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New Books in the Library
November 3, 2008
What's new in the Information Central library collection? This month you'll find books on retail development, real estate development, nonverbal communication skills, achieving remarkable performance 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!
Diversity for Associations
October 31, 2008
Diversity can be defined in a number of ways, including characteristics such as age, ethnicity, race, gender, physical ability, religion, socio-economic status, professional choices and other facets of social diversity. As association members and potential members become increasingly diverse, associations must reflect this diversity in order to represent not only the membership, but also the public they serve. This Updated Field Guide contains articles, books, journal articles and Web sites on diversity and association management, inclusion and cultural issues, and a look at the future of diversity for associations.
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Terrorism and Real Estate
October 31, 2008
Due to the events of September 11th, it is important that REALTORS® are informed about terrorism and it's impact upon the real estate industry. This Updated Field Guide discusses current issues pertaining to this topic, as well as proactive measures that can be taken to ensure that properties are safe and secure.
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Construction Materials Theft
October 17, 2008
Copper is worth $3.00 to $4.00 a pound at recycling yards. Thieves are stealing copper piping, wire and other construction materials from homes and building sites. Learn how state governments are fighting this fast growing crime and read about the impact of this type of thefts on homeowners, business owners, cities and the economy in this NEW Field Guide.
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Communication for Associations
October 17, 2008
In the world of association management, a key element to success is communication. Communicating includes how to deal effectively with staff or membership, or how to correctly transmit an e-mail message. This Updated Field Guide will help today's busy association executive better understand and achieve successful styles of communication.
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Downzoning
October 9, 2008
The practice of downzoning is used to restrict the amount of development a property, usually by reducing the allowable density of the property. It holds a number of advantages and disadvantages for both communities and REALTORS®. Find out more about what downzoning is, the issues behind it, and its impacts on property values with the material on this updated Field Guide.
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Effects of Power Lines on Property Values
October 7, 2008
The concern over electromagnetic fields emitted by powerlines has long been a topic of conversation for the real estate industry. New studies and conflicting reports are being published every year. The public's knowledge, perception, and interpretation of this data has a profound effect of the value of properties in proximity to power lines. This updated Field Guide page will help guide you through the basics of the EMF controversy.
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Surviving & Thriving in a Slowing Market
October 7, 2008
Every market has its ups and downs, and real estate is certainly no exception. When a hot housing market begins to cool down, REALTORS®, sellers and buyers all need to readjust their strategies and expectations. This updated Field Guide offers tips and ideas to help you and your clients survive and thrive in a cooling market.
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Employer-Assisted Housing
October 7, 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 updated Field Guide.
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Office Property
October 6, 2008
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.
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This month in real estate history: Nixon warned REALTORS® about Red Peril
October 3, 2008
Speaking to REALTORS® in October of 1950, California Congressman Richard Nixon had a warning for them: don't be complacent about the dangers of Communism.
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Listing & Selling Luxury Properties
October 1, 2008
War, housing bubbles, layoffs, rising mortgage rates... In today’s uncertain economy, what does the future hold for high-end home sales? Will the affluent be forced to scale down or are they cushioned from hard times? What role will the boomers play in the million dollar market? This updated Field Guide explores the coming trends and past performance of the luxury market, and offers tips and techniques for success in this affluent niche.
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Selling New Homes
October 1, 2008
Interested in selling new homes? Find out how new homes differ from existing homes, the best way to set up a new homes division in your firm, adding new homes inventory and presenting new homes professionally and design trends in this updated Field Guide.
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September 2008
Twitter
September 29, 2008
Twitter is a way of sending short bits of information to your subscribers. The messages are limited to 140 character at a time, called a Tweet. Let your clients know what you are doing for them, post short descriptions of new listings, keep your team on schedule. Learn more from this New Field Guide.
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1031 Exchanges
September 29, 2008
Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code allows investors to defer capital gains taxes on the exchange of like-kind properties. 1031, or tax-deferred, exchanges hold great advantages for both investors and REALTORS®. This updated Field Guide provides access to articles, manuals, forms, ideas, and other information to help you start building your 1031 niche.
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Quick Real Estate Statistics
September 29, 2008
Looking for quick statistics for your sales meeting or a customer brochure? Need a quick fact to make your point? Information Central has compiled some of the most requested statistics for quick and easy access. Find the information that you need, as well as its source, at a glance in this updated Field Guide.
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Professional Standards
September 29, 2008
This updated Field Guide provides quick links to essential information on NAR's 2008 Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Policy. Find out about the mandatory Code of Ethics training, Professional Standards Administrator training, and applying the Code of Ethics in real life. For a comprehensive listing of ethics and professional standards resources available from NAR, visit the Professional Standards/Code of Ethics page on Realtor.org.
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Low-Income Housing Tax Credits
September 16, 2008
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is run by the IRS and allows companies to invest in low-income housing, while receiving 10 years of tax credits. This important program works with state housing finance agencies to administer the program on a state level. Housing credit units are privately owned by developers and are run at a profit. Investigate this complex program by reading this updated Field Guide.
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Using GPS Navigation Systems in Real Estate
September 10, 2008
GPS technology is beneficial for REALTORS® because it can provide turn-by-turn spoken directions, access to MLS data, the ability to queue up numerous properties at once, detailed neighborhood maps, and more. This updated Field Guide contains general information about GPS, its usage in real estate, and future trends that will keep REALTORS® in the know about this technology that can boost business and satisfy customers.
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Mold & Health Issues
September 9, 2008
Mold is a health risk for children, adults and even pets. Learn how to avoid mold, how to eliminate mold once it is discovered and the health effects of mold in these articles, book, websites and web videos.
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Partnerships & Teams
September 5, 2008
Creating a partnership or team is a big step. Find out the pros and cons, read about real-life examples of teams, learn how teams work together and avoid problems and much more in this updated Field Guide.
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August 2008
Dealing with Stigmatized Properties
August 22, 2008
Do you dare disclose if there is murder or mayhem at your listing? What are the professional and logistical challenges if there is a well publicized ghost on your next property? Don't despair, help is here! This updated Field Guide page offers some creative marketing tools and advice for selling properties with an unsavory past.
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Web 2.0
August 18, 2008
The term Web 2.0, which was coined in 2004 by O'Reilly Media, refers to a second wave of web-based services such as wikis, social networking sites, and other communication tools which focus upon shared information and collaboration among users. This updated Field Guide contains general information about Web 2.0, its potential usage in the real estate industry, and future trends that will keep REALTORS® knowledgeable about the ever-changing dynamics of the Internet.
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Wind Farms
August 18, 2008
Although research remains scant, wind farms appear have a minimal or at most transitory impact on real estate. This updated Field Guide explores the current state of the industry, examines real estate-related research, provides wind maps and regulations to give an indication of where future projects might unfold, and gives resources for further study.
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Affordable Housing
August 14, 2008
Affordable housing is a nationwide problem. Find out the latest affordable housing news, new trends in affordable housing design, the latest research and much more on this important topic.
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Disaster Preparedness / Disaster Recovery
August 12, 2008
Hurricane Katrina devastated a large part of Louisiana and Mississippi, destroying homes and businesses. Find out how to prepare your home and business against future disasters, and how to recover and clean up safely in this updated Field Guide. Resources include the American Red Cross, the United States Small Business Administration and much more.
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Reducing Spam E-mail
August 11, 2008
Unwanted, unsolicited e-mail is a frustrating problem for almost everyone who uses the Internet. 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 on this updated Field Guide.
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Buyer Brokerage
August 6, 2008
It's not just a seller's market anymore! An ever growing number of real estate professionals are realizing the benefits of representing buyers in the real estate transaction. In fact, studies show that buyers agents are more effective at reducing search time for their clients than the traditional seller agents or non-agent facilitators. The information presented in this updated Field Guide can help you decipher whether buyer brokerage is a good fit for you and how you can take advantage of this expanding market.
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REALTOR® Safety
August 5, 2008
You meet lots of people in the real estate business--some nice and some not so nice. Learn how to protect yourself at open houses, in the office, in the car and talking on the phone. Get safety tips, handouts and posters from REALTOR® Associations. Read about REALTORS®' real-life experiences, find out how their lives were changed and how they keep safe while working in this updated Field Guide.
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July 2008
Identity Theft
July 29, 2008
Your good name is important. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there may as many as 9 million identity theft victims. Get the latest information from NAR and the Federal Trade Commission and keep your identity and personal information safe at home and at work. Find out what to do and who to contact if you are a victim of identity theft in this updated Field Guide.
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Short Sales
July 28, 2008
What is a short sale? This updated Field Guide offers information about the basics of short sales and advice for the real estate professional.
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IRS Reporting Rules for Nonprofit
July 28, 2008
The Internal Revenue Service has recently released an updated version of Form 990 for Tax-Exempt Organizations. Get the latest IRS information and find out how this update will affect your organization in this new Field Guide.
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Leadership Development
July 11, 2008
This updated Field Guide contains a variety of articles, tips and practical examples for those wishing to develop their leadership skills or simply to improve the skills they already possess.
Impacts of Animal Feedlots on Property Values
July 8, 2008
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 will help you learn how these operations are regulated and how they might affect property values.
Podcasting
July 7, 2008
A podcast, derived from a combination of the terms iPod and broadcasting, is an audio or video file that users can subscribe to through an RSS feed. While you’ve all been able to download these files to the desktop for years, what makes podcasting unique is that you are no longer tethered to the computer to listen to it. You can download a file to your iPod or MP3 player, carry the file with you, and listen to it when and where you’d like. Find out how REALTORS® are using this new technology to market their services to customers in this updated Field Guide.
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June 2008
Preparing and Staging a House
June 27, 2008
Banish the clutter! Trim the bushes! Hide your Star Wars collection! Take down the family pictures! What things can you do to prepare a house for sale? Here are tips, hints, thoughts and ideas for sprucing up, cleaning out, decorating, staging, creating a great first impression and making a house appealing to buyers.
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Marketing with Blogs
June 25, 2008
Blogs, short for "weblogs" are a great marketing tool for your real estate business. You can provide a snapshot of your local market, have a forum for your thoughts about real estate and market yourself. Find out the benefits of blogging, getting started with blogs and see what real estate practitioner are writing about.
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Condo-Hotels
June 20, 2008
Condo-hotels are the latest trend in lodging. Get the basics on this new hotel hybrid, read investment tips, investigate condo-hotel projects nationwide and much more in this updated Field Guide.
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Schools and the Home Buying Decision
June 17, 2008
Of all the local neighborhood amenities that can influence a buyer's decision to purchase a home, proximity to good quality schools is one of the most influential. According to the 2007 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, schools were listed as a deciding factor for 28% of home buyers. This updated Field Guide includes articles and studies on the importance of schools for home buyers and how schools impact local property values, along with a sampling of Web sites that provide data on school districts.
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May 2008
REALTOR® Income
May 29, 2008
How much does the typical REALTOR® earn in a year? The material listed in this updated Field Guide includes research studies from NAR's Research division, reader surveys by REALTOR® Magazine, and other sources offering details about the income of agents and brokers and what determines how much they make.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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