GSAR Hot News - Home price gains pose challenges for first-time buyers

Top Headlines for October 16

Home price gains pose challenges for first-time buyers

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun's recent commentary about the housing market noted that first-time buyers are finding the increase in downpayment amounts caused by rising home prices to be a challenge in their path to homeownership. He noted that rural and small town areas where no-downpayment USDA loans are available may provide a viable alternative, especially as the work-from-home culture grows.Learn more here.

Builders: Record-high lumber costs could slow new construction

The National Association of Home Builders has issued a warning that record-high lumber costs are driving up the price tag for newly built homes, which could slow new construction and its contributions to the economy. The association estimates that the spike in lumber prices is causing an increase of more than $16,000 for the typical new single-family home. Learn more here.

Help someone start their career: GSAR salesperson course begins Oct. 22

GSAR’s popular pre-licensing course begins Oct. 22, 2020. The 75-hour course will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday classes will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The class ends on December 5, 2020. Please share this link with anyone interested in the course: https://www.cnyrealtor.com/education/salesperson-course/. They will find general licensing information and a registration packet with course dates, Zoom class policy, and registration form there. They may also contact the education department at 457-5979 x 224 or education@cnyrealtor.com.

NAR launches ‘NAR en Español’ on the web

With its Spanish-speaking membership rising rapidly, the National Association of REALTORS® has launched NAR en Español, a Spanish-language subsite to the association’s web presence at nar.realtor. Since 2018, the NAR en Español initiative has helped local and global members leverage their REALTOR® affiliation with networking and educational resources for Spanish-speaking REALTORS®. The site emphasizes content- and education-focused initiatives in Spanish. Learn more here.

MLS Tips

Learn how to edit Supra eKey Keybox data

This week's MLS tip video focuses on how to add information into your Supra eKey Keybox such as a business card, flyer or agent note without going to the key box. The information will be displayed in the eKey app. Click on the video to learn more.

GSAR Virtual Showing sessions held every Tuesday

GSAR's Virtual Showing sessions will take place on Zoom every Tuesday at 10 a.m. They are open to all members and we encourage you to participate in the weekly sessions to keep up to date on the latest listings. If you have a listing to share or you want to see what is out there for your buyer, plan to attend these informative sessions. You can walk through the property live, or share your photos in the MLS listing and walk attendees through the property that way.

Listing agents should enter this open in the MLS as an Open House: virtual MLS wide with this Zoom link in the URL box: (You can always find this link posted in the MLS News and Alerts section)

https://zoom.us/j/97752243408?pwd=a2ZzSlUyRm5LMFdqTDFialc2NTFhQT09

Meeting ID: 977 5224 3408

Passcode: 285505

Education

Don't miss photography class with CE credit

Registration is open for the Standards-based Real Estate Photography class on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. Delivered via Zoom, this class will review of some of the topics introduced in the Level I class, such as truth in advertising, expectations and rights of sellers and buyers, and basic photo composition. The remainder of the class will focus on higher-end photo techniques with the goal of producing good quality, accurate photos of your listings. The prerequisite for this class is the Level 1 class or experience with DLSR or mirrorless cameras with advanced features. This class features three hours CE credit. Register here.

Master Matrix with GSAR classes

GSAR's Matrix classes are designed to help users become more proficient and efficient in using Matrix tools. Register by emailing the GSAR Education Department.

Matrix Intro Part 1

October 21, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Get started with Matrix, one of the most important tools in your real estate toolbox. You'll learn how to use all of the buttons, widgets and menu options on the homepage. Different methods of searching and working with your contacts will also be covered. Formal training in Matrix will save you time and frustration. (Zoom class. 1.5 CEU)

Matrix Intro Part 2

October 21, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This is a continuation of Matrix Intro Part 1. Learn some of the advanced features of Matrix. Topics include setting up your Hotsheets and Market Watch reports. You'll also learn how to: enter and edit listings; search public tax records and the Realist database; and print address labels for your prospecting mailings. (Zoom class; 1.5 CEU)

NYSAR YPN sponsors free CE course

The NYSAR Young Professionals Network (YPN) is sponsoring a free CE course on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 1-3 p.m. The course, "Introduction to NYS Mold Law Licensing Requirements," carries two CE credit hours. Taught by Eileen Franko, it will cover the implementation of the licensing of mold professionals by New York State and how mold has become a factor in property transactions. She will describe what mold is, when it presents a hazard, how to identify mold, how it enters into property transactions and the requirements of the state's Mold Law. Register here.

Upcoming virtual continuing education and Matrix classes

Standards-Based Real Estate Photography- Level II October 20, 9 a.m. - Noon (3.0 CEU)

Matrix Intro Part 1 October 21, 9 - 10:30 a.m. (1.5 CEU)

Matrix Intro Part 2 October 21, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (1.5 CEU).

Matrix Intro Part 1 October 28, 9 - 10:30 a.m. (1.5 CEU)

Matrix Intro Part 2 October 28, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (1.5 CEU).

Matrix 2: Auto E-mail & Customization October 28 , 1:30 - 3 p.m. (1.5CEU)

Education links

View the complete monthly schedule

Weekly webinars and classes weekly calendar on members side of cnyrealtor.com

Changing the way we learn: Zoom proficiency will be the key to earning CE credit into 2021

When it comes to education, the events of 2020 have made it clear that REALTORS will need to master Zoom for remote learning to ensure they are able to earn their required continuing education credits. This will be especially important for licensees who will no longer be "grandfathered in" as of June 21, 2021. Every licensee must meet the CE requirements to keep their license. As with in-person CE classes, Zoom classes have specific requirements including being visible on camera for the entire session and signing 10 minutes before the session starts. To learn more about using Zoom for CE classes, please watch the video.

Thanks to our sponsors

New York State Commercial Association of REALTORS® offers CCIM course "Foundations for Success in Commercial Real Estate" on Oct. 21-22. The in-person course at the Calvary Club in Manlius features instructor Stanley Gniazdowski. This case-driven course provides an understanding of the skills, resources and business practices that pave the way for success in commercial real estate. View the course flyer for additional information and registration.

Member Benefits and Events

Mindful Monday returns on Nov. 2

Shauna Teelin will again lead Mindful Monday on Monday, Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. This free, Zoom class is designed to help members relieve stress and enhance their brain power. She has extensive experience teaching yoga and mediation, and is a certified MMI Mindfullness @Work trainer. Join the session using this information: https://zoom.us/j/94190279712?pwd=ZXNoUFlvQjE5UVF6MnlpcVlOdjE4Zz09

Meeting ID: 941 9027 9712

Passcode: 989854

Dial by your location

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Registration for NAR's first-ever virtual REALTORS® Conference & Expo from Nov. 2 to 18 is now open. The schedule will feature governance meetings, education sessions, networking opportunities and expo. Learn more here.

GSAR Featured

Member Benefit

NYSAR and UPS took the guesswork out, and put the easy in. Members now have access to new and improved flat rate pricing with savings of 45 percent on Domestic Next Day/Deferred, 25 percent on Ground Commercial / Residential and up to 50 percent on additional services. In addition, members can take advantage of UPS Smart Pickup® service for free.

Open a new account, or if you are already taking advantage of our UPS savings program, re-enroll and apply the new discounts to your existing account by visiting: www.savewithups.com/nysar or call 800-636- 2377.