A new report from the National Association of REALTORS®, “Snapshot of Race & Home Buying in America,” demonstrates the continued need for work for racial equality in real estate. The report examines the changes in the homeownership rate by race from 2009 to 2019, showing that minority homeownership continues to lag behind the national average rate. “This data reinforces the need to implement key policy initiatives NAR developed in concert with the Urban Institute and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers to address the Black homeownership gap,” said NAR President Charlie Oppler.

GSAR and CNYIS members are reminded to update their contact information for the 2021 edition of the GSAR & CNYIS Membership Directory. Now is the time to make sure your photo, email address and phone numbers are all up to date. Complete details about how to make sure your directory listing shines are here

Congratulations to Kathleen Kellogg and Barbara Liberatore! They were the winners of the Central New York Information Service survey drawing for the $500 Amazon gift cards. The CNYIS leadership and staff thank the 602 members who took the time to complete the recent survey. Your input will help guide the future of the MLS.

Home foreclosures for federally backed mortgages will receive another three-month extension to June 30. The foreclosure moratorium originally was set to expire March 31. The moratorium is part of aid to help homeowners financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks the second time that President Joe Biden’s administration has extended the moratorium since he took office on Jan. 21. The administration also announced it will provide struggling homeowners a longer time to request a mortgage payment forbearance, which would allow them to pause or reduce mortgage payments. Homeowners now have until June 30 to request forbearance from their lender. Learn more here.

This week's MLS Tip focuses on the Supra eKey app payment management feature, which payment features at your fingertips. Watch the video to learn how it works.

The Cayuga County Chapter has created a marketing opportunity for all GSAR members through the placement of advertising in the Auburn Citizen. The advertisement tells consumers that they can safely sell or buy homes with a REALTOR® and offers them a link to a listing of REALTORS who can assist them. All members have the opportunity to purchase a listing on that cnyrealtor.com landing page for an annual fee of $25. Simply complete and return this form.

The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS^® welcomes its newest members and wishes them great success.