GSAR's virtual Community Day is Wednesday

The GSAR virtual Community Day event will take place this Wednesday, May 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom and will feature three speakers, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Rob Simpson, CEO of CenterState CEO and Robert Rugg, regional real estate officer, NYSDOT. McMahon will present on the proposed aquarium, while Simpson will discuss the STEM School. Rugg will provide an I-81 corridor project update. Register here. 

Members who attend all four Raising the Bar sessions or three RTB sessions and Community Day will qualify for the 20-percent discount on your 2023 GSAR local dues. Thank you to sponsor M&T Bank.

Central NY home sales slow down as price growth moderates

The number of closed home sales in Central New York declined for the third straight month from year-ago monthly totals as the effects of rising mortgage rates and the ongoing low inventory levels slowed buyers, according to the housing market report released today by the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS^® (GSAR). The closed home sales total of 550, represented a 15.5 % decrease compared to the April 2021 total. The April median selling price of $176,500 was a 3.8% increase from April 2021. Read more.

Watch NAR's Yun deliver his economic update and discuss data with a REALTOR® panel

Watch NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discuss recent developments in the U.S. economy and their impact on the housing market, and reviews housing trends as well as his expectations for the second half of 2022. He also joins Leigh Brown, Tiffany Curry and Tommy Choi in a discussion about using data strategically in your personal business.

Don't miss 'Atlas' and more fun at GSAR Member Mixer on June 2

Plan now to attend the GSAR Member Mixer on June 2 at the Lakeshore Yacht and Country Club, starting at 5 p.m. The event will feature an RPAC Silent Auction. REALTOR® members are welcome to bring donations items with a value of $50 or more. The popular local band Atlas will be pumping up the party atmosphere and keeping you on the dance floor all night. And, we'll have a cornhole competition, too.

The cost will be $20 for members through May 25. After that date, the cost will be $40. Register here. Non-members tickets are $30 through May 26 and $40 after that date. Email GSAR for non-member tickets. Thanks to our entertainment sponsor, Howard Hanna Real Estate.

Thank you to our major sponsors:

Thanks to our entertainment sponsor

Second-home demand showing signs of slowing

More potential home buyers may be getting priced out of second homes. Rising prices and loan increases are slowing demand after a pandemic-driven boom in the sector. Mortgage rate locks for second homes were still up 9.1% from pre-pandemic levels in April, but that marks a significant drop from the second half of 2020 and 2021. With the 30-year fixed rate now averaging 5.3%, the typical monthly mortgage payment has increased by about $520 since the first week of January, when rates averaged 3.2%, according to a recent blog post at the National Association of REALTORS®. Read more.

Make your nominations for the open GSAR 2023 board of director positions

The annual election for GSAR 2023 director positions will be held electronically this year in September. Nominations are now open for the vacant positions to be filled. Nominees must be a REALTOR® member of the association for a minimum of two years immediately preceding nomination and shall have served on one or more standing committees and/or task forces, or the board of directors for a cumulative total of two years during the preceding three years. Nominees must be a member in good standing with the association or be nominated by a unanimous vote of the serving nominating committee with the approval of the board of directors.

If you fulfill these qualifications and would like to be considered by the nominating committee, please contact Christine at 315-457-5979 ext. 227 or teneyck@cnyrealtor.com. The deadline is May 27.

Supra’s Single Access is subject to CNYIS rules

CNYIS members have the ability to issue a one-day access code, known as Single Access, to lockboxes to a member of a neighboring MLS who is not a Supra user. However, Single Access cannot be granted to any New York State Alliance of MLSs member due to their ability to have Supra eKey service. Mohawk Valley is the only exception, and the service can be used with its members. If a CNYIS member grants access to another CNYIS Member or Alliance Member (except Mohawk Valley), they can be fined. Click here for instructions and rules on granting access. 

Learn how to open the key box with your eKey app

In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to easily obtain the key and open the Supra keybox shackle with your Supra eKEY® app.

Don't miss these upcoming classes

Flushed with Success: Rural Water & Septic Systems

3 hours CE - Zoom • Instructor: Mike Smith • June 7 from 9 a.m. - noon

Wells and septic systems can be lawsuit-magnets for REALTORS®. Attend this course and learn how not to become a target. 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.

Fair Housing: Legacy to Liberty

3 hours CE - Zoom • Instructor: Randy Templeman • June 9 from 9 a.m. - noon

The course chronicles a historical perspective of how discrimination, segregation and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led to legislation intended to provide for equal opportunity in the purchase, sale and rental of housing in America. By examining policies, programs and practices in place for decades prior to the adoption of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, licensees will discover the problems and pitfalls that prevented people from fair, fearless and free choices in housing. Additional legislation, adjudication, and obligations further defining the roles and responsibilities of licensees in providing fair housing opportunities since the law's enactment are also covered. Note: This course satisfies the 3 hours of fair housing training required by the NYS Department of State. Register here.

Implicit Bias

2 hours CE - Zoom • Instructor: Brittany Matott • June 28 from 9 a.m. - noon

Understanding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and incorporating that knowledge into your business, is critical for real estate practitioners. A key step to acting in accordance with DEI principles is understanding our individual implicit biases. This course will help attendees understand that everyone has implicit biases, and how to identify them. By understanding your implicit biases, you can keep them from shaping your approach to business and help advance fair housing for all. This course satisfies 2 hours of implicit bias training required by the NYS Department of State. Register here.

Thank you to our June continuing education class sponsor Prime Lending.