Features

 

Cover Story: 2009 Good Neighbors Awards: Dedicated to Helping

Even in a tough economy, REALTORS® find amazing ways to keep on giving. Read the compelling stories of five practitioners who've gone above and beyond to change the lives of those in dire need. REALTOR® magazine's Good Neighbors Awards program, now in its 10th year, may well inspire you to make a difference too.

 

Commercial: The Future of Commercial Demand

Financing matters, but employment will be most important in determining a timeline for a genuine recovery.

 

Masters Series: The Team Experts

HER Real Living broker Sandy Raines can attest to the power and efficiency of teamwork. The 16 members of her team in New Albany, Ohio, play to their individual strengths, which translates into more income for the group.

 

Real Life

 

Watch List for 2010

Read about the personalities and ideas to watch in the coming year.

 

Selling: Creating Buyer Urgency

The McMonigle Group of Newport Beach, Calif., used pricing and online bidding to turn a buyer’s market into a seller’s market.

 

Your NAR

November is REALTOR® Designation Awareness month. Find out about the new short sales certification and the updated e-Pro® curriculum.

 

Economy: Home Sales Drive the Recovery

The recession is ending, but the recovery plows on. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says that commercial real estate remains the wild card.

 

Market Pulse: Existing-Home Sales for August

A seasonally adjusted annual rate, which is the actual rate of sales for the month, multiplied by 12 and adjusted for seasonal sales differences.

 

Cool Tools

Give listings a visual lift for listings; free video-sharing service.

 

Ethics: A Higher Standard

When the Code of Ethics sets a higher standard than your state license law, follow the Code.

 

In Court: Commission Awarded in Failed Short Sale

A lender has to pay a broker’s commission after waiting too long to nix a short-sale transaction.

 

Fast Takes: SBA Hears of Loan Concerns

Practitioners sound off on SBA loan difficulties, noting lack of availability and confusing eligibility requirements.

 

For Brokers

 

Standouts: Putting a Nix on Splits

Low fees and 100 percent commissions has made broker-owner Joe Moshé, a popular recruiter in his Long Island, N.Y., market.

 

Gear Up for a Strong 2010

Your most recent business results can help you get ready for a successful new year. Brokerage consultants discuss the prep work you need to take on without delay.

 

Solutions: Be the Chief Inspirer

Slow markets can trigger broker complacency. Here's how to ignite enthusiasm within your sales force.

 

Voices

 

NAR President: One Extraordinary Year

Editor's Note: Agreeing on a Course of Action Isn't Enough

Letters From Readers 

 

Commentary

 

Success Story: The Closing Angel

Broker-owner Fran Hoover of South Lake, Texas, waives her commission for hardship cases. She finds that pro bono work has been a boon for business.

 

Commentary: Putting the Fear Behind Us

Fear—your clients' and your own—has become the largest obstacle in real estate transactions. Learning to listen and counsel people through uncertain times will help you build raving fans.

 

Last Word: El Centro Mayor Ben Solomon

A small-town mayor in California has made fighting foreclosures his personal business. His relentless interventions have brought hope to a struggling community.

 

At the Web Site: REALTOR.org/realtormag

 

Slideshow: 10 Affordable Home Redos

Improve the look of a home with these affordable projects that will help attract buyers.

 

Buyer's Guide: New Car Class of 2010

Need a new set of wheels for next year? Have a look at some of the most fuel-efficient cars coming out in 2010.

 

Make the Most of Your Fourth Quarter

Around this time of year, business tends to slow down. But real estate pros should view it as a time to set themselves up for success next year.

 

How I Sold It: An International Dilemma

John Daly took advantage of being the only Spanish speaker in his office and helped a Panamanian lawyer sell property he inherited before the family trust expired.

 

How to Be Instantly Creative for Greater Profits

Need some inspiration, fast? Try out some of these brainstorming activities and tools, and just watch the ideas roll in.

 

Do You Have the Right GAS?

By using GAS as an acronym for goals, attitude, and selectivity, real estate practitioners can make sure they are fueling themselves to succeed.

 

Agents of Change: Promoting Green in Real Estate

Some real estate professionals are transforming the industry by living, working, and educating "green."

 

Carole Bowen: Branding Counts

REALTOR® Emeritus Carole Bowen is known as the "Lot Lady" for her work with land development and first-time buyers. Find out how she gets her name out and builds her reputation.

 

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.
• The Weekly Book Scan: New posts and author chats that highlight key ideas from the hottest titles.

 

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.