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30 Under 30: Frequently Asked Questions Each June, REALTOR® Magazine features 30 rising young stars in the real estate industry, and every year hundreds of real estate practitioners apply to be one of the 30 honorees. Here are answers to all of your questions about the "30 Under 30" program. How can I submit an application? You can access the online form here, or by visiting our main "30 Under 30" page: REALTOR.org/30Under30. Who’s eligible to enter? Any REALTOR® member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who is 29 years old or younger on May 31, 2009, and who has not been profiled in a previous “30 Under 30” feature, is eligible for the 2009 feature. What's the deadline? Applications must be submitted by Jan. 12, 2009. Until that time, you can make changes and updates to your saved application. What are the judges looking for? Several factors are considered when selecting the finalists—business success being just one. Community and professional leadership also are important factors. We want to ensure we have a diverse group of finalists in terms of business niches, gender, ethnic background, and geographic location. Finally, we look for compelling stories—such as interesting business strategies or obstacles overcome. What is the selection process? Initially, all applications are screened by REALTOR® Magazine editors to ensure all necessary information has been provided, and to winnow the group down to about 75 to 100 individuals. A panel of judges then reviews this group, weighing the factors mentioned above, until a consensus is reached on 30 semifinalists and five alternates. Semifinalists are vetted with local and state associations and state regulatory boards for ethical violations or disciplinary actions. If a semifinalist is disqualified for any reason, a replacement is chosen from the list of alternates. Can I make changes to my application? Yes. You can retrieve your saved application using the e-mail address and password you created when you started the application. Changes are accepted while the application period is open. The application period for the 2009 "30 Under 30" feature runs from Sept. 22, 2008 to Jan. 12, 2009. Can my broker or colleague provide supporting letters? Recommendation letters in support of your application can be submitted, but are not required. They must be submitted online via a link on the application form. No e-mail, faxes, or snail mail will be accepted. A maximum of three letters can be submitted. Can I submit other supporting documentation (awards, certificates, etc.)? Due to the high volume of applications we receive (more than 500) we can’t accept other supporting documents. Awards, designations, and other honors should be mentioned in the application. The editors will contact you if clarification or additional information is needed. What if I don’t yet know my closed sales volume or transaction sides for 2008? You should indicate on the application that 2008 figures are estimates. If you obtain actual sales volume and transaction side data for 2008 before the deadline, you can go back into the application and update that information. Why do you ask about ethics violations and state regulatory actions? Will either eliminate me from consideration? Our “30 Under 30” finalists represent the next generation of industry leaders and as such they should set an example of professional and ethical behavior. An ethical violation or disciplinary action does not result in automatic disqualification. The editors will consider the circumstances and weigh the incident against other factors in your application. Will my sales numbers be independently verified? Yes. If you are selected as a finalist, we will seek verification either from your broker or MLS. Do I have to be a member of NAR? Yes. Only REALTOR® members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are eligible. If you’re not already a member, you can join before the deadline and still submit an application. I don't know my NRDS number. Where can I find it? Your NRDS number is your NAR membership identification number. You must enter your NRDS number to initiate the "30 Under 30" application process. If you don't know your number, you can find it here. How will I know if my application was received?An e-mail will be sent to the address listed in the application to confirm receipt of the submitted form. If it’s determined that the application is incomplete or missing some information, a second e-mail will be sent. How and when will I be notified of the judges’ decision?All applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail in May 2009. Why is May 31 the birthday cutoff? Because the feature appears in the June issue of REALTOR® Magazine and profiles practitioners under the age of 30. I’m turning 30 on May 20. Can I still apply? Unfortunately, no. Who can I contact if I have more questions? Please contact Wilma Gonzales at wgonzale@realtors.org or 312/329-8458.
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