What's New in the NAR Virtual Library
New and updated resources in the NAR Virtual Library on Realtor.org
This month in real estate history: 1959 REALTORS® liked Ike, and the FHA
In 1959 the Federal Housing Administration celebrated its 25th birthday. In June of that year 1,200 people from 14 trade and professional organizations, including 100 REALTORS®, gathered for the Industry Salute to FHA. The black-tie affair was held in Washington’s Sheraton Park Hotel. Find out more in "This Month in Real Estate History" from the NAR Archives.
Strategic Planning for Associations
The strategic planning process is key in helping an organization develop a vision of where it will be in the future and determining the best ways to turn that vision into reality. This Updated Field Guide includes articles, books, and other resources on all aspects of strategic planning, from beginning the process to monitoring its implementation after the plan has been worked out. Also included are the strategic plan of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and sample strategic plans from RARE, NAR's resource exchange for state and local REALTOR® associations.
Impacts of Animal Feedlots on Property Values
The potential environmental effects of animal feedlots, such as possible water contamination and foul odors, are a real concern for those living near one of these facilities. This Updated Field Guide presents current government regulations, industry trends and studies on the impact of feedlots on surrounding property values. While most studies have found a negative relationship between feedlots and property values, a few have found a positive impact.
New eBooks in the Library (July 2010)
What's new in the Information Central eBook collection? This month our featured eBook section is on Negotiation Strategies. You'll also find some of the following new titles in our "just added" section on the eBook home page: Evicted!, Get Rich with Twitter, iPad for Dummies, Ten Zen Seconds and many more. Interested in borrowing any of these titles from the eBook collection? Simply click on the title to make your request right over the web!
New Books in the Library (July 2010)
What's new in the Information Central library collection? This month you'll find books on smart growth, commercial real estate, real estate careers 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!
Meth Labs
The production of methamphetamine is alarmingly simple, composed of readily available, household items. The resulting chemical cocktail permeates nearly every surface of the home and property, exposure to which can lead to cancer, organ damage and numerous other health problems, particularly to children. The effects on homes and property are long-lasting and cleanup requires a hazardous materials team. This Field Guide contains information for REALTORS® and property managers regarding warning signs, disclosure laws, and hazardous effects of meth and meth labs upon humans and property.
Seller Financing
Seller financing offers advantages to both sellers and buyers. Sellers have an opportunity to widen the pool of potential buyers, and buyers have an opportunity for homeownership even if they are unable to obtain a mortgage through conventional channels. But seller financing can be risky unless structured with some protections in place. Learn about the various forms of seller financing - such as seller carry-back, lease options, installment sales - and what risks to avoid in this NEW Field Guide.
Real Estate Organizations
Need to find a real estate organization? Look here for associations and federal agencies that deal with fair housing, appraisals, housing finance and other real estate issues. Find out how these organizations are playing their part in the real estate world.
Due Diligence for Home Buyers
Purchasing a home is a huge endeavor, and buyers need to be more educated than ever before they begin the process. This NEW Field Guide provides links to practical resources on most every aspect of home buying, from establishing credit to negotiating the final contract.
Commercial Broker Lien Laws
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 provides links to the laws that have been passed in twenty one states.
Recruiting and Retaining Salespeople
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 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.
Chinese Drywall
Imported 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 Updated Field Guide. Discover websites that provide helpful information on this developing topic.
New Access Points for Information Central!
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Social Networking
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
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.