In addition to the toolkits, there are many existing online tools that may assist state and local boards in getting positive and realistic messages about today’s housing market out to consumers. Check them out:

 

Interview Aids:

Media Talking Points — Talking points on more than 40 issues designed for use by you and your association spokespersons in media interviews and speaking engagements. (NAR member login required.)

NAR Field Guides -- The NAR Library has compiled hundreds of field guides on topics ranging from the Social Benefits of Housing, to Foreclosures, to Stress Management.  Preparing for an upcoming media interview or speech on a topic you could use some help on?  Check out these guides.  But, be advised, that once you start tooling around, you may never want to leave this information-rich Web page!

 

Brochures and Handouts:

"First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit" Brochure -- Print out this complete and comprehensive brochure with details and examples of just how the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers works.  Get the basics, real world examples and answers to frequently asked questions. Download Brochure (PDF--600KB)  

Value of a REALTOR^®: 180 Steps in a Transaction — Need a "leave-behind" item about the value REALTORS^® bring to the transaction for the homebuying event you're hosting? Download this list of 180 steps in a typical real estate transaction — tasks that REALTORS^® handle for each of their customers. Provided by the Orlando Regional REALTOR^® Association, you can modify it to fit your business and market conditions. Download Column (MS Word: 141KB).

"It's a Great Time to Buy" Brochure --   Order bundles of these brochures to leave behind at your next homebuyer fair, community event or speaking engagement.  They incorporate all the great messages of the Surround Sound program -- just $10.50 for 100 brochures!

"Why Rent When You Can Buy" Brochure -- Order bundles of these brochures to leave behind at your next homebuyer fair, community event, or speaking engagement. They come in English or Spanish. Member pricing available -- just $11 for 100 brochures!

Mortgage Education Brochures -- Order or download these consumer education brochures on the importance of researching mortgage products BEFORE you buy. Brochures are available on understanding traditional and specialty mortgages, predatory lending, avoiding foreclosure and the FHA mortgage insurance program.

It Pays to Work With a REALTOR^® Brochure  -- Download for free and print yourself or order bundles of these brochures to leave behind at your next speaking event.  This tri-fold brochure highlights the special skills and services REALTORS® bring to each and every transaction.  Members price, $13.75 per package of 100.  They come in English or Spanish.

"Right Tools. Right Now"  -- Download marketing brochures, presentations and see a variety of tools and resources that were once for sale, but are now free to REALTORS^®

 

Research You Can Use:

2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit -- Get the basics and the details about the new $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.  View charts, presentations, and other information that you can use to educate yourself and your clients.

Economic Commentaries — Several times each week, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and his staff post columns providing insights on current market conditions and trends. Read them and use them in your dealings with the media and consumers.

State and Local Market Information -- Get information about YOUR market! The NAR Research Division has prepared a variety of local reports that you can access and download here.  Get information about mortgages, prices, sales, wealth gain and more.

Field Guide to Surviving and Thriving in a Slowing Market -- Take a look at this compilation of articles, research, tools and tips to help REALTORS® and their clients survive and thrive in today's market.

 

Advertising

Public Awareness Campaign — NAR’s multi-million dollar national advertising campaign, which features three new buyer ads this year. Be sure to check out the "super new" Uncle Sam spot about the $8,000 tax credit!  There is even a tool that allows you to create your own print ads with a local message about your market. Go directly to the ad generator tool.

You may also be interested in a PowerPoint presentation (MS PowerPoint: 4.4MB) that outlines how this national advertising campaign dovetails with Surround Sound and how you can take advantage of beautifully designed ads in your market.

Housing Market Facts — This Web site, designed as a part of NAR's 2008 Public Awareness Campaign, provides succinct information about the benefits and value of owning a home.

 

To Generate News:

Real Estate Facts Columns — Monthly fill-in-the-blanks consumer articles that allow you to insert your officer’s or spokesperson’s name.

Latest NAR News Releases — NAR's news releases on market conditions can be your best friends for spreading accurate information to the media and consumers in your community. Check out the monthly existing-home sales and economic forecast releases. Send them to your local reports. Quote from them. Incorporate the statistics into your own messages and news releases.

NAR News Release Schedule -- Take the guess work out of when NAR's statistical news releases are coming out. This online schedule will tell you when the existing-home sales, pending-home sales, metro home price and state home resale reports come out through the end of 2008.