR was pleased to see the exclusion of two real estate transfer tax increases from the final budget, which were originally proposed in the Assembly one-house budget. The final budget includes provisions to decouple state tax law from federal revenue code, create a new optional payroll tax program that employers would enroll into, and allow for the creation of tax deductible state and local charitable contribution funds, which has municipalities looking for IRS guidance and
questioning how to implement such funds. The Business Council also has a budget summary
here.
Residential fire sprinkler push after Trump Tower fire
The New York City Council Housing and Buildings Committee Chair Robert Cornegy
announced that he will introduce a bill to require the installation of residential fire sprinklers at all residential buildings with four or more apartments. The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs also
announced it will increase its efforts to support local and state regulations to require all new homes to include fire sprinkler systems. The State Code Council excluded a requirement that would have mandated the installation of fire sprinkler systems in all new one and two-family homes in 2015.
Vote Tuesday, April 24, if you are in a special election district
Two State Senate seats and nine state Assembly seats will be filled by upcoming special elections on Tuesday, April 24. There is a heightened focus on the state Senate races after the recent move by the Independent Democratic Conference to join the mainline Democrats, which could impact what party controls the Senate in the coming months. The Assembly Districts with a special election are the: 5th, 10th, 17th, 39th, 74th, 80th, 102nd, 107th, and 142nd Assembly districts. The Senate Districts with a special election are the 32nd and 37th Senate Districts. Read more on the races
here. Check if you can vote in one of the special elections
here.
Report finds rising costs for rent-stabilized landlords as housing advocates push for rent freeze
The
Price Index of Operating Costs report is one of several surveys the Rent Guidelines Board takes into account before its final vote in June on whether to allow landlords of rent-stabilized housing to increase rent. According to the report, fuel costs and real estate taxes saw the largest increases. The board will discuss the findings of the price index and hear testimony from apartment owners and tenants in advance of its preliminary vote on April 26. Read the full report
here. A final vote is expected in June.
NYSAR member named one of NAR’s 30 Under 30 class of 2018
Congratulations to Charles “Chip” Murphy, Hunt Real Estate, Rochester, NY for being named one of the National Association of REALTORS’ 30 Under 30 Class of 2018. He collected the most votes during the online voting period, guaranteeing him a spot in this year’s class. According to the award criteria, he illustrates the most stellar traits in customer service, community involvement, and business acumen. Congratulations Chip!
Learn more.
REALTOR of the Year and Community Service Award nominations due by June 15
NYSAR is seeking nominations for the 2018 REALTOR of the Year Award. The award, which recognizes the outstanding personal leadership skills, and the industry and civic commitment of one NYSAR member, will be presented during the NYSAR Fall Business Meetings. In addition, NYSAR will recognize up to three REALTORS for their activities supporting their community with the Community Service Award. The deadline to nominate is June 15.
Click here for the ROTY nomination form.
Click here for the Community Service Award nomination form.
Good Neighbor Awards deadline is May 4
The National Association of REALTORS’ REALTOR Magazine is seeking nominations for the 2018 Good Neighbor Awards. The program recognizes REALTORS whose extraordinary commitment to community service has helped make their communities better places to live. Entries must be received by Friday, May 4.
Learn more.
Register today for the Office Depot Discount Program webinar on May 15
Join NYSAR for a free webinar at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, to learn about the advantages of buying your office supplies through Member Perk partner Office Depot/OfficeMax. When you use this exclusive member discount, you can save up to 80 percent on thousands of items. Most orders of $50 or more are eligible for free delivery to your home or office.
Register today!
The digital version of New York State REALTOR magazine is now available
Your digital edition of the March/April 2018 New York State REALTOR magazine is available now. In this issue, New York State REALTOR magazine celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act with: perspectives on the Fair Housing Act from NAR fair housing partners; fair housing FAQs; how personal letters from buyers can lead to fair housing implications; and more.
Read the issue now.
Bid on the April RPAC auction item – Michael Kors bag
Bidding will end at the close of business on Monday, April 30. To place a bid, call Derick King at 518-463-0300 x238, email
dking@nysar.com or join the
RPAC Facebook group.