GSAR Members News and Events

Plunging into social media for the first time can be a bit daunting for individuals or businesses. There is a learning curve when it comes to becoming more social online, and it can take a while to learn what works and what doesn't. Here are a few of the best Do's and Don'ts, courtesy of  Top Rank Marketing Blog, that can save you time and help grow your social media authority more quickly.

1. Start small

A bill to extend the authority for the National Flood Insurance Program, strongly supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, was passed by the House today (6/24). The bill would extend the program to September 30, 2010.

Thank you to all of our members that attended Stefan Swanepoel's seminar ealier this week. He gave everyone really timely and interesting information on trends in our real estate world - including the impact of technology, uncovering new consumer needs, and the ever changing real estate business model. One topic that he also touched on is the evolving social media marketing paradigm. 

How has the wealth of current homeowners changed as a result of home ownership? One way to answer that question is to create a snapshot of the equity individuals who purchased a home at the median price 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago would have built up if they had kept that home through 2009. The National Association of REALTORS did that for 154 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), and the findings yield some expected and unexpected results. Find out how your metro area is doing.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR THE SYRACUSE REPORT from the National Association of REALTORS!

Once again, Congress left town without reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Section 502 Rural Housing programs. The NFIP is now expired. The Section 502 Rural Housing program has exhausted its funding and lenders have stopped accepting applications.

Until Congress extends NFIP, no new or renewal flood policies can be issued. Without the flood insurance coverage provided by NFIP, thousands of residential and commercial transactions are on hold. 

Thank you to all GSAR members who contributed time to the Habitat for Humanity Women's Build House, which is now complete!

Click below to view photos of the completed Women's Build house that GSAR and NYSAR helped to make possible!

Click here 

April 2010 marks the 42nd anniversary of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or because a family has children. Each year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and communities and organizations across the country recognize Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of activities that enhance the public's awareness of their fair housing rights and highlight the national commitment to end housing discrimination.

Attn CNYIS USERS: Property Panorama is now available for all users to create a Virtual Tour for all of your listings in the MLS! Included in your CNYIS Dues!