What's New in the Virtual Library?
Subscribe to the "What's New in the NAR Library?" RSS feed
See all RSS feeds in the Virtual Library
May 2008
This month in real estate history: The NAR turns 100
May 13, 2008
It all began in a YMCA Hall in Chicago, a century ago this month. The NAR Archives honors the founders whose high expectations still set the example for unity and professionalism.
Read more >
Opening a Real Estate Brokerage
May 13, 2008
Thinking about opening your own real estate business? Find out if you are ready to be a boss, tips on writing a business plan and much more in this updated Field Guide.
Read more >
New Books in the Library
May 7, 2008
What's new in the Information Central library collection? This month you'll find books on commercial real estate, the power of organization, presentation design and many more. Interested in borrowing any of these titles from the library? Simply click on the title to make your request right over the web!
Read more >
April 2008
Fair Housing
April 8, 2008
April 11, 2008 marks 40 years since the Fair Housing Act was passed. This updated Field Guide will provide valuable resources for REALTORS®including statistics, advertising guidelines, free downloadable posters as well as the REALTOR®Fair Housing Declaration.
Read more >
March 2008
National Homeownership Month & American Home Week
March 17, 2008
A nationwide celebration of homeownership will take place during National Homeownership Month in June 2008. American Home Week turns 56 in 2008 and will be celebrated locally April 13-19, 2008. This updated Field Guide includes information about National Homeownership Month, historical facts and more.
Read more >
February 2008
January 2008
Employer-Assisted Housing
January 15, 2008
Employer-assisted housing can help retain workers with a company while making it possible for employees to own a home. Find out about HUD's Neighbor Next Door sales program, discover the cost-benefit analysis of employer-assisted housing and read about various programs across the country in this NEW Field Guide.
Read more >
Sale-Leasebacks & Synthetic Leases
January 14, 2008
Often used as a financing alternative, sale-leasebacks offer financially struggling companies access to cash to pay down debt and improve the bottom line. And in a post-Enron environment, sale-leasebacks provide an alternative to the less favorable option of synthetic leases. Find out how sale-leaseback transactions have helped the balance sheets of hotel, restaurant, retail, and other businesses, in this updated Field Guide.
Read more >
Hotel & Motel Properties
January 14, 2008
Hotel/motel investment is a specialized part of the commercial real estate world. But what are the tricks of the trade? Find out what you need to know about management, security, brokerage and appraisal in this updated Field Guide to Hotel Properties.
Read more >
Compensation Plans for Real Estate Agents
January 14, 2008
Are salaries a better idea than commissions? What's the best way to modify your compensation plan? Find the answers to these questions and much more with this updated Field Guide which contains the latest news on compensation plans.
Read more >
Military Base Closings
January 11, 2008
Military base closings in the '90's were often met with great opposition. But base closings in the 2000's seem to viewed as golden opportunities by many in the real estate industry and by the local communities surrounding them.
Read more >
Buying vs. Renting
January 11, 2008
Should your buyers keep renting or is it time to purchase a residential property? The information listed in this updated Field Guide will assist you in helping them answer this question. Included are statistics and studies on homeowners and renters as well as financing options and tips.
Read more >
Foreclosures
January 10, 2008
Foreclosures stories continue to dominate the news. A less-reported aspect is the potential gain for investors who are willing to take the risk of buying and flipping foreclosed properties. This updated Field Guide provides tips for investors as well as for those needing help to avoid foreclosure.
Read more >
December 2007
Social Networking
December 28, 2007
Last year, Information Central reported on social networking tools in A Web 2.0 Sampler: YouTube, ActiveRain, and iTV. Since that time, many more technologies have gained momentum as powerful networking and marketing tools for REALTORS®. As expected, social networking websites and applications continue to take the lead when it comes to "must have" technologies. In this new report you will find tech tools you absolutely must know about to reach those tech savvy consumers. Find out more in the latest technology report from NAR's Information Central.
Read more >
Recruiting and Retaining Salespeople
December 28, 2007
In this highly competitive real estate marketplace, how do you find and hire successful agents -- and what's the best way to prevent your top producers from switching to another firm? The material in this updated Field Guide will help you discover what makes a top producer and offers some of the latest tips and techniques for hiring successful, reliable agents and keeping them on your team.
Read more >
Short-Term Rental Restrictions
December 26, 2007
According to The 2006 NAR Profile of Second-Home Owners, approximately 40% of home sales in 2005, equivalent to more than 3.3 million new- and existing-home sales, were second homes. 65% of vacation-home owners say their investment is better than stocks. Renting out a vacation home can offset the costs of this investment until retirement. But, what happens when a community acts to restrict short-term rentals? Read this updated Field Guide ... and you'll find out!
Read more >
Commercial Green Buildings
December 26, 2007
Green buildings are popping up in just about every American city. And for good reason -- green design elements not only help save environmental resources, they also boost the bottom line and are good for human health and morale. More and more sophisticated buyers and companies leasing office space are willing to pay a premium for the benefits green buildings offer. This updated Field Guide page provides REALTORS® with information on green buildings and their benefits -- including information on NAR's own green building in Washington, DC.
Read more >
Family Firms
December 26, 2007
Family firms have their own special type of problems and concerns--hiring children who aren't interested in the family business, concerns of favoritism among non-family staff, succession issues and much more. Find out how to tackle these problems from the following articles and family business organizations in this updated Field Guide.
Read more >
Family Time
December 14, 2007
There are no rules about how to create Family Time -- there is no greater gift you can give each other than your time and attention. Find out more about the FamilyTime® program and how families can make the most of their time together with the resources in this updated Field Guide.
Read more >
Land Investment
December 13, 2007
While land investment may not provide the instant gratification of a home purchase, this sort of venture can be quite lucrative. Land investors have different needs and concerns than those of typical real estate investors - zoning, planning, environmental issues are just a few of the challenges they must face. This updated Field Guide will help those who wish to take on this interesting branch of the real estate industry.
Read more >
Agricultural/Farm Land
December 13, 2007
On the surface, buying a farm has a very 'get away from it all' sort of appeal. The reality is that farming can be emotionally and financially stressful with success dependent upon many variables, including the weather, taxes, domestic and foreign competition, etc. The rewards, however, can be considerable. This updated Field Guide explores the pros and cons of owning farm property.
Read more >
REALTOR® Income
December 12, 2007
How much does the typical REALTOR® earn in a year? This updated Field Guide features studies from NAR's Research division, surveys by REALTOR® Magazine, and other sources offering details about the income of agents and brokers and what determines how much they make.
Read more >
Appraisal of Real Estate Offices
December 4, 2007
Whether you own a real estate firm or are thinking of buying or selling one, it's important to know what the business is worth. The following articles and studies can provide some insight into determining the value of a real estate firm and its assets.
Read more >
Remodeling
December 4, 2007
What remodeling job has the best return on investment? Where should you start when remodeling an older home? The home remodeling industry has enjoyed solid growth and will reach new heights in the future. You can't afford to miss this updated Field Guide if you're planning a home improvement or restoration project!
Read more >
Office Property
December 4, 2007
Find out NAR's views on the commercial market. What is the impact of property tax on commercial property? How is the economy affecting office buildings? Get the latest on office building trends and much more in this updated Field Guide.
Read more >
