What's New in the NAR Virtual Library
New and updated resources in the NAR Virtual Library on Realtor.org
Flood Insurance
Do you need flood insurance? Hurricanes and heavy rains can cause floods in flood prone areas and regular insurance does not cover flood damage. Are you in a flood plain? Find out these answers and more in this NEW Field Guide.
Facebook for REALTORS®
With over half a billion members, Facebook is THE social network today. It’s also an ever-changing, evolving time-suck. Poking is passé, privacy rights are in flux, and don’t get me started on Farmville! Rule number one for Facebook or any other social network for that matter is to assume all the privacy shields you have created will fail and your whole profile will be visible to everyone. Before you post that photo or add that snarky comment step back and consider: how would you feel if your mother saw this? This NEW Field Guide goes over the basics, reviews current security settings and explores how REALTORS® are using the social network to build their brand.
Deconstructing Buildings and Material Reuse
Deconstruction of buildings is the selective dismantlement of building components, specifically for re-use, recycling, and waste management. It differs from demolition where a site is cleared of its building by the most expedient means. Deconstruction has also been defined as "construction in reverse". Deconstruction is a method of harvesting what is commonly considered “waste” and reclaiming it into useful building material. Find out all about deconstructing buildings and reusing materials in this NEW Field Guide.
Antitrust
A little competition is a good thing, right? Learn why awareness of antitrust issues is important for real estate professionals, along with information on avoiding antitrust problems. This Updated Field Guide provides guidance for brokers and associations, articles and books about this essential legal issue and updates on the Department of Justice case against NAR.
Reducing Spam E-Mail
Unwanted, unsolicited e-mail is a frustrating problem for almost everyone who uses the Internet. Spam e-mail clutters inboxes, slows down Web servers, and costs time and money to manage. Spam can't be prevented entirely, but REALTORS® can reduce the amount of unwanted e-mail that comes into their inboxes. Find out more about what spam is, how to reduce the amount of spam you receive and how to keep from sending it yourself with the articles, websites, and other resources in this Updated Field Guide.
New Books in the Library (August 2010)
What's new in the Information Central library collection? This month you'll find books on going green, running a community recycling center, resort development 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!
New eBooks in the Library (August 2010)
What's new in the Information Central eBook collection? This month our featured eBook section is on social media marketing. You'll also find some of the following new titles in our "just added" section on the eBook home page: Everything Family Guide to Timeshares, Get to the Top on Google, Happiness at Work, Outstanding! and many more. Interested in borrowing any of these titles from the eBook collection? Simply click on the title to make your request right over the web!
REALTORS® and the Global Marketplace
Many successful real estate professionals have discovered the benefits and values of the world of international real estate. If you are thinking about going global or have already ventured into this arena, this Updated Field Guide will provide you with tips for locating and working with international clients, etiquette, cross-cultural business guides and international networking opportunities. You will also uncover an assortment of international real estate information sources, including a variety of worldly resources from the REALTOR® organization. Plus, there is a wealth of new eBooks available in the Virtual Library at realtor.org!
This month in real estate history: 1959 REALTORS® liked Ike, and the FHA
In 1959 the Federal Housing Administration celebrated its 25th birthday. In June of that year 1,200 people from 14 trade and professional organizations, including 100 REALTORS®, gathered for the Industry Salute to FHA. The black-tie affair was held in Washington’s Sheraton Park Hotel. Find out more in "This Month in Real Estate History" from the NAR Archives.
Strategic Planning for Associations
The strategic planning process is key in helping an organization develop a vision of where it will be in the future and determining the best ways to turn that vision into reality. This Updated Field Guide includes articles, books, and other resources on all aspects of strategic planning, from beginning the process to monitoring its implementation after the plan has been worked out. Also included are the strategic plan of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and sample strategic plans from RARE, NAR's resource exchange for state and local REALTOR® associations.
Impacts of Animal Feedlots on Property Values
The potential environmental effects of animal feedlots, such as possible water contamination and foul odors, are a real concern for those living near one of these facilities. This Updated Field Guide presents current government regulations, industry trends and studies on the impact of feedlots on surrounding property values. While most studies have found a negative relationship between feedlots and property values, a few have found a positive impact.
Meth Labs
The production of methamphetamine is alarmingly simple, composed of readily available, household items. The resulting chemical cocktail permeates nearly every surface of the home and property, exposure to which can lead to cancer, organ damage and numerous other health problems, particularly to children. The effects on homes and property are long-lasting and cleanup requires a hazardous materials team. This Field Guide contains information for REALTORS® and property managers regarding warning signs, disclosure laws, and hazardous effects of meth and meth labs upon humans and property.
New Access Points for Information Central!
Have a quick research question or just want to keep up with all the doings at Information Central?
NAR Information Central can now be reached via Skype or instant messaging.
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Contact us via Skype. NAR Information Central's Skype screen name is narinfocentral.
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Social Networking
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.
A Look Back at Real Estate's Beginnings
The latest video in our series on our favorite resources for REALTORS® and association staff takes a look at the 1958 book Real Estate in American History by Pearl Janet Davies.