Top Headlines for Feb. 5
Don't miss RTB#2 featuring 'Newsday' fair housing investigative reporter Bill Dedman
The next Raising the Bar on Feb. 17 will focus on the importance of fair housing issues by featuring Bill Dedman, who was one of Newsday's lead reporters on its undercover investigation of racial steering by real estate agents on Long Island. The "Long Island Divided" reporter will deliver his presentation at 10 a.m. via Zoom.

The session will also feature Alexia Smokler, NAR senior policy representative, Fair Housing Policy, who will present "Explore Fairhaven," a demonstration of NAR's interactive fair housing training simulation program designed to identify and combat discrimination in homebuying.

Register here by Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. to receive the Zoom link. GSAR encourages all members to attend and join their association in a commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive communities.

Don't forget that if you attend all four Raising the Bar sessions or three of them and Community Day, you will be eligible for a 20-percent discount on your local dues for 2022!
Tell CNYIS what you think and be entered for a chance to win
All CNYIS participants and subscribers have received an email with a link to the MLS Products and Services Survey on Feb. 1. The link can also be found in the MLS News and Alerts section. Your feedback will help shape the future of the MLS including the products and services it offers. Complete the survey before Feb. 12 and you will be entered into a drawing for one of two $500 Amazon gift cards.
Cold calling prohibited through Feb. 26
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has extended the State of Emergency through Feb. 26, 2021. Licensees remain prohibited from making any cold calls through that date, and are required to follow all current guidance, directives and reopening rules. General Business Law §399-z(5)(a) states: “It shall be unlawful for any telemarketer doing business in this state to knowingly make an unsolicited telemarketing sales call to any person in a county, city, town or village under a declared state of emergency or disaster emergency as described in sections twenty-four or twenty-eight of the executive law.” All other types of marketing such as mailers, billboards, social media, internet are permitted. You may call a FSBO if you have an identifiable purchaser interested in the property. You are prohibited from calling the FSBO to solicit the listing. You may still perform business-to-business calls so long as you are calling the number provided as the business number.
MLS Tips
Handling multiple offers? Follow the Code
As multiple offers continue to be prevalent in our market, it's important to remember that you have a fiduciary duty to the seller that includes the presentation of all offers. Article 1 of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice 1-6, 1-7 and 1-8 provide guidance for handling offers. We encourage all members to review these as well as the entire Code.
'Love Letters' can run afoul of fair housing laws
In today's market with heavy competition for fewer homes, your buyers may want to include a personal letter with their offer. Brokers and agents should be wary of the potential for fair housing violations these types of letters may bring, and are reminded to exercise caution. Best practices for this scenario include listing agents strongly advising their clients against accepting these letters. This article from the New York State Association of REALTORS® is a must-read for both brokers and agents.
No Virtual Broker Opens on Feb. 9
Due to a conflict with the New York State Association of REALTORS® business meetings, the Virtual Broker Opens session for Tuesday, Feb. 9, has been cancelled. The VBO schedule will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Education
Thanks to our sponsors
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Bradford Tax Seminars will be offering "Tax-Reduction Strategies for the Real Estate Professional" via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 9:30 a.m. The course will cover important 2021 tax updates that can increase your income immediately. Presented by Charlie Davis, the session will cover new deductions, documentation best practices and how to safely qualify your home office among other key tax tips. Davis is a tax professional and financial adviser who has taught nationally on tax strategies for the self-employed. Learn more and register here.
Member Benefits and Events
Welcome new GSAR members!
The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® welcomes its newest members and wishes them great success.
Thalia Crane
GRG Gloria Realty Group
315-671-2341

Elizabeth Koenig
Michael DeRosa Exchange LLC
315-406-7355

Merritt Kusak-McGuire
Hunt Real Estate ERA
315-622-5757

Chelsea Nicolli
Howard Hanna Real Estate
315-682-9500
Florence Rutherford
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, CNY Realty
315-373-0440

Michael Szakalski
Keller Williams Syracuse
315-701-6993

Samantha Yamini
Procopio Real Estate
315-409-4508


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