April 2025

Weekly Report for April 25, 2025

NYSAR Sets REALTOR® Lobby Day Agenda – Issue Webinar Now Available
You can now view a recording of NYSAR’s “Pre-Lobby Day Webinar” in preparation of NYSAR’s upcoming Lobby Day in Albany being held on Tuesday, April 29. The recorded webinar provided details of what to expect this Lobby Day including REALTOR® issues and talking points for your meetings with state lawmakers. Watch the webinar here.

Attend NYSAR’s Lobby Day – Tuesday, April 29 in Albany – REALTORS® to focus on housing affordability and enhancing the consumer experience
REALTORS® from across the state will converge on Albany this Tuesday, April 29 for NYSAR’s annual Lobby Day to advocate for homeownership and enhancing the real estate consumer experience. NYSAR’s Lobby Day advocacy package includes legislation assisting first-time homebuyers, incentivizing new housing development, requiring buyer representation agreements, and increasing experience requirements for brokers, among others. Details on issues and Lobby Day Talking Points can be found here.

You can still register to attend NYSAR’s 2025 Lobby Day on Tuesday, April 29 at the Convention Center in the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany. NYSAR reimbursement up to $150 is available for hotel and travel expenses. To register and review our Lobby Day FAQ section, click here.

State lawmakers near deal on state budget
Leaders in the State Legislature are expected to continue final state budget negotiations with the governor through the weekend with the anticipation of reaching a final deal by next week, according to reports. The latest budget extension runs through Tuesday, April 29. Read more here.

Weekly Report for April 18, 2025

NYSAR Pre-Lobby Day Live Webinar on Thursday, April 24 at 10 a.m. – NYSAR Lobby Day Talking Points Posted on Website
Tune in to NYSAR’s “Pre-Lobby Day Live Webinar” via Zoom on Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. The webinar will cover Lobby Day issues and talking points, as well as provide a schedule for the day.

A link to the webinar can be found here.

A link to NYSAR’s Lobby Day Talking Points can be found here.

Attend NYSAR Lobby Day on Tuesday, April 29 in Albany
Attend NYSAR’s 2025 Lobby Day which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Convention Center in the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany. Join your fellow REALTORS® from across the state as we advocate for homeownership and other REALTOR®-supported legislation. NYSAR reimbursement up to $150 is available for hotel and travel expenses. To register and review our Lobby Day FAQ section, which includes Talking Points, parking information, expense reimbursement forms and more, click here.

Progress made on State Budget, but still no final deal
State lawmakers commented that progress has been made to reach a deal to reform pretrial discovery laws supported by Governor Hochul, one of the main points of contention during ongoing state budget negotiations. State lawmakers will return to Albany next week to continue working towards a final agreement on a roughly $252 billion state budget. Read more here.

Weekly Report for April 11, 2025

NYSAR Pre-Lobby Day Live Webinar on Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m.
Tune in to NYSAR’s “Pre-Lobby Day Live Webinar” via Zoom on Wednesday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. The webinar will cover Lobby Day issues and talking points, as well as provide a schedule for the day. Questions may be asked using the chat function during the webinar. A link to the webinar can be found here.

Register now for NYSAR Lobby Day being held on Tuesday, April 29
Registration is still open for NYSAR’s 2025 Lobby Day which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Convention Center in the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany. NYSAR reimbursement up to $150 is available for hotel and travel expenses. To register and review our Lobby Day FAQ section, click here.

RPAC of New York will also be hosting a “Lobby Day Pre-Game” fundraiser on Monday, April 28 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Apex Sports & Entertainment at Crossgates Mall in Albany. The event costs $210 and attendees will enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games, a complete dinner buffet in a private room and two drink coupons per person. Proceeds from the event will benefit RPAC and the deadline to register is April 18.

State Budget negotiations ongoing, missing April 1 deadline
State Budget negotiations continue to be at a standstill this week as state lawmakers pass a fourth budget extender funding state operations until April 15. Leaders in the Legislature continue to argue that the budget process is being held up due to the inclusion of policy issues supported by Governor Hochul, including changes to the state’s pretrial criminal discovery laws and involuntary commitment of persons with serious mental illness. Read more here.

Weekly Report for April 4, 2025

NYSAR warns DEC that new wetland regulations undermine state goals to create more housing
On March 31, NYSAR submitted formal comment to the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) opposing recently implemented regulations expanding geographic area and state oversight of freshwater wetlands throughout the state. Specifically, NYSAR warned of the serious consequences these regulations will have on the curtailment of new residential and commercial real estate development at a time when New York State is facing a severe housing shortage. NYSAR will continue to press the issue with state lawmakers. Read NYSAR’s full testimony here.

NYSAR urges state budget changes – State lawmakers miss April 1 budget deadline
NYSAR continues to engage state lawmakers on housing concerns within the proposed state budget, including the creation of a 3-month waiting period for “institutional investors” with assets of $5 million or more before making an offer to purchase 1-2 family residential homes, and a new measure that would automatically enroll property owners onto a real estate non-solicitation list if located within an established cease-and-desist zone. Read NYSAR’s memo here.

Governor Hochul and state lawmakers have yet to agree on a final deal to pass a roughly $252 billion state budget which was due April 1. Short-term extenders have been passed to continue government funding as budget negotiations continue. Several policy issues including changes to the state’s pretrial criminal discovery laws and involuntary commitment of persons with serious mental illness are the primary reasons for the delay in negotiations.

Register now for NYSAR Lobby Day being held on Tuesday, April 29
Registration is now open for NYSAR’s 2025 Lobby Day which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29 at the Convention Center in the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany. A limited number of room blocks at nearby hotels are available now, so please reserve early as they will sell out. NYSAR reimbursement up to $150 is available for hotel and travel expenses. To register and review our Lobby Day FAQ section, click here.