As I write my annual publisher’s note, the U.S. Senate is putting in extra hours to work out the details of a stimulus plan that aims to inject life back into the economy and the housing markets.

REALTOR® magazine and the entire Communications group here at the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are putting in extra hours, too, to provide the support and inspiration you need. In this third year of a downturn, we’re stepping up our efforts significantly, thinking outside the box to deliver new features that speak directly to the struggles you’re facing.

In his March 2009 column, NAR President Charles McMillan refers to a new NAR program—Right Tools, Right Now—that aims to bring you free and low-cost resources. The magazine is a key part of that initiative, providing you with valuable new content. At our Web site:

• Learn from REALTORS® who’ve been there. The typical member today has been in the business just seven years, but NAR’s REALTOR® Emeritus members have been practicing real estate a minimum of 40 consecutive years. There’s not much in the way of market shifts these industry veterans haven’t seen. So starting this month, we’re enlisting their help in our new "Words of Wisdom" Q&A.

• Put timely information into the hands of your sellers and buyers. Our free, customizable Handouts for Customers are among the most popular features of this Web site. We recently added two new handouts, one for sellers who are facing a short sale or foreclosure situation and one for buyers considering making an offer on a short sale.

• Get your short sales questions answered. This month, REALTOR® magazine is hosting its first Webinar with short sales expert Scott Thompson of Mortgage Resolution Services.

• Watch masters in action. Through our new Masters video series, REALTOR.org/masters, you’ll meet practitioners at the top of their game and learn how they’re continuing to thrive in tough times.

In February, NAR also rolled out a new two-hour radio talk show, Real Estate Today. It’s airing on XM and Sirius satellite radio and on WMAL-AM in Washington, D.C., and we’re working to expand the list of stations that will carry the program. You can also listen in at www.RETRadio.com.

We appreciate having the opportunity to serve you and look forward to your feedback. Write to us at narpubs@realtors.org.