Top Headlines for July 30
NYSAR issues Call for Action urging members to tell governor to release emergency rental assistance funds
NYSAR is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to direct all resources necessary to the State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) so that the disgraceful delay in sending aid to renters and landlords can end immediately. New York’s OTDA has yet to distribute any of the $2.4 billion in federal rent relief funding to tenants and landlords. The financial impact of the pandemic continues to hurt families and small businesses that are relying on this aid and state government inaction is the only thing standing in the way. To take action now, click here.
Take action: Tell lawmakers to remove cold calling restrictions
REALTORS® are still being shut out of conducting cold calls due to Gov. Andrew Cuomo declaring gun violence a disaster emergency in New York. This is directly impeding real estate business operations, which are completely unrelated to the emergency declaration. Real estate licensees may not make any unsolicited phone calls to a member of the public during a state of emergency. Take Action Now! Tell Governor Cuomo and state Lawmakers to remove cold call restrictions on licensed real estate professionals during a State of Emergency.
Registration opening soon for GSAR's Broker Qualifying Course in September
Registration will be opening soon for the Broker Qualifying Course being offered by GSAR starting on Sept.28 and running through Oct. 26. This course will be delivered in person in the classroom. Visit www.cnyrealtor.com/education/broker-course/ for details and registration information.
Yun: Vacation markets expected to stay hot
Vacation home sales have jumped 57 percent this year compared to 2020, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, told Marketplace that he expects the vacation-home market to stay elevated through the rest of the year. Many employers have chosen flexible work options that will continue to drive demand in the vacation-home market, he says. But some of these vacation towns aren’t used to the rising number of year-round residents. Longtime full-time residents are complaining about increasing traffic, lack of parking, and crowded stores. Also, bidding wars for homes are driving up prices. Read more.
Register for GSAR's September, October and November discounted 22.5-hour CE packages
Register for GSAR's 22.5-hour continuing education packages available at a discounted member rate of $90, down from $240. You can select from the September, October and November packages.

GSAR designed this program to help all members meet their CE requirements including those who may have been previously exempt from CE requirements. Designed with every schedule in mind, some of the packages will be offered on nights and weekends, while others will be offered during business hours.

September, October* and November package classes will be delivered virtually via Zoom.

* A limited number of members will have the option to take the virtual classes in the GSAR office in October. These spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. There will also be a few classes with an in-person instructor.

The non-member package rate is $270, down from $405.
Thanks to our Hot News sponsors
MLS Tips
Tutorial shows how to use the all-new Authentisign software
This week's MLS Tip offers information about using the all-new Authentisign software. The new update allows you to collect the signatures you need more quickly and right from your transactions. Your clients can sign from any web browser or mobile device without having to download anything or registering for an account. Users can monitor and manage all signatures from a single dashboard. Watch the video to learn more.
Education
Don't miss these learning opportunities
(Virtual) Legal Update
Meets 1-hour Legal Update requirement - Zoom
Instructor: Vaughn Lang
July 31 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

This course will cover recent legal matters pertaining to Real Estate License Law, Fair Housing Laws, and other notable legal updates. This course Satisfies the DOS 1 hour Legal Update Requirement.Register here.

(Virtual) Flushed with Success: Rural Water and Septic Systems
3 hours CE - Zoom
Instructor: Mike Smith
Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon

Wells and septic systems can be lawsuit-magnets for Realtors. The course will cover the basics of commonly used wells and septic systems. The information you gain in this course will allow you to recommend appropriate testing and inspections of such systems by qualified professionals, will give you the knowledge needed to discuss alternative solutions with your clients in a credible manner, and avoid delays in the transaction by anticipating issues before they become problems. Register here.
Plan now to attend GSAR's safety class
in September
GSAR will be presenting "Prospect or Predator? Reduce the Risk of Being Targeted" virtually on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The class will be taught by Dave Legaz, a REALTOR® and retired NYPD sergeant. He will share known predatory behaviors and proven strategies for real estate professionals to reduce the risk of being targeted on and off the job. The cost is $12 and registration is open. Attendees will earn one hour of CE credit.
Upcoming virtual continuing education

• Legal Update - Virtual
Zoom
Instructor: Vaughn Lang
July 31 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

• Flushed with Success: Rural Water and Septic Systems - Virtual
3 hours CE - Zoom
Instructor: Mike Smith
Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon

Education links
Attention REALTOR members! Your NAR Code of Ethics training cycle is coming to an end on December 31, 2021. Please remember to email your Ethics Certificates to education@cnyrealtor.com if you’ve taken the class already.
Reminder: License 'grandfathering'
ended on July 1
No licensee will be exempt (grandfathered) from being required to complete 22.5 hours of approved real estate continuing education as of July 1, 2021. Additional core coursework is also required.

If your license expiration date is July 1, 2021 or later, your education requirements are:
  • Agency - 1.0 hour (the requirement for first renewal is 2.0 hours)
  • Fair housing and diversity – 3.0 hours
  • Ethical business practices - 2.5 hours
  • Legal matters - 1.0 hour
  • Electives - 15.0 hours
  • Total hours of approved CE: 22.5 hours
Member Benefits and Events
Sign up for a NYSAR Committee by July 31
The New York State Association of REALTORS® is now seeking volunteers to serve on its committees, forums, working groups and foundations. Committee service is open to all members and you may choose up to four open committees and request up to three closed committees. Learn more.

Don't miss this year's Parade of Homes
Plan now to participate in this year's Parade of Homes from Sept. 11 to 26 at Treybrook in Baldwinsville. The REALTOR® morning, sponsored by Solvay Bank, will be on Sept. 17 from 9:30 a.m to noon. There will be a breakfast and a prize giveaway for those who have filled up their "passport" by visiting all the participating builders. Watch Hot News for additional details.

Homebuilders and Remodelers of CNY plan golf outing
The Homebuilders and Remodelers of Central New York will have a golf outing on Aug. 19 at Vesper Hills Golf Club. The event will get underway with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Click here for additional information and registration.
REALTORS®: Sign up new affiliate members for chance to win free 2022 dues
Every REALTOR® member that refers an Affiliate member that joins GSAR will be entered into a drawing to win free GSAR, NYSAR, NYSAR and MLS dues for 2022! That's a value of more than $1,200! Earn one drawing "ticket" for every Affiliate member who signs up based on your referral by Oct. 8, 2021. The more you sign up, the more chances you have to win free dues. Download this flyer and start recruiting new Affiliate members today! You can also send them here to join online. Make sure they put your name in the referral box so you get credit.
Welcome new GSAR members!
The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® welcomes its newest members and wishes them great success.
Lee Baldwin
Coldwell Banker Prime Properties
315-622-0161
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