Inside this issue: MLS begins using MFA login • Directors adopt mediation • Sign up for RTB #2 • DOS issues internet advertising guidance • CNYIS dues billing starts Feb. 15 and more

MLS login to begin using multi-factor authentication; password change required on Jan. 31

Starting on Wednesday, Jan. 31, the NYS Alliance MLS Portal Login Page will have multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled. All subscribers will be required to change their password and use MFA.

MFA is an extra layer of security to help protect everyone whose data is accessed with a user’s user ID and password. You will receive the MFA code through your choice of email or text. The code is only valid for five minutes. If your credentials are incorrect on the MFA screen, please contact the MLS for assistance.

Please share with your agents: Your e-mail address and/or cell phone number must be current and updated in your Matrix record. The information we have currently in Matrix is what will be used when we turn on Multi-Factor Authentication. CNYIS members, including all admins, can make cell and/or email changes via their member portal (Click here for instructions on how to edit your Member Portal Profile).

GSAR directors approve voluntary mediation for ethics complaints

The GSAR voted to adopt voluntary mediation for ethics complaints. Previously, mediation was only offered as part of the arbitration process. Now, if an agent (or member of the public) wishes to attempt mediation before submitting a formal complaint, they may choose to begin with mediation.

Plan now to attend RTB #2 in February

GSAR's Raising the Bar #2 will feature Randy Templeman presenting Buyer Representation: Build Trust Not Disgust on Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Learn about trust-building tactics, fresh resources, and get the inside scoop on buyer agency education offerings that will be taught by Templeman later this year. Thank you to our sponsor, Solvay Bank.Register today.

DOS issues internet advertising compliance guidance

The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Service has developed guidance documents to assist licensees with internet advertising regulations and compliance. The documents are the result of DOS receiving questions and comments from licensees. Review the Real Estate Advertising information to ensure you are complying with all regulations.

Attention brokers and managers: GSAR new members have 4 educational requirements

Brokers and Office Managers, please be aware that when you are bringing on new agents that GSAR has four classroom/educational requirements that new members must complete within their first 30 days of membership, and their first 180 days of membership. These requirements help prepare the agents to learn to use the GSAR/CNYIS products and services they are given as part of their membership and convey other crucial information relating to the association and the MLS. Please bookmark our New Member Resources Page and ensure that your new agents comply with these requirements and avoid potential MLS fines and suspension of their membership.

GSAR offering salespersons course in February

GSAR will offer the Salespersons Qualifying Course beginning on Feb. 20 at cost of $525 per person. Registration closes on Feb. 15. If you have anyone looking to take the 77-hour Salespersons course, please share this link for them to access additional information and to register.

Buffalo senator proposes upstate housing plan

State Senator Sean Ryan (Buffalo) is proposing a housing plan that would provide state subsidies to incentivize the construction of starter homes for low- and moderate-income households in upstate cities and would create a grant program for landlords to improve affordable rental units. Ryan’s proposal would also create a statewide program to fund improvements to the insulation of older home, and direct state and federal emergency funding to assist New Yorkers being evicted. Learn more.

Sign up for a free RentSpree webinar on Feb. 1

RentSpree is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m. designed to demonstrate how to streamline the rental process from showing to signing with this all-in-one suite. RentSpree is an all-in-one online rental application platform providing faster access to reports and reduced liability. Register here. All registrants will receive a copy of the webinar recording. 

CNYIS semi-annual billing cycle starts Feb. 15 with no fee increase for 2024

The CNYIS semi-annual invoice will be posted to each subsciber's account in the member portal on Feb. 15. There was no increase in fees for 2024 The fees must be paid by on or before March 15 to avoid late charges and service shutoff. Access your member portal account to pay the fees.

A late fee of $30 will be added to delinquent accounts on March. 16. All fees must be paid on or before March 30 to avoid service interruption. MLS shutoff for agents will take place on April 1 and a $75 fee will be added. This must be paid to reinstate your membership. Office shutoff will occur on April 11. No fees will be waived.

Share these February classes with your agents

Ethics for REALTORS®

3 hours CE • Zoom • Instructor: Don Radke • Feb. 13 from 1 - 4 p.m.

Are you living by the Code? The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is your pathway to professionalism. Adhering to the Code is what separates you, as a REALTOR®, from other real estate professionals. In this class, you will be reminded of your duties to clients and customers, the public, and your fellow REALTORS®. The professional standards process and Pathways to Professionalism will also be discussed. This course satisfies 3.0 hours of NYSDOS & NAR Code of Ethics Training Requirements. Register here.

Connecting and Communicating Across Cultures

2 hours CE • Zoom • Instructor: Shauna Teelin • Feb. 20 from 9-11 a.m.

The ability to connect and communicate across cultures allows for a broader base of business and an inclusive and diverse homeownership community. Understanding your own cultural beliefs and values and how these may be different from other cultures- being able to learn about and honor the different cultures of those you work with and the positive impact that practice has on you both professionally and personally. This course satisfies 2.0 hours of Cultural Competency. Register here.

A Mindful Approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Implicit Bias)

3 hours CE • Zoom • Instructor: Shauna Teelin • Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. - noon

We are not just talking heads on Zoom! This course explains the science behind a mindful approach to Implicit Bias, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Emotional intelligence will be discussed and techniques practiced to allow agents to identify and modify behavior to ensure all are treated fairly during real estate transactions. This course satisfies 2.0 Hours of NYSDOS required Implicit Bias Training requirements. Register here.

Pay 2024 dues by Jan. 31 to avoid loss of MLS service

The 2024 dues payment deadline was Dec. 31. A late charge of $15 has been applied today (Jan. 2) for any member account that was not paid by the deadline. GSAR members can find their bill for GSAR, NYSAR and NAR annual dues in the member portal. If payment, including the late fee, is not made on or before Jan. 31, MLS service will be interrupted on Feb. 1. A $75 reactivation fee will also be charged on Feb. 1. Companies will be shut off on Feb. 12. No fees will be waived. If you did not receive your dues notice, please contact the GSAR office.

Transaction Desk form changes are live

The following Transaction Desk forms were revised recently:

• Exclusive Right to Represent – Both A & B, a “Wire Fraud Notice” has been added.
• Contract Addendum – “Witness” lines have been removed
• Escalation Clause - “Witness” lines have been removed
• Residential Lease Agreement – “Witness” lines have been removed
• Removal of Contract Contingencies – “Witness” lines have been removed

The following Forms have been removed from the GSAR Forms library within Transaction Desk:

• Rental Application
• Property Condition Disclosure Statement – Interactive (rev. 06/2023)

NAR Code of Ethics Cycle 7 ends on December 31, 2024

Remind agents that the Code of Ethics Cycle 7 will end on Dec. 31 and that now is a good time for them to start thinking about COE training. If they take Code of Ethics course from another school, please be aware that GSAR only accepts certificates from:

• GSAR Real Estate School – (These certificates are already on file. No need to turn in)
• The National Association of REALTORS® (The free version does NOT have CE Credit for NYS).
• The New York State Association of REALTORS®
• Other NYS Local REALTOR® Associations (IE: Rochester or Buffalo)
• The CE Shop
• Colibri
• McKissock Learning
• Empire Learning
• WebCE 

GSAR is offering COE Classes as part of our FREE Virtual Education Program until Sept. 30. From Oct.1 through Dec. 31 ALL Code of Ethics courses including virtual through the GSAR Real Estate School will cost $50. Certificates from other schools such as Keep Me Certified, ICE, etc. will not be accepted. Should you fail to turn in your ethics certificate to GSAR by Dec. 31, you risk the suspension of your membership and MLS services. Please send all certificates to education@cnyrealtor.com.

**If you have already turned in a certificate after January 1, 2022, or taken a course through GSAR Real Estate school, there is no need to turn in your certificates. Only outside school certificates are to be turned in to GSAR. 

Mobile app makes using Community easy

Installing the mobile app is the best way to stay connected with the GSAR/CNYIS members-only community. You can use the Download Mobile App link in your Community profile or go directly to the Apple Store or Google Play Store.