There are many online tools to assist state and local REALTOR^® associations in getting positive and realistic messages about today’s housing market out to consumers. Check them out:

Information and Handouts:

"The Extended/Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit"-- Get the basics of the extended homebuyer tax credit -- how the latest version benefits both first-time and repeat buyers.  This web page includes frequently asked questions and answers for downloading, as well as simple fact sheets.  Read as much, or as little as you like, but get the latest information here. 

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).

"Save Now With the Homebuyers Tax Credit" Brochure -- Order bundles of these brochures to leave behind at your next homebuyer fair, community event or speaking engagement.  They tell consumers how the tax credit works for them.  Just $8.75 for 100 brochures or download a PDF for free and make your own copies!

"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 or download a PDF for free and make your own copies!

"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^®

"Social Networking: The Ultimate REALTORS®' Guide" -- Get the latest information on how REALTORS^® can and should use social networking to get your messages out to buyers and sellers.  Just $22.50 for REALTORS^®

 

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!

 

NAR Outreach to Consumers:

Public Awareness Campaign — NAR’s multi-million dollar national advertising campaign, which features two new ads on the extended and expanded homebuyer 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.

Real Estate Today Radio -- NAR's weekly two-hour radio show opens doors for buyers and sellers with critical and credible information on the real estate market. It’s fast paced and fact packed with experts, interviews, call-ins, field reports, and timely market conditions.On radio stations, satellite, and podcasts… even cell phones, Real Estate Today is your instant connection to the American Dream of home ownership.  Find out where it airs near you at: www.retradio.com/

HouseLogic --This comprehensive website is a free source of information and tools to help homeowners make make smart and timely decisions the single biggest investment most of them will ever make, including how to protect, maintain and enhance the value of their home.  The web site also offers a variety of content for REALTORS® to download and use in their web sites and newsletters.  Check it out at HouseLogic.com

 

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.

 

Research You Can Use:

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.

 

Sign Up for the Surround Sound Email Group

Join the NAR Surround Sound Google Group to receive weekly emails with tips and information to help you keep your Surround Sound Campaign alive and well.  Follow this link and click on "Join the Group" on the right side of the screen. http://groups.google.com/group/nar-surround-sound