In addition to the toolkits, there are many existing online tools that may assist state and local boards in getting positive and realistic messages about today’s housing market out to consumers. Check them out:

 

Research You Can Use:

Credit Crisis Information -- Check out the details of the Emergency Economic Recovery Act that was signed into law on October. 3, 2008 to help restore health to the financial markets and assure that housing can lead the economic recovery.

Economic Commentaries — Several times each week, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and his staff post columns providing insights on current market conditions and trends. Read them and use them in your dealings with the media and consumers.

Economic Impact of Homeownership Reports -- Get information about YOUR market! The "State Economic Impact of Housing" reports provide information on the contribution of homeownership to your state and local economies; "State Mortgage Conditions" calculates outstanding mortgage debt, prime and subprime, among homeowners in your state and localities; and "Metro Area Wealth Gain" looks at the equity accumulation of your homeowners over the years. You'll be prompted for your REALTOR.org user name and password to access.

Field Guide to Surviving and Thriving in a Slowing Market -- Take a look at this compilation of articles, research, tools and tips to help REALTORS® and their clients survive and thrive in today's market.

Metro Home Price Map -- Zoom in to see the median home price for your metro area, along with the percentage change from a year earlier.  Using Google maps and NAR's comprehensive home price information, it's easy to look up the median home price for more than 150 areas across the country.

 

To Generate News:

Real Estate Facts Columns — Monthly fill-in-the-blanks consumer articles that allow you to insert your officer’s or spokesperson’s name.

Latest NAR News Releases — NAR's news releases on market conditions can be your best friends for spreading accurate information to the media and consumers in your community. Check out the monthly existing-home sales and economic forecast releases. Send them to your local reports. Quote from them. Incorporate the statistics into your own messages and news releases.

NAR News Release Schedule -- Take the guess work out of when NAR's statistical news releases are coming out. This online schedule will tell you when the existing-home sales, pending-home sales, metro home price and state home resale reports come out through the end of 2008.

 

Interview Aids:

"For the Record" Talking Points — Talking points on more than 40 issues designed for use by you and your association spokespersons in media interviews and speaking engagements. (NAR member login required.)

NAR Field Guides -- The NAR Library has compiled hundreds of field guides on topics ranging from the Social Benefits of Housing, to Foreclosures, to Stress Management.  Preparing for an upcoming media interview or speech on a topic you could use some help on?  Check out these guides.  But, be advised, that once you start tooling around, you may never want to leave this information-rich Web page!

 

Brochures and Handouts:

Value of a REALTOR®: 180 Steps in a Transaction — Need a "leave-behind" item about the value REALTORS® bring to the transaction for the homebuying event you're hosting? Download this list of 180 steps in a typical real estate transaction — tasks that REALTORS® handle for each of their customers. Provided by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, you can modify it to fit your business and market conditions. Download Column (MS Word: 141KB).

"It's a Great Time to Buy" Brochure --   Order bundles of these brochures to leave behind at your next homebuyer fair, community event or speaking engagement.  They incorporate all the great messages of the Surround Sound program.

"Save Now With the Homebuyers Tax Credit" -- Order bundles of these brochures to leave behind at your next homebuyer fair, community event or speaking engagement.  This easy-to-read brochure spells out just how the new homebuyer tax credit works -- it's like getting a $7,500 interest free loan to buy a home!  Member pricing available -- just $29.95 for 100 brochures!

Why Rent When You Can Buy Brochure -- Order bundles of these brochures to leave behind at your next homebuyer fair, community event, or speaking engagement. The come in English or Spanish.

Mortgage Education Brochures -- Order or download these consumer education brochures on the importance of researching mortgage products BEFORE you buy. Brochures are available on understanding traditional and specialty mortgages, predatory lending, avoiding foreclosure and the FHA mortgage insurance program.

Advertising

Public Awareness Campaign — NAR’s multi-million dollar national advertising campaign, which features two new buyer ads this year. There is even a tool that allows you to create your own print ads with a local message about your market. Go directly to the ad generator tool.

You may also be interested in a PowerPoint presentation (MS PowerPoint: 4.4MB) that outlines how this national advertising campaign dovetails with Surround Sound and how you can take advantage of beautifully designed ads in your market.

Housing Market Facts — This Web site, designed as a part of NAR's 2008 Public Awareness Campaign, provides succinct information about the benefits and value of owning a home.