RSS feed for Items tagged 'Technology'

Realtors® Can Increase Their Value by Better Leveraging Technology, Says realtor.com®

WASHINGTON (May 16, 2013) – Technology plays a vital role in today’s society and is transforming the way Realtors^® do business. That’s according to Curt Beardsley, vice president of product marketing for realtor.com^®, who shared his perspective on the growing mobile technology environment at the “Industry, Technology and Vision” forum during the Realtors^® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.

According to data from the 2012 National Association of... Read More

Mentoring the REach™ Class of 2013

Anne Feder, managing director of HouseLogic and RPR, shares what she gets out of mentoring REach companies.

Rackspace®

Many real estate professionals often use free email accounts for business email needs to save on costs, however the long-term impact of using free email can be costly to your reputation, security, privacy and productivity.

Rackspace offers a unique suite of professional hosted email services at a significant discount for NAR members. These services can improve your professional appearance and increase the security of your confidential... Read More

2012 REALTOR® Technology Survey

The purpose of this survey report is to provide a broad picture of REALTORS®' technology characteristics and needs. Key topics covered are:

Respondent Profile

Technology in General

Broker-Provided Technology

MLS-Provided Technology

Mobile Use in Business

Technology and REALTOR® Associations

Social Media & Networking

Lead Generation & Listings

Real Estate Websites

One Fifth of New Homes Are Green

McGraw Hill Construction says 20 percent of homes built last year were green, and that figure is slated to rise to between 29 percent and 38 percent by 2016.

Bipartisan Lead Paint Letter

Fifty-one bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Acting Administrator of the EPA Robert Perciasepe addressing the EPA’s recent proposed rule on lead paint in commercial buildings. In May 2010, the EPA issued the proposed rule titled “Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting (LRRP) Program for Public and Commercial Buildings.” The letter raises questions about the proposed rule, specifically whether or not the EPA has developed a rule to identify “dangerous levels of lead” in public and commercial buildings, what the... Read More

Move Inc. Acquires Doorsteps

Move Inc., the operators of realtor.com, announced that it has acquired Doorsteps, a website aimed at better connecting buyers, agents, lenders, and service providers for a transaction.

Smartphone Security Risk Remains High

Nearly 40 percent of smart phone users don't take basic security measures such as installing a password on their phone, according to a large-scale Consumer Reports study.

Mobile Real Estate Apps Are Here to Stay

Jason O'Neil explains why a lot of his clients are turning to the realtor.com app instead of Trulia or Zillow.

4 Ways to Boost Exposure on LinkedIn

Learn how real estate professionals can leverage their LinkedIn profiles to create unique and polished online branding.

The Best Time of Year to Buy Household Items

Who doesn't love a deal? Learn the best time of year to buy certain household items in order to score the biggest bargains.

3 Keys to Personalizing Your Marketing

Success in marketing is not a matter of having the most money or the best technology. It's about implementing the best strategy.

6 Ways to 'Green' a Home

More home owners and buyers are ranking energy-efficient home features high in surveys. Here are some ways to make homes more green.

How's the Signal at Your Listing?

Smartphones have become a standard tool for a majority of people. When presenting a home to a potential customer, we must now consider an extra home presentation factor: signal strength.

Buyer's Guide: 2013 Digital Cameras

The picture has improved for real estate practitioners who are in the market for a new camera this year. Learn about key specs and products in this category in this guide.

That Entrepreneurial Spark in Real Estate

Second Century Ventures's REach Technology Accelerator program just recently announced the first seven companies with which it's partnering. Learn more in this REALTOR® Magazine video.

Use Motion to Move Your Customers

Turn your static photos into eye-catching videos with easy-to-use apps.

4 Tips for Online Lead Generation

Lead management is as critical as lead generation to the success of real estate practitioners' systems, says an industry expert.

Life After Google Reader

An overview of some of the services available to replace Google Reader, which shuts down on July 1.

Sham Rating Site? Oregon Agents Raise the Alert

Another ratings site appears to be selling positive reviews to real estate professionals concerned about reputation management.

How Online Shopping Will Shape the Future of Retail

An increase in online shoppers could mean exciting things ahead for developers and investors of retail real estate, as architects and builders are forced to up their game.

#TimeForABreak

Is social media taking over your life?

Treater Joins REach™ Charter Class

WASHINGTON (April 9, 2013) – REach™ today named Treater as the seventh company to join its charter class. REach™ is an Accelerator program developed by Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors^® to introduce innovative technology companies to the real estate marketplace. Treater joins BombBomb, Lumentus, Planwise, Reach150, Updater, and Workface, who were named to REach™ last month... Read More

3 Ways to Get Unfriended on Your Social Networks

A survey reveals some of the top reasons people unfriend or unfollow others on social networks.

Smartphones Let Homewners Manage From Afar

The "connected home" is letting homeowners manage their property and devices wherever they might be.

Trump Sues Critic for 'Cybersquatting'

Real estate mogul Donald Trump is accusing a Brooklyn man of operating four web sites that bear Trump's name and real estate brand.

Millennials Embrace Unique, High-Tech Spaces

Homebuilders have recently conducted surveys revealing the Millennial generation's top home preferences, which differ greatly from previous generations.

NAR Tech Edge Gives Realtors® Tools to Enhance Their Business

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2013) – Technology has transformed the way Realtors^® do business, and the National Association of Realtors^® is helping members keep up with the latest trends that can enhance business and client relations. NAR Tech Edge, a one-day technology conference hosted by NAR, will give attendees the chance to learn about cutting-edge technologies that are changing the real estate industry.

“Technology continues to change the way that Realtors^® and the real estate business operate,” said NAR President... Read More

One Step Further: Use Social Networking to Expand Your Global Connections

Once your website content and design are working for you, it’s time to spread the word about what you do for global real estate clients. Social networking will help give you more “face time” with potential clients, referral resources, and peers.

Social networking goes beyond using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and similar sites. Sure it’s important to create a profile and/or business page on each of these sites, if you haven’t already. But you need to do more than create them. You also need to work the social networking scene.

Here... Read More

Blogging Rules: How to Make Words + Pictures = Top-Ranking Results

Years ago, the most important thing a real estate website could offer was property listings. Now, there are huge, well-funded sites that offer listings to anyone with access to the Internet. Competing with that information is not feasible for an individual agent. Fortunately, you don’t need to.

The Importance of Regular Blogging

Blogging has become the best possible way to leverage your online presence and gain traction with Internet searches performed by your potential clients. Writing quality blog posts will not only appeal to the clients you want to reach, it is... Read More

5 E-mail Habits That May Send the Wrong Message

Could your e-mails be sending the wrong message to clients or your peers?

A Blog Post About Blogging

Starting and maintaining a blog is an important endeavor for any real estate professional looking for more ways to reach potential clients.

NAR Selects Six Start-Ups to Join REach™ Accelerator Program

2013 class will receive mentoring and market advantages from alignment with strategic venture arm of the National Association of Realtors®

WASHINGTON (March 26, 2013) – REach™, an accelerator program developed by Second Century Ventures (SCV) , the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors® to introduce innovative technology companies to the real estate marketplace, today named six companies to join its 2013... Read More

PandoDaily Covers NAR's REach™

Erin Griffith from PandoDaily asks whether industry-specific accelerators like NAR's REach™ program can succeed.

How House Hunters View Your Listing

Knowing how house hunters view a listing online can help agents fine-tune their marketing approach. Learn what the latest research has uncovered.

REach™ Class of 2013

REach™ received more than 130 applications from high-growth technology companies. The following seven companies were selected after a comprehensive review of their respective business models, ability to execute their business plans, and potential to penetrate real estate and other industries with the assistance provided by membership in the REach™ program. They are:

BombBomb — Provides a complete email and video marketing platform for developing, sending and tracking results of traditional and video email campaigns from any device [... Read More

Mark Your Calendars for NAR Tech Events in 2013

NAR's e-PRO® Certification is offering a series of one-day technology conferences around North America. These events are geared toward agents who are eager to learn how current web-based and mobile technologies can benefit their business and clients. Sessions will be presented by NAR Speakers and local technology experts.

Attend one of ten NAR Tech Edge events between April and October to learn about cutting-edge technology trends in real estate and how they can affect your business. Topics will cover mobile marketing, email, online branding, using Facebook for business,... Read More

4 Steps to Relaunching Your Online Brand

Is your brand connecting with consumers online? Here are four ways you can develop a fresh presence on the Web.

Study Shows Home Preferences of Millennials

The millennial generation is showing a preference for quirky fixer-uppers over the "cookie cutter" luxury homes their parents' generation tended to desire, a new survey reveals.

5 Ways to Build Trust in the Digital Age

A consumer's decision on whether to work with you is ultimately based on trust. Here's how you can get the inside track on gaining their confidence — and their business.

Out-of-the-Box Fix for an Outside-the-Box Site

Is a one-time fee of $99 for a dynamic, optimized real estate Web site too good to be true?

HUD Debuts Fair Housing Mobile App

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is teaming up with real estate professionals to promote a new free mobile app to allow users to instantly file housing discrimination complaints.

Rebranded realtor.com Debuts

Seeking to make a better connection with consumers online, Web site realtor.com® unveiled new branding this week.

How Will a New Facebook Tool Impact Real Estate?

Real estate professionals using social media for marketing stand to benefit from Facebook Graph Search.

Evernote Resets All of Its Users' Passwords

A popular online and app-based note-taking service that many real estate professionals use recently faced a security breach that forced it to reset all 50 million of its users' passwords.

Building Relationships: There Isn't An App for That

The truth is, it's not all about technology. Sometimes, the best way to fix something is on our own without any devices or gadgets, because in the end, nothing is ever going to replace human contact.

RPR Announces Strategic Alliance With Fannie Mae

This new partnership will see an expansion of the existing REO listing information available to REALTORS® in the RPR application, and the delivery of new and specialized training options.

Gen Y Agents and Boomer Clients

Read up on how Gen Y traits can uniquely serve some common Baby Boomer needs.

Social Capital: Creating Strong, Lasting Business Relationships

Cultivating lasting relationships with your prospects and past clients take authenticity, time, and a little homework. Here are some tips for establishing yourself as an asset to your social media community.

The 10 Most-Searched Housing Markets

Which markets are attracting the most traffic from prospective home shoppers online? Realtor.com released its top-searched metros for January, which shows that Chicago continues its streak as the front-runner in most searched metro at the site.

Managing Your Wheelhouse

You think of yourself as a real estate professional, but the hard truth of the matter is that secretly, you're a professional driver. And finally there's a book for you.

Determining the Value of a LinkedIn Endorsement

Endorsements on LinkedIn are a fast, easy way to show someone what you are truly great at in your career. But are they effective?

Easy Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy

As an on-the-go professional, be sure to protect the mobile technology devices that contain your private business information. Here's how.

Best Practices for Your Real Estate Web Site Home Page

Here are 8 ways to make potential clients fall in love with your real estate Web site and give you more business.

Brokerage Reveals Offer Status on Online Listings

A real estate brokerage is revealing lots of details about pending negotiations for homes on its listing search results, including notes from its agents about why offers are accepted or rejected.

Top Real Estate Pages to 'Like' on Facebook

Are you connecting with the right sources on Facebook? Realty Biz News ranked the top 100 real estate pages, including several NAR profiles.

How to Execute Your Content Strategy

Content involves more than just blog and Facebook posts. Here are some tips for creating a strategy that highlights your voice, tone, and message online.

Agents Rebrand Themselves Online

Real estate agents are recasting themselves online as not just the person who helps you find or sell a home but as “neighborhood specialists,” The New York Times reports.

Don't Worry About Keeping Up, With One Big Exception

It's hard to keep up with latest social media site or this week's most popular app. Tech expert David Pogue says you can ignore most of it, but there is one item you absolutely cannot neglect online.

8 Tech Gadgets You'll Want to Have

Here's a roundup of some of the latest technologies featured at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show.

Buyer's Guide: 2013 Contact Management Solutions

Software and cloud services can help you stay organized and in touch to build the relationships that advance your business. Explore this guide to figure out which contact management solution works best for you.

Investigation of Scam Complaint Site Pays Off

After an investigation by the National Association of REALTORS® and several state associations, the real estate complaint site accused of posting fake reviews and seeking payment to have those reviews deleted appears to have shut down.

The Fastest Growing Social Network in the World ...

It's not Facebook. Find out the social network that is outperforming the others with massive growth.

Pa. Woman Fights State's Disclosure Laws

A Pennsylvania woman is taking her case to the state's Supreme Court in a lawsuit over a seller and agent who failed to disclose to her that a murder-suicide had taken place in the home that she had purchased.

3 Big Social Media Turn-Offs

A recent survey shows these top reasons for alienating connections on your social networks.

New Comps Analysis Function in RPR®

Expect more flexibility and comprehensive information with the recently redesigned Comparative Analysis function based on REALTOR® feedback.

8 Tech Gadgets You'll Want to Have

Here's a roundup of some of the latest technologies featured at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show.

Construction Company Sues Over Negative Review

A construction company owner is the latest in a growing number who are fighting back against negative online reviews posted about their services.

Video Increasingly Important in the Home Search

The importance of video in the home search process is growing. Buyers watch videos to help them with many parts of their search, such as viewing house tours, finding out about the surrounding community, and learning general information about buying and selling real estate.

All Things D Covers the Launch of REach™

Liz Gannes from AllThingsD takes a look at the National Association of REALTORS® new tech accelerator program, REach™.

Facebook—But Organized

On Thursday, at Real Estate Connect in New York, real estate tech bloggers Chris Smith and Jimmy Mackin will announce a solution—a way to tag, track, and search Facebook conversations.

Second Century Ventures Brings Cloud Computing to Realtors®

WASHINGTON (January 16, 2013) – The National Association of Realtors^®’ venture capital fund Second Century Ventures has become a strategic investor in Symform, a revolutionary, distributed cloud backup service.

“Second Century Ventures was created to help develop and deliver real estate industry technologies to Realtors^® so they can best serve their clients and customers,” said Dale Stinton,... Read More

BombBomb Joins NAR's REach™ Tech Accelerator Program

CHICAGO (January 15, 2013) – The National Association of Realtors^®, along with Second Century Ventures today announced BombBomb, a video email marketing platform, as the first company selected for its REach™ accelerator program.

BombBomb’s patented technology is platform independent, meaning that video recorded on any platform can be sent and viewed in any platform. Video has exploded in the online world and been shown to have a positive impact on lead... Read More

New Years Resolutions for Home Renovations That Can Save Money

Here are some suggestions for a few New Year's resolutions to increase energy efficiency for homes in 2013.

Spruce Up Your Online Persona

Take a fresh look at your online efforts for the new year.

4 Strategies for Selling in 2013

AOL Real Estate recently asked industry insiders to offer up their best way to get a home sold in the New Year. Find out some of their secrets.

Scam Complaint Site Now Dormant

A suspicious Web site that had been misusing the REALTOR® trademark has now been suspended.

Have You Seen REALTOR® Mag's Digital Edition?

REALTOR® Magazine's latest issue is now available in digital form. Download the new app to view it on your tablet or smartphone or read it online.

Video: Introducing NAR REach™

NAR’s Managing Director, Constance Freedman, discusses NAR’s new REach™ program and how it can add value to companies and the real estate marketplace.

Homes Get More High Tech

"There are smarter phones, so why not smarter homes?" says one home tech expert.

7 Ways to Save On Energy Costs this Winter

Saving money on energy costs is always a good investment.

Patience Really Is a Virtue

Helping older colleagues and clients figure out new gadgets and technology can be humorous sometimes. But it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Can Instagram Sell Your Photos?

Should your listing photos be posted on a image-sharing site? The Instagram controversy's real estate implications.

Century 21 Uses Facebook Game for Ad Campaign

The real estate brokerage is making forays into a popular online social game in order to spread its brand to a new generation of consumers.

Online Marketing Is a Public Service

Approach the promotion of your local experience and expertise with the needs of your consumers in mind. Before you know it, you'll be a trusted resource.

Long & Foster Offers Web Site for Each Listing

Long & Foster Real Estate announced that it plans to give each home listed by its agents a single-property web site, in an effort to enhance digital marketing efforts.

Field Guide to Choosing & Using a Smartphone

(Updated March 2013)

Do you need a smartphone to get organized? What features do you need? How do real estate professionals use smartphones? Find out the answers to these questions and much more in the following articles and websites.

The definition of smartphone varies widely, but is generally defined as a cellular or mobile phone that is enhanced with computer technology functions such as internet and email access, personal digital assistant... Read More

Buyer's Guide: 2013 Autos

Auto expert Paul Eisenstein addresses luxury, mileage, and even entertainment in this comprehensive guide.

Fighting to Protect Home Ownership in 2013

NAR's 2013 President, Gary Thomas, discusses where he believes the real estate market is headed in 2013.

Commercial Real Estate Embraces Twitter

Some of the nation's leading commercial real-estate firms are increasing their activity on such social media sites as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

3 Common Blogging Mistakes to Avoid

If you're not careful, blogging could hurt your brand rather than help it.

Data Privacy: Be Ahead of the Law

NAR has launched a comprehensive privacy education campaign to help members properly manage their customer data. In this video, President-Elect Steve Brown and Senior Technology Representative Melanie Wyne discuss how to protect your client's information.

You will find new videos, model policies and other tools to help you keep sensitive customer information private and secure posted throughout the year on the Data Privacy and Security topic page.

7 Essential Apps for Your Business

An assortment of iPhone and iPad apps can help real estate agents enhance their business.

4 Ways to Be More Findable on the Web

Search engine optimization can help customers can find you online. Here's how to improve your SEO.

8 Top-Performing Housing Markets Worldwide

Find out which countries are seeing some of the highest percentage of price increases in the world.

4 e-Publishing Lessons

Think your online life could translate to book form? Here are some mistakes to avoid.

Convert Site Visitors to Leads With Calls to Action

Call-to-action buttons help visitors navigate your site and engage them to click on a Web page or home listing.

10 Most-Searched Housing Markets Online

Realtor.com released the most-searched-for housing markets at its site. See if your area made the list.

Happy Birthday, Generation Y!

Growing up in a world where technology and ease of use of the Internet is second nature, Gen Yers expect a lot more from you. Learn how to help them.

Buyer's Guide: 2012 Multimedia Software and Services

Shine online and in person with professional-quality presentations and tours. Discover key ingredients for your multimedia marketing recipe in this guide.

How to Get More Business From the Web

So you’re getting visitors to your sites and making connections online. Now what?

Realtors® Get Social in Orlando

ORLANDO (November 10, 2012) – As more home buyers, sellers and investors rely on social media and online resources for real estate information, Realtors^® understand the importance of engaging in this space. To that end, Realtors^® at today’s Raise your Social Media Marketing to the Next Level session at the 2012 Realtors^® Conference and Expo learned strategies to enhance their social business and digital engagement and methods to incorporate new outlets into their marketing mix.

“Technology has... Read More

National Association of Realtors® Announces First-Ever Strategic Technology Accelerator, REach

CHICAGO (November 8, 2012) – The National Association of Realtors^® is announcing REach™, a new type of Accelerator program developed to introduce innovative technology companies to the real estate marketplace. REach™ is being developed through NAR’s strategic venture arm, Second Century Ventures.

Companies across the U.S. and internationally can apply online beginning today through January 10, 2013. REach™ accepts companies at... Read More

Going Paperless: 3 Tips to Get Started

Here are three tips that will get you closer to never using a printer again.

Blog: What's NAR Doing on Data Security?

NAR has been, and continues to work to establish strong methods to better protect you, your families and your clients.

Making a Difference, One Short Sale at a Time

With a passion for working with underwater home owners, Marge Peck has developed an ironclad, paperless transaction system that's helped her reach a 90-95 percent short sale success rate.

Remember the Telephone?

Many problems can be avoided in the first place if people would just pick up the telephone and call the other party rather than texting or e-mailing.

Maintain an Edge With Twitter

By following reliable strategies, practitioners can use Twitter to gain an edge in their market.

Biggest Danger Zones for Your iPhone

Real estate professionals are heavy users of smartphones, particularly the iPhone. Where is your iPhone the most vulnerable? A new survey reveals top danger spots.

Buyer's Guide: 2012 Computers

Your next computing solution could be a tablet, desktop, or notebook. Your choice will likely involve a trade-off between mobility and heavy-duty computing power. Read our guide to find out what will best meet your needs.

Field Guide to Using GPS Navigation Systems in Real Estate

(Updated October 2012)

Real Estate professionals are embracing global positioning system (GPS) solutions as a time-saving investment. GPS technology is beneficial for REALTORS® because it can provide turn-by-turn spoken directions, access to MLS data, the ability to queue up numerous properties at once, detailed neighborhood maps, and more. This field guide contains general information about GPS, its usage in real estate, and future trends that will keep REALTORS® in the know. (M. Glick, Senior Information Specialist).

... Read More

9 Ways You're Misusing Social Media

Social media expert Scott Stratten shares some secrets to avoiding the "unawesome" in his new book.

Android Phone Users Beware of Bug

Two spyware programs are becoming an increasing threat to Android smartphone users.

Apps and Web Site Recommendations for Association Executives

Here is a list of iPhone, iPad, and cloud-based apps, as well as Web sites, to help association executives working with YPN be more effectient in their job.

YPNer: Take Day One of e-Pro Course Free

REALTOR® Maura Neill offers another reason to attend the REALTORS® Conference & Expo next month: to take day one of the redesigned e-PRO® course for free.

Time to Rethink How We Price Our Listings

Now more than ever, it is important to identify how potential buyers are using new technology to find their dream home.

Author of Your Success

For some in the real estate industry, it has become a race to be on the bleeding edge of technological innovations, creating professional casualties out of formerly successful agents. Our advice: Avoid so-called technology solutions from vendors who don’t understand the real estate business.

Will Super-Fast Phone Networks Be Ready?

New phone networks are to boost speeds 10 times faster than current phones for browsing the Web on mobile phones, but some analysts question whether wireless carriers' infrastructure is ready to handle the traffic. Will the iPhone 5 be the test?

Buyer's Guide to Financial Management Tools

Confused about where your money's going? Master your finances with the latest software and cloud-based tools.

Make Google Fall in Love With You (All Over Again)

Call it Love Story 2.0: Here's what you need to know to attract the attention of Google now that the company has changed the way its search engine works.

Field Guide to Social Networking for REALTORS®

(Updated September 2012)

Every junior high kid seems to have a Facebook page. Why should you, a real estate professional? Learn about social networking websites, see how other real estate agents have embraced social networking to increase their presence on the Internet to attract more clients, learn about the variety of social networking websites and much more. (A. Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist)

Social Networking Basics

... Read More

8 Incredibly Powerful Real Estate Apps

No matter how hard we try to keep up with all the latest trends and technology, it is virtually impossible to use every real-estate-related mobile application. Here are a few you should focus on.

5 Things to Know About Free E-Mail

You may not spend money to use it, but free e-mail can have a cost.

Does Your SEO Make Your Site Look Like Spam?

These common search engine optimization practices could decrease your site's ranking with search engines, or even get your site banned.

More Americans Say: 'No Voicemail, Text Me'

Are Americans becoming too impatient for voicemail? More people say they want messages sent via text.

Field Guide to Electronic Signatures

(Updated December 2012)

In 2000, President Clinton signed the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. Find out what defines an electronic signature, learn about the benefits of eSignatures in real estate, and explore the legal issues. (A. Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist)

DocuSign

DocuSign Electronic Signature Service is the official and exclusive eSIGN provider for NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® members... Read More

For AEs: 6 Tips for Using the New REALTOR.org

Association staff are some of the most active users of the information on REALTOR.org. We've identified some of the most important sections and resources you need to access regularly in your business, and provided the quickest steps to find them.

1. Start by visiting the AE section

You can follow two easy paths: Click the “For AEs” link at the top of every page or type the direct URL, www.realtor.org/ae

2. Browse the AE section according to your three key tasks

The task links are located in the left column of the... Read More

Law & Policy: Do You Understand Online Copyright Law?

The ability to cut and paste is all people need to violate copyright law. A graph on home sales cut from an online newspaper pasted into a member’s blog post—potential copyright violation. A photo of an elementary school cut from the town’s Web site and pasted into an MLS listing—potential copyright violation.

Managing the risk of operating Web sites that allow third parties to display content requires not only sound business skills but also knowledge of the special laws that govern the application of liability to the operators of such sites.

There are... Read More

NAR Establishes MLS Technology and Emerging Issues Subcommittee

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® board of directors acknowledged the growing complexity of MLS technology issues by creating an MLS Technology and Emerging Issues Subcommittee that will anticipate and analyze MLS technology issues.

The subcommittee has a chair and 15 members, eight of whom are REALTORS® with experience in governance or operation of a local or regional MLS, and the rest are MLS administrators or MLS technology or administrative staff. Among them are Carl DeMusz, RCE, CEO of the Northern Ohio Regional MLS; Merri Jo Cowen, RCE, ePRO, CEO of the My Florida... Read More

Field Guide to Real Estate Transaction Standards (RETS)

Short for Real Estate Transaction Standard, RETS provides a common language so that computers can more easily transfer real estate information, such as MLS data, to other computer programs or Web sites. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and other industry groups launched RETS in 1999.

Source: 4 Computer Terms You Should Know, (REALTOR® Magazine, Mar. 2007).

CRT RETS Applications:

... Read More

Background

.REALTOR Top Level Domain (TLD)

In early 2011, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the international authority over top-level domain names, approved the expansion of the number of generic top-level domains (gTLDs), which included allowing companies and organizations to create domains for their brands. NAR has been following this initiative since ICANN first began considering the introduction of a new round of gTLDs in 2005.

To make it easier for home buyers, sellers and investors to locate a trusted valued source of real estate information,... Read More

National Association of Realtors® Applies for New .Realtor Top-Level Domain

WASHINGTON (June 12, 2012) - Home buyers, sellers and investors may soon find it easier to locate trusted and valued real estate information, resources and services online. The National Association of Realtors®, through its wholly owned subsidiary, the Realtors® Information Network (RIN), has applied for the branded .Realtor top-level domain (TLD) as an alternative to the familiar and commonly used .com or .org. Applications have also been submitted for .realestate and .home.

"As the leading advocate for America's home... Read More

Field Guide to Using Digital Video as a Sales Tool

(Updated April 2013)

With YouTube practically a household word and digicams and video-editing software becoming ever more sophisticated and affordable, digital video is suddenly where the action is. Property sellers and real estate professionals alike are finding out how easy and effective it is to create and post homemade virtual tours, neighborhood guides, and other videos to help sell real estate. This field guide explores why and how to market real estate using videos on the Web.

Examples of What You Can Do With Video
... Read More

Widgets

MVP Program

Embed code:
<iframe frameborder="0" height="250" id="mvpwidget" src =http://www.realtor.org/ro/widget/mvpwidget.html scrolling="no" width="300"></iframe>

Home Ownership Matters

Dynamic Widget (updated frequently with home ownership news)

... Read More

Spring 2012

The Spring 2012 issue of REALTOR AE introduces the winners of the Best Association Web Site Contest; spotlights technology to help associations and their AEs gain an edge; and updates AEs on major NAR initiatives and campaigns.

AEC Chair Report: Be a Technology Role Model. By Ginger Downs, AEC Chair

Gear Up for the Ethics Rush: Every Member Must Complete An Ethics Class Before 2013. By Carolyn Schwaar... Read More

NAR Tech Edge Helps Realtors® Expand, Develop Their Tech Use

WASHINGTON (May 29, 2012) - Technology has transformed the way Realtors® do business, and the National Association of Realtors® is helping members keep up with the latest trends that can enhance business and client relations. NAR Tech Edge, a new one-day technology conference hosted by NAR, will give attendees the chance to learn about cutting edge technologies that are changing the real estate industry.

"Technology is increasingly important for Realtors® and their business," said NAR... Read More

AE Profile: Reggie McCrary on Using Technology for Productivity

If you think running a REALTOR® association is enough of a technological challenge, Reggie McCrary, RCE, EVP of the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®, runs six REALTOR® associations and a full-service real estate school. Plus, he’s the president of Asset Management & Association Services and manages a building, the Atlanta REALTORS® Center, that has nearly 50 tenants.

How does he keep this many balls up in the air? McCrary, an AE for more than 23 years, searched for the right project management technology and found a perfect match for his needs in Manymoon (soon... Read More

Big Bang For Your Tiny Association Technology Budget

In an ever-changing economy and real estate market, there is one common truth: Effective communication with members is key.

For some associations, big budgets may enable the purchase of “bells and whistles” and the latest gadgets, but having a tiny technology budget isn’t the hurdle it used to be.

If you think back ten or even just five years ago, hiring a techie to “program” your Web site was expensive, as was the per-address charge of blast e-mail providers. But today, some of the most effective tools in our technology arsenal are free (... Read More

Appmania: AEs Reveal Their Favorite Apps

Tablet computers, especially the iPad—and the applications created specifically for them—are revolutionizing the way association executives get things done. No longer dependent on a desktop computer, AEs can bring all the data with them wherever they go. RAE asked AEs for the top tablet computer and smart phone applications that have changed the way they work.

Personal Organization

Evernote
If you’re an AE who finds interesting information everywhere, use Evernote to not only write notes, but capture text from Web sites, save... Read More

REALTOR® AE Magazine’s 10th Annual Outstanding REALTOR® Association Web Site Contest Winners

The effect of social media Web sites and blogs on association Web sites is clear: Across all association sizes, member-focused Web sites have become simpler and more, well, member-focused.

Judging from the newly redesigned sites submitted to the 2012 competition, the focal point is on business-building information and tools for REALTORS®. Those discrete buttons off to the side that used to point you in the direction of the member-only areas now feature prominently, touting member resources, benefits, tools, and discounts front and center.

Real estate news, especially... Read More

AE Chair Report: Be a Technology Role Model

Adapting to new technologies isn’t a choice for association executives; it’s a necessity. Beyond the charge of managing effective associations, we serve an important role model function for our members. REALTORS® look to us for best practices involving which tech tools we use and how we employ them in our daily business practices. They are also influenced by our use of social media and other nontraditional, tech-related marketing techniques.

Even if we can’t troubleshoot all tech issues ourselves, we should be able to direct our members to reliable sources of... Read More

Xceligent Acquires Commercial Data Platform from NAR's Second Century Ventures

WASHINGTON (May 10, 2012) - Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, has sold ePropertyData (ePD) to Xceligent to create a competitive national alternative in commercial real estate information.

Xceligent will leverage ePD’s commercial information exchange (CIE) solution to help expand its existing coverage of fully researched commercial real estate information into the largest U.S. markets. ePD provides commercial... Read More

NAR Web Site Traffic Statistics

Find out who visits NAR's Web sites, REALTOR.com® and REALTOR.org, and how often. Learn what's important to fellow REALTORS® and the general public plus know REALTOR.com's position in the real estate vertical marketplace.

Download 2013 Web Site Traffic Statistics

March (PDF: 1 MB)

February (PDF: 1 MB)

... Read More

Exactly How Do You Create Viral Content?

You’ve probably heard it said more than once, “You need to create viral content in order to bring more traffic to your site.” But that’s really easier said than done, as the videos that get spread across the net seem to have a je ne sais quoi about them and there isn’t just one formula to ensure that your followers will press the share button or send the information in an e-mail. While often these videos can seem like just a good laugh, they do bring about brand awareness. If you want to promote that your office is fun to work with, these videos do the job.... Read More

NAR Comments on Consumer Privacy Framework

April 2, 2012

On March 26, NAR submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on the Administration’s recently release Consumer Privacy Framework. In the comments NAR stressed that it is critical that an anticipated multi-stakeholder process consider all relevant voices on this most important issue—including the small business/independent contractor whose business model is increasingly dependent on internet technologies to innovate and thrive.

NAR has adopted a number of principles related to protecting the privacy and... Read More

Smartphone Adoption Surges

Real estate professionals are tackling more mobile outreach markets efforts to reach clients — making sure their Web site is easy to view and use from a phone, adopting QR codes in marketing, and even creating apps that potential clients can use to access real estate information while on-the-go.

Winning Features for any Real Estate Web Site

Make the design and content of your site shine.

Technology Survey of REALTOR® Associations

2008 Technology Survey

From offering members Web sites to creating blogs, REALTOR® associations of all sizes advanced their use of technology in 2007.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ second technology survey of associations, conducted in March 2008, associations are spending more on technology and providing more online services than ever before, while battling spam and struggling to find new ways to make members embrace technology.

More than 200 REALTOR® associations took part in the survey and shared their technology successes... Read More

REALTOR.com Releases New iOS Apps

Signs show that apps are becoming many consumers' preferred method of searching for real estate. To that end, REALTOR.com has upgraded its mobile app with features, including a new "Nearby Recently Sold" search, to help consumers and REALTORS®.

See Who ‘Unfriended’ You on Facebook

Want to see which of your clients or colleagues may have “unfriended” you on Facebook? A third-party script program — not endorsed by Facebook — called Unfriend Finder notifies you whenever a “friend” decides to part ways with you. Your message will come to you in the same way as a friend request or message.

Online Piracy Bills Debated

January 23, 2012

This week two federal online piracy bills garnered significant media attention when a number of popular websites went dark in opposition to the legislation. The bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) H.R. 3261 and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) S. 968 are intended to address the problem of foreign websites that facilitate the downloading of digital content like movies and music. Opponents fear that the legislation could be a threat to free speech and place an unreasonable burden on websites to police the links placed on their sites. In light of widespread internet... Read More

Apps

Access NAR news, tools and tips from your mobile phone or tablet.

Member Guide (iPhone, ... Read More

Video

We've collected REALTOR.org's videos in one easy-to-use player.

Watch all of our videos on our video partner site, and stay tuned for more videos to debut on REALTOR.org.

RSS Feeds

Get NAR's latest headlines, content, and resources delivered directly to your RSS reader.

New to RSS? Learn more.

Terms of Use

REALTOR.org Categories

Appraisal
... Read More

NAR on LinkedIn

Join discussions, connect with fellow REALTORS®, and get the latest updates from the network.

National Assn of REALTORS® (our official LinkedIn group; reserved for members of the National Association of REALTORS®)

NAR Research

REALTOR® Commercial

... Read More

NAR on Twitter

@askNAR – NAR's call center, answering member questions

@commsource – NAR's Commercial Division

@CRTweet – Tweets from NAR's Center For REALTOR® Technology Group

@narannual – NAR's REALTORS® Conference & Expo

@NARGlobal - NAR's... Read More

NAR on Facebook

Official National Association of REALTORS® page

Appraisal

Auction

Broker Price Opinion Resource Certification

Center for REALTOR® Technology (CRT)

... Read More

2012 Gadgets: Trends to Watch and Welcome

If you blog or maintain visibility on Facebook or Twitter, you know these can be effective tools for keeping your name before clients and prospects. The downside to social networking, though, is the time and effort involved, which can detract from other responsibilities of a real estate career. Look for more tools like HootSuite, which give you a dashboard to make social media more manageable endeavor.

A Filing System That’s Up in the Air

Apple’s next generation of cloud computing, iCloud, promises to bring ease to mobile computing.

Dealing With Design Dilemmas Affordably

Practically every listing has flaws in its appearance. Here are several inexpensive solutions for almost any design problem.

2012 Printers: What Others Are Saying

Here are printing solutions other real estate pros use and how they’re using them.

Buyer's Guide: 2012 Printers

The latest printers and multifunction machines are keeping pace with demands of mobile real estate professionals. Review this guide to find the right solution for you.

2012 Gadgets: Specs That Matter For Real Estate

Here are some key features and functions for real estate professionals.

Field Guide to Using Privacy & Security Features in Social Media

(Updated November 2012)

For most REALTORS®, social media has become an integral part of their marketing and communication efforts with clients, family and friends. This new media also brings with it some concerns over privacy and security. The rules of the game keep changing. Gone are the days when 'default' options are good enough. This updated field guide will give you background information on concerns with various popular social media sites as well as provide tips and suggestions to protect your privacy and identity. (D. Shumaker, Senior... Read More

Field Guide to Twitter

(Updated October 2012)

Twitter is a way of sending short bits of information to your subscribers. The messages are limited to 140 character at a time, called a "tweet."

Let your clients know what you are doing for them, post short descriptions of new listings, keep your team on schedule. Learn more from the following articles and resources (And be sure to follow NAR Info Central and NAR's other Twitter accounts). ... Read More

Field Guide to Reducing Spam Email

(Updated August 2012)

Unwanted, unsolicited email is a frustrating problem for almost everyone who uses the Internet. Spam email clutters in-boxes, slows down web servers, and costs time and money to manage.

Spam can't be prevented entirely, but REALTORS® can reduce the amount of unwanted email that comes into their in-boxes. And on the flip side of the coin, REALTORS® who use email to find and work with clients can take steps to ensure that their own electronic communications aren't seen as spam.

Find out more about... Read More

Field Guide to Podcasting

(Updated December 2011)

A podcast is an audio or video file that users can subscribe to through an RSS feed. While you’ve all been able to download these files to the desktop for years, what makes podcasting unique is that you are no longer tethered to the computer to listen to it. You can download a file to your iPod or MP3 player, carry the file with you, and listen to it when and where you like. Similarly, YouTube and other video-sharing sites provide a convenient platform for subscribers not only to hear you, but also to see you. Find... Read More

Field Guide to Communication for Associations

(Updated March 2013)

In the world of association management, a key element to success is communication. Communicating includes how to deal effectively with staff or membership, or how to correctly transmit an email message. The following resources help today's busy association executive better understand and achieve successful styles of communication. (A. Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist)

Successful Communication Techniques

... Read More

Field Guide to Augmented Reality

(Updated January 2013)

We've all experienced Augmented Reality, although we probably haven't realized it. As we watch a football game, a yellow first-down line appears on the screen. How does it get there? Mental Floss explains the complicated process of augmenting the picture by a computer program and many technicians. Learn about this up-and-coming technology and how it can benefit the real estate profession in this field guide. (A.... Read More

DocuSign®

DocuSign has created the DocuSign for REALTORS® Edition plans with features that best meet the needs of real estate agents.

DocuSign® is the Electronic Transaction & Signature Management leader and global standard for signing everything, everywhere. DocuSign accelerates real estate transactions to increase speed to signed contract, reduce driving and paper costs, and allow all real estate agents to delight customers with the easiest,... Read More

ePropertyData Provides Customized Data Solutions for Realtors®

Washington, DC, May 05, 2011

Commercial members of the National Association of Realtors® will have greater access to commercial information exchange data through a new mobile application by ePropertyData.

ePD, a leading CIE solutions provider, is owned by NAR and operates CIEs throughout the U.S., offering data solutions to more than 150,000 commercial real estate professionals.

“Realtors® build communities, and Realtors® who practice commercial real estate help revitalize communities by facilitating investment which supports millions of jobs... Read More

Technology and Social Media LITE

Speaker: Todd Clarke, CCIM
Length: 30 min.
Description: Get an overview and learn how to utilize netbooks, tablets, and even your smartphone to enhance your commercial real estate practice. This strong resource is at an introductory level—ideal for those new to using these tools. Listen now.

New ABR® App for iPhone Helps REALTORS® Connect with Buyers

CHICAGO (January 24, 2011) - Realtors® who work with buyers now have a new resource available through the ABR® App for the iPhone. Available now through the iTunes store, this new benefit will help Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designees grow their business while also connecting with home buyers.

The ABR® iPhone App is the latest resource from the National Association of Realtors®’ Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council. This powerful and practical app was developed by Jacobs & Clevenger, a multichannel marketing communications... Read More