What's New in the NAR Virtual Library

Real Estate Office Policy Manuals

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:29:57 -0500

How do you keep your office running smoothly? These days it's essential for companies to have written documentation about office policies and procedures. An easy-to-understand guidebook for salespeople to refer to in their daily business can help solve and prevent disputes, and helps ensure the success and reputation of your company. The articles and books in this Updated Field Guide provide you with the necessary tools and tips to create a policy manual for your real estate office, covering subjects ranging from policies and procedures to what to include in a policy manual to cell phone usage and more.

Mentoring

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:30:10 -0500

Who benefits from mentoring? Everyone! In fact, current research in mentoring literature indicate that all parties gain from mentoring relationships - mentors, mentees and organizations. It's no wonder that many successful real estate firms have realized the benefits of establishing a mentoring program. And, in turn, many successful agents have realized the benefits of working with a mentor. This Updated Field Guide page will provide you with mentoring basics, mentoring programs and tips to locate a mentor. It also features a section dealing solely on mentoring and the real estate industry.

Commercial Broker Lien Laws

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:15:07 -0500

Commercial broker lien laws allow liens to be filed on commercial properties for the full payment of commissions. In states that have enacted commercial lien laws, there has been a dramatic decline in commission collection litigation and arbitration. This Updated Field Guide page provides links to the laws that have been passed in twenty one states.

Commercial Property Management

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:15:06 -0500

Whether you are new to commercial property management or have been at it awhile, you're sure to find useful information concerning leases, safety & security, marketing, and maintenance for commercial properties in this Updated Field Guide. You'll have access to full-text articles, and book suggestions from the NAR library.

This month in real estate history: REALTORS® remembered the Maine

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:27:04 -0500

In June of 1912 REALTORS® gathered in Louisville for their fifth annual convention, where the National Association received a gift from Havana: a mallet made from a piece of American history. Find out more in "This Month in Real Estate History" from the NAR Archives.

Retail Property: Development, Leasing and Management

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:39:08 -0500

Who benefits from drywall from China can emit sulfurous gases, corrode and blacken copper piping, computers and wiring, and possibly sicken family members. Read about the impacts and effects of Chinese drywall on health and the real estate market in this NEW Field Guide. Discover websites that provide helpful information on this developing topic.

Recruiting and Retaining Salespeople

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:45:59 -0500

In this highly competitive real estate marketplace, how do you find and hire successful agents -- and what's the best way to prevent your top producers from switching to another firm? The material on this Updated Field Guide page will help you discover what makes a top producer and offers some of the latest tips and techniques for hiring successful, reliable agents and keeping them on your team.

Zoning Laws and Ordinances

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:46:54 -0500

Zoning laws are found in virtually every municipality in the United States, affecting land use, lot size, building heights, density, setbacks, and other aspects of property use. This Updated Field Guide page features links to articles, books, and websites that will provide you with information on the concept of zoning, zoning's impacts on property values, and related topics.

Housing Trust Funds

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:27:43 -0500

Housing trust funds are distinct funds, usually established by state or local governments, that receive ongoing public revenues which can only be spent on affordable housing initiatives, including new construction, preservation of existing housing, emergency repairs, homeless shelters, housing-related services, and multifamily building for nonprofit organizations. On this Updated Field Guide page you'll find more information on the housing trust fund concept, case studies, how REALTORS® can establish and promote trust funds in their communities, the effort to create a National Housing Trust Fund, and more.

New Books in the Library (June 2009)

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 15:05:05 -0500

What's new in the Information Central library collection? This month you'll find books on social technologies, real estate prospecting, short sales, working with small tenants and many more. Interested in borrowing any of these titles from the library? Simply click on the title to make your request right over the web!

New Access Points for Information Central!

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:04:01 -0500

Have a quick research question or just want to keep up with all the doings at Information Central?

NAR Information Central can now be reached via Skype or instant messaging.
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Contact us via Skype. NAR Information Central's Skype screen name is narinfocentral.

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Social Networking

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:57:51 -0600

Last year, Information Central reported on social networking tools in A Web 2.0 Sampler: YouTube, ActiveRain, and iTV. Since that time, many more technologies have gained momentum as powerful networking and marketing tools for REALTORS®. As expected, social networking websites and applications continue to take the lead when it comes to "must have" technologies. In this new report you will find tech tools you absolutely must know about to reach those tech savvy consumers. Find out more in the latest technology report from NAR's Information Central.

A Look Back at Real Estate's Beginnings

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:17:15 -0500

The latest video in our series on our favorite resources for REALTORS® and association staff takes a look at the 1958 book Real Estate in American History by Pearl Janet Davies.