Inside this issue: MLS compensation policy • Dues deadline is Dec. 31 • Register for the Installation • Follow CNYIS duplicates policy • Support GSAR charities and more

NYS Alliance of MLSs follows NAR's compensation policy

As you are aware, NAR's MLS policy requires participants to communicate an offer of compensation to other MLS participants. It is important to note that the offer can be any amount including $0. All three MLS members of the New York State Alliance of MLSs follow this policy.

NAR has long said that listing brokers and their clients determine the amount and makeup of the offer to cooperating brokers and that these offers are always negotiable.

If you have questions about this policy as you determine your office compensation policies, we encourage you to consult your counsel or the NYSAR Legal Hotline.

NAR has provided an online resource at competition.realtor to assist you and your agents in speaking about the benefits REALTORS® and local MLS brokers bring to the marketplace. Additionally, NYSAR has compiled lawsuit and lawsuit and antitrust resources to assist brokers. We would encourage you to review the materials with your agents to help them have informed conversations with your consumers.

Reminder: GSAR dues must be paid by Dec. 31

GSAR members will see their bill for GSAR, NYSAR and NAR annual dues in their member portal. Dues are payable without penalty on or before Dec. 31. Your 2024 GSAR dues include free virtual CE classes via Zoom. Please note that your dues billing offers the option of contributing $25 to RPAC. Any contribution made via the dues billing will be attributed to 2024. Also, the IMG dues line is the NAR Image Campaign assessment. A $15 late charge will be applied on Jan. 2. 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.

Register today for the 2024 GSAR and CNYIS Installation

Join your GSAR and CNYIS peers on Jan. 19 for a night of celebration at the Timber Banks Golf Club in Baldwinsville as the 2024 leaders of both organizations take their offices and the winners of the annual awards are recognized. Don Radke and Mark Re will also be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.. Learn more about the award nominees here.

In addition to presenting the awards, County Executive Ryan McMahon will install GSAR President Nancy Quigg, President-elect Dave Manzano Sr., Secretary/Treasure Mary Rouse, Ex-Offico Chris Teelin and all directors. He will install CNYIS President Mark Re, VIce President Jennie Chapin, Secretary/Treasurer Martin Carpenter and all directors.

The leadership of the Women's Council of REALTORS® Greater Syracuse will take the oath of office as follows President Gina Scammell, President-elect Lisa Maher, First Vice President Mark MacBain, Treasurer Deana Bollinger Ingram, Membership Director Nancy Quigg and Event Director Sarah Holbrook.

Black Tie Entertainment will be keeping the music going. Seating is limited for this special event and no walk-ins will be permitted. Early bird pricing is $45 for members ($55 for non-members) through Jan. 5. All prices increase by $10 after that date. Don't miss out! Register today!

Thank you to our sponsors! Our major sponsors are Countryside CU, CrossCountry Mortgage and Lang Law. The dinner sponsors are Community Bank  and Genesee Regional Bank. Additional sponsors are Hunt Real Estate(dessert) Howard Hanna (wine glass giveaway), Ronda T. Akl & Assoc. (decor) and MyTown Realty, LLC (entertainment).

Reminder: Listing offices must notify CNYIS to delete duplicate listings

As a reminder, duplicate listings are not allowed in the MLS and must be deleted by notifying CNYIS. This is done to ensure the accuracy of all statistical data. Intentionally entering a duplicate listing is a violation of MLS rules and subject to a fine. Please review the rule below: 

Section 1.17 Duplicate Listings: In order to protect the database, the listing agent must monitor his/her listings and sales and see that they are appropriately accounted for even if the transaction on the property continues after the expiration date (Pending status). Always search the database prior to entering a new listing. This will assure that a listing is not a duplicate.

Note: Listings that are in the A, C, T, W, U or P status are considered currently listed and should not be entered as a new listing before existing listing is expired. A second listing can be entered into the MLS under a DIFFERENT PROPERTY TYPE provided:

a. it is zoned properly

b . The first line of the PRIVATE Remarks MUST identify the MLS listing number of the other listing

c. The listing office is to notify the MLS Services Department to DELETE THE SECOND LISTING when the property is sold or expired in order for statistics to be accurate and

d. A fee may be required (See Appendix A – Fees.)

Note - Any change to the address or tax account number in order to input a duplicate listing is a violation of these rules and subject to a fine.

GSAR and CNYIS to debut new membership application for 2024

GSAR and CNYIS are excited to announce the launch of a brand-new application for membership starting in 2024. This updated platform streamlines the application process for applicants and our organizations, whileproviding a more user-friendly experience for all involved.

Effective immediately, please disregard any previous versions of the application you may have had access to. The new application is now available. We encourage you to use the new application for all incoming applicant submissions. This will ensure efficient processing and avoid any unnecessary delays.

Key benefits of the new application:

• Simplified interface: Designed for ease of use and faster completion.
• Improved data capture: Ensures accurate and complete information collection.

For your convenience, we have created comprehensive resources to help you transition to the new application.

We are confident that the new application will significantly improve the membership experience for everyone.

Gov. Hochul announces funding to rehab single-room occupancy units

On Dec. 12, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that up to $50 million has been made available to help preserve up to 500 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) apartments across New York State. SRO units are typically rented as one room that also contains a sink and stove with access to a shared bathroom in the public corridor of the building. The funding, available through New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), will be used for preservation projects that rehabilitate SRO units to bring them into a state of good repair and add private bathrooms to these units where possible. Details about HCR’s Supportive Housing Program and SRO preservation can be found here.

Start the New Year knowing your education requirements

As the calendar turns to a new year, it's a great time to make sure you know your state and national education requirements.

These are the New York State Department of State (DOS) education requirements:

• 22.5 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every licensing period for all licensees, regardless of license type (broker, associate broker, or salesperson).
• No more education exemptions - everyone must comply with the NYS DOS CE requirements.

These are the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) education requirements:

• Code of Ethics Education Requirement every 3 calendar years for NAR members.

These requirements ensure real estate professionals stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, regulations and ethical practices. This, in turn, helps to protect

consumers and promote a fair and professional real estate market.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• New York State Department of State Division of Real Estate:
• National Association of REALTORS®
• CNYRealtor.com

'Tis the season of giving; help support GSAR charities

For many years GSAR and its members have supported the charitable work of the Francis House and On Point for College. This year during the holiday season you have the opportunity to support this year's fundraising effort by clicking the buttons on your member portal. Our goal this year is to raise $2,500 for each organization.

Francis House provides a home and a supportive extended family to people with terminal illnesses; those with a prognosis of six months or less to live. Our family of caregivers, staff, and volunteers surround each resident with unconditional love, guided by core values of compassion, acceptance, respect, and dignity. Francis House welcomes all residents regardless of faith, ethnicity or ability to pay for their care.

On Point for College is a nationally-recognized college attainment program. Its offerings include college success (completion) support, career planning and placement support, and most recently, support with non-college post-secondary credential attainment. It has grown from serving only Syracuse to serving nearly all of Central New York, including Cayuga, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego Counties.

On Point services are 100% free and available to students of all ages, backgrounds, and educational levels. On Point specializes in helping high school students and recent graduates, as well as those who have been away from school for a while or who have earned GED or HSE credentials. On Point also has extensive experience working with populations who may face additional challenges including, but not limited to, refugee or immigrant status, dependent children, experience with the foster care system, a history of court involvement, and housing insecurity.

GSAR holiday schedule

The GSAR office will close at 3 p.m. on Dec. 29 and reopen on Jan. 2, 2024.

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.