Features

 

6 Realities of Doing Business on the Social Web

It's easy to make friends on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. But you need real-world business savvy to take those connections to the next level.

 

Analysis: The Trouble With the HVCC

New rules that were meant to ensure the integrity of the appraisal process have infuriated appraisers and stymied sales from coast to coast.

 

Commercial: Has Time Run Out for TICs?

Sales of tenant-in-common interests have plummeted, but don't count the securitized real estate industry out just yet.

 

Commentary: A Disaster Recovery Plan

By taking the same approach that was used to stimulate housing demand after Hurricane Katrina, the government can inject new life into the moribund market.

 

Video: Masters Series: On the Auction Block

There's more to a real estate auction than meets the eye. Bill Sheridan of Sheridan Realty & Auction Co. in Mason, Mich., shows how auctions can be an effective way to sell homes fast.

 

Real Life

 

Law: Beware of Legal Danger Zones

Find out the top reasons real estate professionals are landing in court today.

 

Technology: With Every Tweet, Provide a Takeaway

Twitter can help you build rapport with customers, as long as you create value for your followers.

 

Economy: Buyer Hesitation Is Dissolving

Home buyers are returning to the market after years of worry over the direction of home prices.

 

Home: Termites: The Silent Destroyers

Termites can take a big bite out of a home's value. Home owners must be proactive to lower their risk.

 

Cool Tools

• Organize digital files.
• Light up a room.
• Story-driven videos.

 

Your NAR

The REALTORS® Federal Credit Union is now open.

 

Ethics: 'Just Sold' Flyer Paints Deceptive Picture

If you weren't involved in the sale, sending a "Just Sold" flyer can be deceptive.

 

In Court: Commission Lost Over Contract Contingency

A broker's commission is lost due to a contingency in the purchase contract.

 

Market Pulse: Latest Home Sales

See the existing-home sales report for June from the National Association of REALTORS®.

 

 

For Brokers

 

Beyond Bricks & Mortar

Jennifer Bunker of South Ogden, Utah, started a virtual brokerage to reduce costs and cut down on waste.

 

Find the Perfect Suitor 

Today's tumultuous economic times have led even the most independent of brokers to consider a sale or merger.

 

Voices

 

NAR President: Sweating the Details for You

Editor's Note: The Ins and Outs of the HVCC

Letters From Readers 

 

 

Last Word: Valerie Laken

Laken, author of the eerie new novel Dream House, writes about houses as if they were alive.

 

At the Web Site: REALTOR.org/realtormag

 

The Weekly Book Scan

We know you’re too busy to keep up with all of the latest real estate books. But that doesn’t mean you have to be out of the loop! Every week, our blog offers new posts and author chats that highlight key ideas from the hottest titles.

 

More Blogs:

• Speaking of Real Estate: Timely insights and observations from REALTOR® magazine editors.
• Styled, Staged & Sold: Design trends, staging secrets, and everything "green."
• YPN Lounge: Sales tips and marketing ideas from young real estate pros.

 

Shadow a Master: The Auction Specialist

When sellers need to find buyers fast, an auction is one way to go. See how Michigan practitioner Bill Sheridan puts all the pieces into place for a quick sale. Go to REALTOR.org/masters.

 

More Videos: Visit REALTOR® TV

Dozens of free educational videos are at your fingertips on REALTOR.org. Nine video collections include News & Analysis, Code of Ethics, and Home & Design. Plus, learn how to submit your own videos.

 

Quiz: Safety on the Job

Selling real estate can be risky business, but there are easy steps that you can take to protect yourself. Take our interactive quiz and access other resources as part of REALTOR® Safety Week.

 

Architecture Coach: Tin Ceilings Come Back

In the Victorian era, home owners in America and Europe used tin ceilings for a sophisticated look at a low price. Now they’re coming back into style.

 

Sales Coach: Be the One Brokers Want

What qualities do brokers seek out in salespeople? In this month’s Sales Coach column, learn how to promote yourself to the brokerage of your dreams.

 

Webinars: Hot Topics, Every Month

Tune into free webinars on timely topics, ranging from short sales to mortgage finance. Register for upcoming webinars or listen to on-demand recordings of previous sessions.

 

 

Plus, learn about your association’s new Right Tools, Right Now campaign, offering you hundreds of free and at-cost products, services, and programs to help you through these tough times.