Central New York median home sales price up as sales slow down in 2024

The Central New York housing market posted a 10% gain in the median selling price of homes in 2024 as closed sales fell off the 2023 pace by 2.3%, according to the housing market report released today by the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® (GSAR). There were 7,869 closed home sales throughout the region in 2024.Read more.

Congratulations to the 2025 GSAR and CNYIS officers, directors and 2024 award winners

The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® (GSAR) and Central New York Information Service (CNYIS) inaugurated their 2025 slates of officers and directors on Jan. 17.

Taking the oath of office to serve GSAR were: Dave Manzano, Sr., president; Don Radke, president-elect; and Kelli Jo Maher, secretary/treasurer. Directors Jennie Chapin, MariRae Dopke, Shelley Hoffman, Stacey Kelso O’Connor, Kathleen Kirby, Natalie Martin, Timothy McCarthy, Shauna Teelin, Tami Hoffman, Gina Scammell and Tony Prince were sworn into office. Nancy Quigg was sworn in as ex-officio.

Taking the oath of office to serve CNYIS were: Jennie Chapin, president; Martin Carpenter, vice president and Don Radke, secretary/treasurer. Directors Deana Ingram, RJ Long, Mary MacKaig, Mark Re, Jeff Roney, Mary Rouse and Connie Ryan were also sworn into office.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon served as the installing officer for both organizations.

Connie Ryan was named REALTOR® of the Year and Kiernan-Charles LaFaver was named the 2024 Shining Star. Valerie Cushman of Movement Mortgage was recognized as the Affiliate of the Year.

Beware of property for sale scammers

It has come to GSAR's attention that members are receiving scam emails about selling properties created by individuals who do not own the property in question. This is example of the email being used by the scammers:

Thank you so much for your email. Please, before I jump on a phone call with you, I want you to know that my purpose of selling this property is because I am in urgent need of cash for settling accumulated medical bills due to my health challenge at this time.

Also be aware that I have lost the deed documents which I used to purchase the property to a recent fire accident when a fire engulfed my home. I lost a lot of valuables and till date I am still suffering the setback from that fire incident. So I would like to recommend that you FIRST visit the lot by driving by for inspection to enable you to gather the information you would need to prepare the listing agreement.

As always, we recommend that you follow best practices to ensure the individual you are working with is the legal owner of the property before listing it.

NAR Legal Action Program helps protect the use of floorplans in home marketing

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) announced last week the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a unanimous decision finding that the defendant brokerages and agents in Designworks Homes, Inc. v. Columbia House of Brokers Realty, Inc., et al. and Designworks Homes, Inc. v. Susan Horak, et al. did not infringe the plaintiff’s copyright when using floorplans in marketing properties. The case is the culmination of support from NAR’s Legal Action Program since 2018. This ruling provides important legal clarity for members in using this critical marketing tool without fear of violating copyright law, better safeguarding an essential resource for real estate professionals and consumers.  Read more.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act One-to-One Consent Rule Webinar set for tomorrow

Real estate professionals use telemarketing calls and texts to promote their services to consumers, which can be an effective tool when implemented in compliance with relevant laws. Under a new FCC rule taking effect today, Jan. 27, agents and brokers promoting real estate services must obtain consent directly from the consumer, known as 1-to-1 consent. NAR will present a webinar to assist real estate professionals in complying with this new rule and reducing their risk on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. Register today.

DEADLINE Jan. 31: Overdue COE training certificates must be submitted to avoid service disruption

Any member who has not submitted their Code of Ethics training completion certificates for Cycle 7 must do so before Jan. 31 to avoid MLS service interruption. Service will be suspected on Feb. 3 for any member who has not submitted a completion certificate.

DEADLINE Jan. 31: GSAR annual dues late payments must be made to avoid service disruption

GSAR annual dues payments were payable without penalty through Dec. 31. A $15 late charge was applied on Jan. 3. for any account that was not current as of Dec. 31. If payment, including the late fee, is not made on or before Jan. 31, MLS service will be interrupted on Feb. 3. A $75 reactivation fee will also be charged on Feb. 3. Companies will be shut off on Feb. 17. No fees will be waived. If you did not receive your dues notice, please contact the GSAR office. Dues can be paid via the member portal. Please note: GSAR does not automatically charge credit cards on file for the annual association dues billing.

Quick tip: Learn how to reset your Clareity password

In this CNYIS Quick Tip, you can learn how to easily reset your Clareity password. Watch the video.

MLS training opportunities:

• Click here for Supra training resources.
• Click here for Property Panorama training resources.

Crash Course in Contracts: Avoid the Pitfalls

2 hours CE • Zoom • Jan.28 from 9 -11 a.m.

In this crash course on purchase offer contracts, you'll learn about important items to review with your buyers and sellers, along with some hot topics such as seller concessions and current trends/changes in the Central NY area. Learn what impact contract details will have on the closing and beyond. In addition to the GSAR/CNYIS contract, your instructor will briefly review issues with contracts specific to new construction and reo/bank-owned properties.  Register here.

Thank you to our January education sponsor, Geddes Federal Credit Union.

The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® welcomes its newest members, thanks them for joining and wishes them great success.