realtors® are the heart of the deal: 2012 issues and challenges

8/3/2019 REALTORS® are the Heart of the Deal: 2012 Issues and Challenges

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REALTORS® ARE THE HEART OF THE DEAL

2012 Issues and Challenges



2

Letter from President-Elect Moe VeissiFor more than 100 years, REALTORS® have answered many calls. The most important, of course, comes

from our clients and consumers seeking our unique and expert knowledge on residential and

commercial real estate. On a larger canvas, we responded to the call to build stronger and more vibrant

communities and we replied with professionalism and vision when shaping our industry for the greater

good of our nation.

There is no doubt we have given our hearts to our clients, our communities and our exceptional nation.

I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, I firmly believe that REALTORS® are the Heart of the Deal .

2012 will be no different, except we will be giving more of ourselves than ever before. The challenges

we face are daunting, but not insurmountable. To ensure our hearts are in the right place we must first

identify those critical issues and challenges we are certain to encounter this year.

First, for REALTORS® to remain at the heart of the deal we must focus on three critical aspects to every

transaction – our influence, consumers’ thinking and the professionalism we bring to the table.

Second, we must have faith that pumping new blood into public policy issues affecting real estate will

create the confidence to rebuild our industry for the coming century. This includes sticking to our

principles when it comes to maintaining current tax benefits, yet also focusing on the future of the

secondary mortgage market.

Third, 2012 is a year where sharing our hearts will be essential to our success. We can achieve this by

enhancing collaboration between NAR and state and local associations, expanding member benefits and

applying social media to our advocacy, marketing and member development.

This document outlines each of these challenges and provides you with information on critical solutions

that you can use to help our members address them. With each solution, we have provided contact

information for NAR staff experts, who can answer questions and help you in the year ahead. Please

make the most of these resources.

The year ahead asks that all of us work together to help our members prosper and succeed. In my heart

of hearts, I am confident that the indomitable spirit of REALTORS® will prevail.

This is why REALTORS® are the Heart of the Deal.

Sincerely,

Moe Veissi

2012 NAR President



3

Contents

2012 Issues and Challenges ................................................................................. 1

Letter from President-Elect Moe Veissi ............................................................... 2

REALTORS®

ARE THE HEART OF THE DEAL ........................................................... 5

Issue: REALTORS®

Are at the Heart of Influence ...............................................................................5

Challenge: Focusing On Our Priorities .................................................................................................. 5

Challenge: Pumping Up Our Presence .................................................................................................. 6

Issue: REALTORS® Are at the Heart of Consumers’ Minds .................................................................7

Challenge: Reaching Consumers with Positive Messages..................................................................... 7

Challenge: Helping REALTORS®

Grow Their Businesses ........................................................................ 8

Issue: REALTORS®

Are at the Heart of Professionalism ................................................................... 10

Challenge: Providing Resources to Meet Changing Demands ............................................................ 10

Challenge: Keeping REALTORS® Relevant through NAR’s 2

ndCentury ................................................ 12

Challenge: Reaffirming Our Commitment to the Code of Ethics ........................................................ 15

PUMPING NEW LIFE INTO THE REAL ESTATE MARKET ....................................... 16

Issue: Preserving Home Ownership Tax Benefits ........................................................................... 16

Challenge: Protecting Long-Established Tax Incentives for Home Ownership ................................... 16

Issue: Focusing on the Future of the Secondary Mortgage Market ................................................. 17

Challenge: Ensuring Mortgage Liquidity in All Conditions .................................................................. 17

Issue: Providing Access to Affordable Mortgage Products .............................................................. 17

Challenge: Keeping Home Ownership Opportunities Available ......................................................... 17

Issue: Ensuring Affordable and Available Property Insurance ......................................................... 18

Challenge: Creating Stability in Flood Insurance ................................................................................ 18



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Issue: Protecting Property Rights While Preserving Water Quality ................................................. 19

Challenge: Balancing Water Quality and Property Rights................................................................... 19

SHARING OUR HEARTS ...................................................................................... 20

Issue: Enhancing Collaboration between NAR and State and Local Associations ............................. 20

Challenge: Developing Resources of Value for Associations .............................................................. 20

Challenge: Strengthening the Bond between NAR and REALTORS®................................................... 22

Challenge: Stabilizing Communities Hurt by Foreclosures ................................................................. 23

Challenge: Encouraging Diverse Membership and Leadership .......................................................... 23

Issue: Expanding the Benefits of Membership ............................................................................... 24

Challenge: Creating Partnerships with Industry Leaders .................................................................... 24

Issue: Applying Social Media to Advocacy, Marketing and Member Development .......................... 26

Challenge: Utilizing Digital and Social Media Tools Effectively ........................................................... 26



5

REALTORS® ARE THE HEART OF THE DEALFor more than 100 years, REALTORS

®have been at the heart of the deal that opens the door to

private property ownership. In the face of unprecedented challenges, real estate is seeking to

redefine itself for a new generation. Three aspects of the deal – influence, consumer thinking and

professionalism – are crucial for REALTORS® to remain at the heart of the deal in 2012.

Issue: REALTORS ® Are at the Heart of Influence

If REALTORS®

are the heart of the deal, then our more than one million members bound

together become The Voice for Real Estate®

. That voice reverberates through the corridors of

power and in our communities. Now, with once-in-a-generation challenges facing our industry,

REALTORS® must be the beating heart that influences the real estate industry for the good of

our members and the economic strength of our nation.

Challenge: Focusing On Our Priorities

SolutionsMy REALTOR

®Party

The gateway for every REALTOR® association to custom design your own package of

community involvement and political leadership programs is through “My REALTOR ®

Party.”

By accessing any number of the more than 60 tools, funds and turn-key implementation services

offered through “My REALTOR® Party,” you can custom build the community outreach and

advocacy package that best fits your association’s unique needs. “My REALTOR® Party” is

there to help you make it happenStaff Contact: Gerry Allen, (202) 383-1109

Learn more about My REALTOR®

Party

URL: www.myrealtorparty.com

REALTOR®

Party Initiative

The real estate industry is facing monumental issues – in Congress, in the regulatory agencies

that govern mortgage financing, in the statehouses dealing with critical budget crises and

declining property tax revenues and in municipalities and counties. Each of these issues impact

the ability of REALTORS® to do business and serve clients. The REALTOR® Party Initiative is

a partnership between NAR and state and local associations to help REALTORS® be influential

at all levels of government, to share our collective expertise about the industry and to advocate

for the rights of the nation’s home owners.

Staff Contact: Gerry Allen, (202) 383-1109

Learn more about the REALTOR®

Party Initiative

URL: www.realtor.org/topics/membership/qa_2012dues_increase

http://www.myrealtorparty.com/



http://www.realtor.org/topics/membership/qa_2012dues_increase







6

REALTORS®

Political Action Committee

The REALTORS® Political Action Committee raises funds that are invested in candidates that

support the values of REALTORS®. The money to accomplish this comes from voluntary

contributions. REALTORS®

who contribute to RPAC, recognize how important campaign

fundraising is to the political process. RPAC doesn’t buy votes. RPAC enables REALTORS ® tosupport candidates who support us.

Staff Contacts: Scott Reiter, Political Disbursements, (202) 383-1072, or Ed Lawler,

Fundraising, (202) 383-1156

Learn more about the REALTORS®

Political Action Committee

URL: www.realtoractioncenter.com/rpac/

Challenge: Pumping Up Our Presence

SolutionsPublic Advocacy Campaign

Home ownership, as well as all of real estate, including the commercial sector, is facing daunting

challenges. The National Association of REALTORS® is confronting these issues head on.

Through the Public Advocacy Campaign, NAR’s national advertising efforts are now focused on

the advocacy issues that affect REALTORS® and their clients’ ability to buy, sell and own real

estate. Those issues include access to affordable mortgage financing, tax incentives to home

ownership, overly stringent credit requirements and cumbersome short sales and foreclosures.

Television, radio, print and online ads that emphasized the connection between housing and jobs

began running earlier this year. This fall, watch for new campaigns that allow NAR to deliver

our messages quickly and effectively to consumers and public policymakers.Staff Contact: Stephanie Singer, (202) 383-1050

Learn more about the Public Advocacy Campaign

URL: www.realtor.org/advocacycampaign

REALTOR®

Action Center

REALTOR® Action Center allows REALTORS® to stay informed about national, state or local

legislative issues and to take action regarding public policies critical to the real estate industry.

This online tool can be used to target Calls for Action, communicate with other members and

provide REALTORS®

with the option to e-mail lawmakers at the state and local government

level.Staff Contact: Claire McDonough, (202) 383-1080


Action Center

URL: www.realtoractioncenter.com

http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/rpac/



http://www.realtor.org/advocacycampaign



http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/








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Issue: REALTORS ® Are at the Heart of Consumers’ Minds

Consumers who are looking for a successful real estate transaction understand that a

REALTOR® provides unparalleled market knowledge and customer service. NAR promotes the

unique qualifications of REALTORS®

in every way to ensure that REALTORS®

are at the heartof consumers’ minds every time they are looking to buy, sell or rent property.

Challenge: Reaching Consumers with Positive Messages

SolutionsHome Ownership Matters Campaign

NAR launched the Home Ownership Matters campaign to promote the value of home ownership

to individuals, to communities, and to society and to counter media reports suggesting America

might be better off as a nation of renters. Through advocacy and outreach to lawmakers,

consumers, thought leaders and the media, NAR is working to preserve home ownership as partof the American Dream and provide REALTORS® and state and local associations with valuable

information and tools to address concerns about the value of home ownership from clients and

the community. An integral aspect of the campaign is the Home Ownership Matters nationwide

bus tour that brings the inspiring message of home ownership to communities across the country.

Staff Contact: Pamela Geurds Kabati, (202) 383-1044

Learn more about the Home Ownership Matters campaign

URL: www.realtor.org/homeownership

HouseLogic

HouseLogic, brought to you by the National Association of REALTORS®, helps fulfill NAR’s

strategic goal to build a strong relationship with consumers for the purpose of advancing NAR’s

public policy agenda and helping consumers think of REALTORS® as their trusted advisors on a

broad set of home ownership related topics, beyond just the purchase and sale of a home.

HouseLogic engages consumers through a website with free information about all aspects of

home ownership. From time to time, NAR asks them to advocate with NAR for public policies

of mutual self-interest, increasing NAR’s effectiveness in shaping federal housing-related public

policy. The site also helps to positively shape consumer perceptions of REALTORS®

.

Staff Contact: Anne Feder, (312) 329-8314

Learn more about HouseLogic

URL: www.houselogic.com

http://www.realtor.org/homeownership



http://www.houselogic.com/







8

Real Estate Today

NAR’s nationwide talk radio program, Real Estate Today, strengthens the relationship between

consumers and REALTORS®. It became the fastest growing real estate radio show in America in

2010. The program positions REALTORS® as the most credible and timely source of real estate

information, while also promoting to consumers to use a REALTOR® when buying, selling, or

investing in real estate. The show is currently heard on 150 radio stations around the nation,

including Washington, D.C., New York City, Portland, Ore., Seattle and more. Satellite radio

subscribers can also hear the show on XM and Sirius stations. The show has as many as 3.2

million listeners a month.

Staff Contacts: Stephanie Singer, Promotion, (202) 383-1050, or Stephen Gasque, Content,

(202) 383-1172

Learn more about Real Estate Today

URL: www.retradio.com

Challenge: Helping REALTORS® Grow Their Businesses

SolutionsCommercialSource.com and Commercial.REALTOR.com

CommercialSource.com aggregates broker-loaded listings for individual REALTORS® as well as

commercial information exchanges and commercial real estate firms and displays them on

commercial.REALTOR.com. REALTOR.com® in turn aggregates commercial listings for MLSs

and displays those on commercial.REALTOR.com. The result is one cost-effective solution for

marketing commercial listings world-wide with no additional cost to REALTORS®.

Staff Contacts: Chere LaRose-Senne, (312) 329-84555, or Jan Hope, (312) 329-8574Learn more about CommercialSource.com and Commercial.REALTOR.com

URLs: www.commercialsource.com and http://commercial.realtor.com/

http://www.retradio.com/



http://www.commercialsource.com/



http://commercial.realtor.com/








9

REALTOR.com®

The No. 1 real estate website, REALTOR.com®, displays more than 3.8 million listings. To stay

a step ahead of consumer search habits, REALTOR.com®

developed applications for mobile

devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android and can be utilized on Windows 7 products. These

applications have been downloaded more than 5.5 million times. Improvements to the user-

friendly “Find A Home” search function make it easier and quicker for consumers to find

properties. Consumers can view more pictures, locate open houses and learn more about

communities and home values by using the upgraded map features supported by Microsoft

Virtual Earth and Google Street View. REALTOR.com® also credits REALTORS® on their

recently sold homes. The all-new “Find a REALTOR ®” directory offers every member and

office a profile page at no cost, providing the most accurate and complete marketing directory on

the internet.

Staff Contacts: Tim Kline, (312) 329-8598, or Ken Burlington, (312) 329-8360

Learn more about REALTOR.com®

URL: www.REALTOR.com or www.BenefitsAtREALTOR.com

REALTOR.com®

International Website

To provide greater global exposure for members’ listings, NAR recently announced that

REALTOR.com® will expand to include worldwide listings beginning in November 2011.

Enhanced features of the site include translations of U.S. listings in multiple languages, inclusion

of international listings and area and currency conversions. Additionally, another resource

available to REALTORS® is the Certified International Property Specialist designation, giving

REALTORS® the tools and knowledge to capitalize on the rapidly growing global market.

Staff Contact: Katie Stouffs, (312) 329-8272

Learn more about Global REALTOR.com® URL: www.realtor.org/global

REALTOR®

Trademark Awareness Program

The term “REALTOR ®

” is not only a trademark owned by NAR and protected by federal law,

but more importantly, it is a valuable benefit of NAR membership. When used properly, the

trademark helps members succeed because it distinguishes them from someone who is “just

another real estate agent.” The REALTOR ®

Trademark Awareness Program addresses this

challenge by protecting and helping members and consumers recognize the meaning of NAR’s

valuable trademarks.

Staff Contacts: Michael Thiel, (312) 329-8373, Katie Johnson, (312) 329-8372, or Mary

Newill, (312) 329-8380


Trademark Awareness Program

URL: www.realtor.org/law_and_policy/trademark_video

http://www.realtor.com/



http://www.benefitsatrealtor.com/



http://www.realtor.org/global



http://www.realtor.org/law_and_policy/trademark_video









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Issue: REALTORS ® Are at the Heart of Professionalism

From the beginning of the association, REALTORS® joined together to improve the standards of

real estate professionals. Over time professionalism has taken on different meanings, from

creating the Code of Ethics, to providing vital skills and resources, to looking to the future with

the 2nd Century Initiatives. In 2012, REALTORS® will once again set the pace for the industryby being at the heart of professional development.

Challenge: Providing Resources to Meet Changing Demands

SolutionsBroker Price Opinion Resource Certification

With the changing real estate landscape and the increased use of broker price opinions (BPOs)

by market participants, NAR created the Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) certification.

The new certification course provides REALTORS® with knowledge and skills to reduce risk

and increase opportunities to create professional and accurate BPOs. Members who earn theBPOR certification will be eligible to receive BPO orders through a partnership with various

institutions that request BPOs.

Staff Contact: Heidi Henning, (312) 329-8485

Learn more about the Broker Price Opinion Resource certification

URL: www.bpor.org

Center for REALTOR®

Technology

The Center for REALTOR®

Technology (CRT) serves members as an industry advocate, an

implementation consultant and a technology resource. CRT keeps members abreast of

developments relevant to the real estate industry by evaluating technology tools and

methodologies. CRT also publishes papers and surveys on the role of technology in real estate.

Staff Contact: Chad Curry, (312) 329-8285

Learn more about the Center for REALTOR®

Technology

URL: www.realtor.org/crt

Commercial Real Estate Transaction Standards

The Real Estate Standards Organization created a commercial real estate workgroup designed to

publish data standards for the commercial real estate market. They create methods to collect and

communicate commercial property information while working with stakeholders to determinestandards of care, business practices and definitions.

Staff Contacts: Mark Lesswing, (312) 329-8273, or Jan Hope, (312) 329-8574

Learn more about the Commercial Real Estate Transaction Standards

URL: www.reso.org

http://www.bpor.org/



http://www.realtor.org/crt



http://www.reso.org/








11

e-PRO®

Certification

NAR’s e-PRO® certification is a comprehensive and interactive educational program sponsored

by the National Association of REALTORS®

and is specifically designed to help real estate

professionals thrive in the competitive world of online real estate. e-PRO® is not just about

technology, but also it's about how REALTORS® can leverage their most powerful asset, their

people skills, into doing more business on the internet.

Staff Contact: Heidi Henning, (312) 329-8485

Learn more about the e-PRO®

certification

URL: www.epronar.com/

Graduate, REALTOR®

Institute Summit

To ensure that NAR’s flagship designation – Graduate, REALTOR® Institute – remains relevant

and meets the needs of our members, the Professional Development Committee will be hosting a

meeting with education directors from state associations. The agenda for this meeting includes

reviewing curriculum, capturing ideas on what the Graduate, REALTOR

®

Institute of the futureshould be and how NAR can better promote this program, which state associations rely on for

critical non-dues revenue.

Staff Contacts: Heidi Henning, (312) 329-8485, or Colleen Ryan, (312) 329-8264

Learn more about the Graduate, REALTOR®

Institute Summit

URL: www.realtor.org/gri

REALTOR®

Magazine

NAR’s official publication, REALTOR®Magazine, is the single source for REALTORS® to find

compelling, bottom-line focused business knowledge on how to increase their business success.

The magazine advances real estate industry best practices and brings expert insights and contextto the most significant industry trends. It also serves as a primary source of information for

REALTORS in their purchasing decisions. Online, the magazine has hundreds of pages geared

toward making REALTORS more profitable, including buyer’s guides, an architecture guide

and customizable handouts for buyers and sellers. The site includes a number of popular blogs,

video presentations and slideshows. The magazine staff also produces free daily news updates,

an award-winning business tips e-newsletter and regular Hot Topics webinars.

Staff Contact: Stacey Moncrieff, (312) 329-8496

Learn more about REALTOR®

Magazine

URL: www.realtor.org/realtormag

http://www.epronar.com/



http://www.realtor.org/gri



http://www.realtor.org/realtormag








12

REALTOR.org

REALTOR.org is the online face of the national organization to NAR members, staff at state and

local associations, the media, federal legislators, academia and the general public. The site

contains information, resources and tools relating to every program and event that NAR

produces, including updates on legislative, regulatory and advocacy issues; economic research

and commentaries; summaries of real estate legal cases; information about global real estate,

commercial real estate and resort/second home properties; brochures and books for purchase; and

professional development courses and webinars.

Staff Contact: Hilary Marsh, (312) 329-8341

Learn more about REALTOR.org

URL: www.realtor.org

REALTOR®

University

The mission of REALTOR®

University is to foster life-long student learning through high-

quality, entrepreneurial and career-oriented programs in real estate. REALTOR

®

University willdeliver applications-oriented, academic programs with an emphasis on business fundamentals,

principles and skills that real estate professionals require to be successful. University programs

will be delivered through a global online campus offering both professional development and

masters’ level education.

Staff Contact: Marc Gould, (312) 329-8564


University

URL: www.realtoru.com

Challenge: Keeping REALTORS® Relevant t hrough NAR’s 2nd

Century

SolutionsHouseLogic

HouseLogic, brought to you by the National Association of REALTORS®, helps fulfill NAR’s

strategic goal to build a strong relationship with consumers for the purpose of advancing NAR’s

public policy agenda and helping consumers think of REALTORS® as their trusted advisors on

a broad set of home ownership related topics, beyond just the purchase and sale of a home.

HouseLogic engages consumers through a website with free information about all aspects of

home ownership. From time to time, NAR asks them to advocate with NAR for public policies

of mutual self-interest, increasing NAR’s effectiveness in shaping federal housing-related public

policy. The site also helps to positively shape consumer perceptions of REALTORS®.

Staff Contact: Anne Feder, (312) 329-8314

Learn more about HouseLogic

URL: www.houselogic.com

http://www.realtor.org/


http://www.realtoru.com/











13

Real Estate Today

NAR’s nationwide talk radio program, Real Estate Today, strengthens the relationship between

consumers and REALTORS®

. It became the fastest growing real estate radio show in America in2010. The program positions REALTORS

®as the most credible and timely source of real estate

information, while also convincing consumers to use a REALTOR® when buying, selling, or

investing in real estate. The show is currently heard on 150 radio stations around the nation,

including Washington, D.C., New York City, Portland, Ore., Seattle and more. Satellite radio

subscribers can also hear the show on XM and Sirius stations. The listener base is 3.2 million

listeners a month.

Staff Contacts: Stephanie Singer, Promotion, (202) 383-1050, or Stephen Gasque, Content,

(202) 383-1172

Learn more about Real Estate Today

URL: www.retradio.com

REALTORS®

Federal Credit Union

NAR created a credit union to serve the special financial service needs of REALTORS®. The

credit union is 100 percent internet-based, with a U.S. call center, and handles loan applications

and account transactions 24 hours a day seven days a week. The credit union has nearly $70

million in assets and is a wholly-independent, member-owned legal entity.

Staff Contact: Bob Goldberg, (312) 329-8269



URL: www.realtorsfcu.org

REALTORS®

Property ResourceTM

The REALTORS®

Property ResourceTM

(RPR) is a national database of real property

information, which is more than 147 million parcels of property and gives REALTORS® an

unparalleled way to serve their clients. It includes in-depth, trusted information on every parcel

of real property, including public record information, details of prior transactions, information

from multiple-listing services, zoning information, transfer tax information and other relevant

data sets. RPR is currently contracted with 315 MLSs across the country, which represents a

little more than 522,000 REALTORS®. It is based on the collaborative efforts of REALTORS®

and the real estate community, including Commercial Information Exchanges and MLSs. Itdrives development and implementation of data standards and definitions and will increase the

breadth, depth, immediacy and power of real estate information available to REALTORS®.

Staff Contact: Jeff Young, (312) 329-8255


Property ResourceTM

URL: www.realtor.org/rpr




http://www.realtorsfcu.org/



http://www.realtor.org/rpr








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Second Century Ventures

Through Second Century Ventures, NAR is continually monitoring new technologies and

looking for partnership opportunities that keep REALTORS® at the heart of the transaction and

help them better service their clients. Partners include Ifbyphone, a marketing automation

solution that ensures REALTORS®

never miss a call and allows them to focus advertising dollars

on the mediums that are most impactful for their clients; DocuSign, an eSignature solution that

saves REALTORS® time and money allowing for paperless transactions; and ePropertydata, a

CIE information exchange solution. Additional partnerships NAR has created over the years

include ZipLogix, a real estate eforms solution, which works effortlessly with DocuSign;

REALTOR.com® and SentriLock.

Staff Contact: Constance Freedman, (312) 329-8524

Learn more about Second Century Ventures

URL: www.realtor.org/scv

Challenge: Tracking Business Activity and Market Trends

SolutionsProfile of Home Buyers and Sellers

The Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers provides in-depth research into how recent home buyers

and sellers determined their preferences, how they chose an agent and how they found the home

they purchased. In addition to the profile, NAR Research provides companion resources,

including webinars that highlight recent trends in home buying and selling.

Staff Contact: Jessica Lautz, (202) 383-1155Learn more about the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

URL: www.realtor.org/topics/homebuyers_sellers_profile

Profile of International Home Buying Activity

We live in a global marketplace. While all real estate is local, not all property buyers are. A

significant share of home purchases is made by people whose primary residence is outside of the

U.S. The Profile of International Home Buying Activity is the most comprehensive study on the

international housing market available.

Staff Contact: Jed Smith, (202) 383-1022

Learn more about the Profile of International Home Buying ActivityURL: www.realtor.org/research/research/reportsintl

http://www.realtor.org/scv



http://www.realtor.org/topics/homebuyers_sellers_profile



http://www.realtor.org/research/research/reportsintl








15

NAR Member Profile

The NAR Member Profile is an annual snapshot of the business activity and characteristics of

REALTORS®

including income, expenses and demographics of members. In addition to the

profile, NAR Research provides companion resources, including webinars that highlight the

major changes in members’ businesses.

Staff Contact: Jessica Lautz, (202) 383-1155

For more information about the NAR Member Profile

URL: www.realtor.org/topics/member_profile

REALTORS®

Confidence Index

The REALTORS® Confidence Index is a monthly survey of REALTORS® that provides

information and insights about current market conditions as well as their expectations for sales

and prices.

Staff Contact: Jed Smith, (202) 383-1022

Learn more about the REALTORS

®

Confidence IndexURL: www.realtor.org/research/research/reps

Challenge: Reaffirming Our Commitment to the Code of Ethics

SolutionsCode of Ethics

Since 1913, when NAR created the Code of Ethics, every member of the National Association of

REALTORS® has subscribed to it. To keep members informed about the code, REALTOR®

Magazine includes a regular questions and answers section on the Code of Ethics. REALTORS®

are required to complete Code of Ethics training as a condition of becoming a member and every

four years thereafter.

Staff Contact: Member Policy Department, (312) 329-8399

Learn more about the Code of Ethics

URL: www.realtor.org/Code

Code of Ethics eProducts

The store on REALTOR.org offers members products to adhere to and promote their

understanding of the Code of Ethics in their business and how it sets them apart. All Code of

Ethics and Standards of Practice printed materials are offered at low costs and are free to

members as eProducts. The products offered in the store promote the value REALTORS®

bringto the table; squarely placing them at the heart of the deal.

Staff Contacts: Colleen Doyle, (312) 329-3287, or Ken Burlington, (312) 329-8360

Learn more about the Code of Ethics eProducts

URL: www.REALTOR.org/Store

http://www.realtor.org/topics/member_profile



http://www.realtor.org/research/research/reps



http://www.realtor.org/Code



http://www.realtor.org/Store









16

PUMPING NEW LIFE INTO THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

The crisis in the real estate market has prompted critics to question the importance of home

ownership and real estate. As the leading advocate for home ownership, the National Association

of REALTORS®

is willing to stand up to these unwarranted attacks. In 2012, REALTORS®

havea rare opportunity to show true leadership by pumping new blood into public policy issues that

defend time-tested programs, as well as propose innovative long-term solutions.

Issue: Preserving Home Ownership Tax Benefits

Due to the current economic and political climate, federal policy makers have begun debating tax

rules. While there are arguments for reforming the tax code, current tax benefits for home

ownership must remain in place. The consequences of tampering with current tax rules

promoting home ownership would seriously harm the real estate market – one of the nation’s

strongest economic engines.

Challenge: Protecting Long-Established Tax Incentives for

Home Ownership

SolutionMaintain Current Tax Rules

Preserving tax rules that apply to home ownership is essential to a strong economy. Most of

these rules, particularly the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deduction, have

been part of the tax system for decades and are deeply woven into the U.S. economic fabric.

Congress must do no harm. The housing market has not yet recovered. Changing the tax lawswould further impair the market.

Staff Contact: Linda Goold, (202) 383-1083

Learn more about maintaining current tax rules

URL: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/mortgage_interest_deduction

http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/mortgage_interest_deduction






17

Issue: Focusing on the Future of the Secondary Mortgage Market

A strong and stable secondary mortgage market has helped build the middle class in America.

Ensuring that America maintains a vibrant secondary mortgage market is crucial to the country’s

long-term economic stability

Challenge: Ensuring Mortgage Liquidity in All Conditions

SolutionEnact Secondary Mortgage Market Reform Legislation

NAR believes we must pass comprehensive reform legislation to restructure the secondary

mortgage market in a manner that provides the federal government with a continued role. This

will ensure a continual flow of mortgage liquidity in all markets under all economic conditions.

Staff Contacts: Tony Hutchinson, (202) 383-1120, or Jeff Lischer, (202) 383-1117

Learn more about enacting secondary mortgage market reform legislation

URL: www.realtor.org/gses

Issue: Providing Access to Affordable Mortgage Products

It has often been said that mortgage liquidity is the life blood of the real estate industry. That

adage has never been truer than today. NAR is working diligently to ensure that it flows in all

economic conditions.

Challenge: Keeping Home Ownership Opportunities Available

SolutionsEliminate Qualified Residential Mortgage Down-Payment Requirements

Requiring a higher down payment does little to reduce risk of default, but strips home buyers of

their savings and increases the number of borrowers who would be ineligible for home

ownership. A narrow definition of the Qualified Residential Mortgage provision would have this

effect. If down payment requirements increase to 20 percent, NAR estimates that it would take a

frugal family more than 14 years to accrue the savings needed to buy a home. The commercial

market could also be affected by a similar provision called the Qualified Commercial Real

Estate.

Staff Contacts: Tony Hutchinson, QRM, (202) 383-1120, or Jeff Lischer, QRM, (202) 383-

1117, or Vijay Yadlapati, QCRE, (202) 383-1090Learn more about the Qualified Residential Mortgage proposal

URLs: www.realtor.org/topics/qrm

http://www.realtor.org/gses



http://www.realtor.org/topics/qrm







18

Make FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits Permanent

Without congressional action, Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

loan limits will automatically decline from 125 percent of median sales price to 115 percent,

along with a reduction in the maximum loan amount from $729,750 to $625,500 on October 1,

2011. Congress should make permanent the current loan limit levels for FHA, Fannie Mae and

Freddie Mac-backed loans.

Staff Contacts: Megan Booth, (202) 383-1222, or Jerome Nagy, (202) 383-1233

Learn more about FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits

URL: www.realtor.org/fha

Pass Covered Bond and Credit Union Legislation

Passage of covered bond and credit union legislation is essential to restoring mortgage liquidity

to the commercial market. To restore the flow of credit, NAR supports the passage of legislation

aimed to create a covered bond market and to increase the cap on credit union business lending.Staff Contact: Vijay Yadlapati, (202) 383-1090

Learn more about covered bond and credit union legislation

URL: www.realtor.org/politicaladvocacy

Issue: Ensuring Affordable and Available Property Insurance

Since September 2008, Congress has approved nine National Flood Insurance Program

extensions and allowed five lapses. During the June 2010 lapse, 47,000 home sales were delayed

or cancelled, according to NAR survey data. Mortgage lenders function better when there is

certainty that flood insurance provides, and home buyers are safe in the knowledge that property

insurance is available.

Challenge: Creating Stability in Flood Insurance

SolutionReauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program

Congress needs to pass the long-term National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization bill to

ensure continuity in the market place. This will provide access to affordable flood insurance,

which otherwise would not be available.

Staff Contacts: Austin Perez, (202) 383-1046, or Russell Riggs, (202) 383-1259Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program

URL: www.realtor.org/politicaladvocacy/nfip

http://www.realtor.org/fha



http://www.realtor.org/politicaladvocacy



http://www.realtor.org/politicaladvocacy/nfip








19

Issue: Protecting Property Rights While Preserving Water

Quality

Protecting water quality without restricting property rights and diminishing property value is a

complex balancing act. The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to establish

jurisdiction over more bodies of water, which Congress has not authorized the agency to do.

Proposed EPA rules would require onerous permitting requirements on property owners and

inhibit economic development.

Challenge: Balancing Water Quality and Property Rights

SolutionPrevent EPA from Overstepping Authority

We need to prevent EPA from overstepping its authority and encourage Congress to clarify what

EPA should regulate. NAR will oppose any new EPA regulations that overstep their

congressionally-mandated authority to regulate water under the U.S. Clean Water Act. These

proposed rules would impose onerous new requirements on property owners without

congressional approval and would significantly impair many economic development activities.

Staff Contact: Russell Riggs, (202) 383-1259

Learn more about water quality and property rights

URL: www.realtor.org/governmentaffairs

http://www.realtor.org/governmentaffairs






20

SHARING OUR HEARTS

NAR believes deeply in its members and in your success. For this reason, we focus on

strengthening the relationship between the REALTOR® organization and REALTORS®. The

association understands what its members need to be successful, and our members know whatthe association is working on to benefit their businesses. In essence, we work to share our hearts

with you in every way we know how.

Issue: Enhancing Collaboration between NAR and State and Local

Associations

The spirit of collaboration is what makes a team successful. Understanding our responsibilities

maximizes the value we bring to the table. With enormous challenges facing our industry, NAR

is working to strengthen the collaboration at every level of the organization for the good of our

members and our communities.

Challenge: Developing Resources of Value for Associations

Solutions AE Member Toolkit

The AE Member Toolkit is a storehouse of valuable resources and information for associations

to help them welcome new members to the REALTOR®

family. It also provides ongoing tools

and materials to help them communicate the various programs, benefits and education that NAR

offers. The toolkit is mailed to state and local associations in January with a year supply of

REALTOR®

pins for new members. Materials can also be found online.Staff contacts: Kim DiGangi, (312) 329-8387, or Karen Bebart (312) 329-8359

Learn more about the AE Member Toolkit

URL: www.REALTOR.org/AEMemberToolkit

Commercial Services Programs

Three key programs are available to all state and local associations under the Commercial

Services Program. First is the NAR Commercial Services Accreditation that provides a blueprint

for offering customizable commercial services to the needs of each local and state association’s

demographics. Second, the REALTORS®

Signature Series Speakers Bureau provides negotiated

rates and easy access to top commercial real estate speakers and trainers. Lastly, the Innovation

Grant Program subsidizes game changing ideas for servicing and retaining existing commercial

members and attracting new members.

Staff Contacts: Emily Line, (312) 329-8212, or Jan Hope, (312) 329-8574

Learn more about Commercial Services Programs

URL: www.realtor.org/commercial

http://www.realtor.org/AEMemberToolkit



http://www.realtor.org/commercial







21

Housing Opportunity and Smart Growth Programs

Housing Opportunity and Smart Growth programs provide grants, training, and technical

assistance to state and local associations so they can become more involved in housing and

growth issues in their communities. The Expanding Housing Opportunities class and Employer-

Assisted Housing class improve real estate professionals’ skills for serv ing first-time

homebuyers. The Land Use Initiative provides free critical analysis of proposed land use

measures at the state and local level to state and local associations.

Staff Contacts: Lora McCray, Housing Opportunity, (202) 383-7560, or Joe Molinaro

Smart Growth, (202) 383-1175

Learn more about Housing Opportunity or Smart Growth

URLs: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/housing_opportunity

or www.realtor.org/smartgrowth

Information Central

NAR’s Information Central is an extra pair of hands for state and local associations. Itsspecialists can save time and money with quick and accurate first-call resolution of association

and/or industry questions. Contact Information Central by texting AskNAR to 66746, calling

(800) 874-6500 or emailing Information Central at [email protected]. Let Info Central do

your legwork, get your problem solved or get you connected to the expert who can. Industry,

association information and research is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week .

Staff Contact: John Krukoff, (312) 329-8254

Learn more about Information Central

URL: www.realtor.org/library

RAMCORAMCO, the association management system developed by AEs for AEs uses Microsoft’s new

CRM 2011 to provide state of the art features and functions designed to strengthen and enhance

the management of REALTOR®

associations.

Staff Contact: Gar Anderson, (312) 329-3279, or [email protected].

Learn more about RAMCO

URL: www.RAMCOAMS.com

http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/housing_opportunity



http://www.realtor.org/smartgrowth



mailto:[email protected]



http://www.realtor.org/library






http://www.ramcoams.com/











22

Challenge: Strengthening the Bond between NAR and

REALTORS®

SolutionsNAR Member Guide

The guide is customized, online and mobile to fit all the ways our members do business. NAR

facilitates promotion of comprehensive member benefits, education and events through the

Member Guide and iPhone/iPad apps. It is free to state and local associations and available for

member benefits updates at all times.

Staff Contacts: Jennifer Cavendish, (312) 329-3285, or Karen Bebart, (312) 329-8359

Learn more about the NAR Member Guide

URL: http://memberguide.realtor.org

REALTORS®

CONFERENCE & EXPO

The theme for the 2011 REALTORS®

Conference & Expo is SEIZE THE DAY! In thischallenging market, NAR is seizing the day by offering a value-packed and affordable

experience for REALTORS®. It will help you gain timely knowledge to succeed, and encourage

the sharing of ideas and networking to build their businesses. The REALTORS® Conference &

Expo, from November 11 – 14, 2011 in Anaheim, California, is the premier industry gathering

for member-to-member communication where REALTORS®, vendors and real estate

professionals around the world come together to do business. The event provides education

through more than 100 sessions, including a keynote address by Michael Eisner, networking with

more than 400 vendors at the Expo and 18,000 industry professionals worldwide, motivation to

grow your business and fun with events like the Celebrity Concert starring Diana Ross.

Staff Contacts: Sue Gourley, (312) 329-8310, or Allison Fitch-Markham, (312) 329-8459


Conference & Expo

URL: www.realtor.org/conference

REALTOR®

Safety

Visit the REALTOR®

Safety page on REALTOR.org for a variety of tools including video, step-

by-step instructions for conducting safety presentations, promotional materials, weekly safety

tips, monthly articles, a widget and other resources to help keep members focused on safety. It’s

not just important during REALTOR®

Safety Month in September, but all year long.

Staff Contacts: Tony Vorasorn, (312) 329-8313, or Karen Bebart, (312) 329-8359


Safety

URL: www.REALTOR.org/Safety

http://memberguide.realtor.org/



http://www.realtor.org/conference



http://www.realtor.org/Safety








23

Challenge: Stabilizing Communities Hurt by Foreclosures

SolutionREALTOR

®Neighborhood Stabilization Project

The REALTOR®

Neighborhood Stabilization Project helps local and state associations whose

communities have been hard hit by the foreclosures crisis. It provides education, technical

assistance and contacts with local officials. Local and state associations take the lead in

identifying the needs and requirements, which helps create more successful outcomes.

Staff Contact: Bill Gilmartin, (202) 383-1102

Learn more about the REALTOR® Neighborhood Stabilization Project

URL: www.realtor.org/foreclosure

Challenge: Encouraging Diverse Membership and Leadership

SolutionLeading with DiversityLeading with Diversity is a three-pronged approach that your association can take when it comes

to planning for diversity in your association. The Leading with Diversity Workshop is a three-

hour planning workshop for your association leadership where you will identify and plan the

critical role diversity will play in your association’s success. The Diversity Toolkit provides

blueprints and examples for successful diversity activities. Diversity Grants are also available to

help fund your association’s activities to position REALTORS®

as leaders in our increasingly

diverse communities.

Staff Contact: Fred Underwood, (202) 383-1132

Learn more about Leading with Diversity

URL: www.realtor.org/government_affairs/diversity

http://www.realtor.org/foreclosure



http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/diversity







24

Issue: Expanding the Benefits of Membership

REALTORS® know how to bring people together with their entrepreneurial spirit. This extends

to partnerships that NAR develops with industry leaders that will help take our members and the

industry to the next level.

Challenge: Creating Partnerships with Industry Leaders

SolutionsDocuSign

®

DocuSign® is the official and exclusive provider of electronic signature services for NAR

members under the REALTOR Benefits®

Program. DocuSign®

delivers a complete electronic

process allowing REALTORS®

to quickly and easily electronically sign, track and store their

documents.

Staff Contacts: Rebecca Daly, (312) 329- 8379, or Kristin Stafford, (312) 329-8628

Learn more about DocuSign® URL: www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/benefits_partners/docusign

Ifbyphone

Exclusive provider of voice marketing automation applications that helps brokerages and agents

drive sales, measure marketing effectiveness and improve customer experience.


Learn more about Ifbyphone

URL: www.Realtor.org/Ifbyphone

REALTORS®


NAR created a credit union to serve the special financial service needs of REALTORS®. The

credit union is 100 percent internet-based, with a U.S. call center, and handles loan applications

and account transactions 24 hours a day seven days a week. The credit union has nearly $70

million in assets and is a wholly-independent, member-owned legal entity.

Staff Contact: Bob Goldberg, (312) 329-8269



URL: www.realtorsfcu.org

http://www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/benefits_partners/docusign



http://www.realtor.org/Ifbyphone











25

REALTOR Benefits®

Program

NAR’s REALTOR Benefits® Program offers practical solutions for business and personal use on

the products and services REALTORS®

use every day. In 2010, member experiences through

the program were estimated to be more than 2 million, with many members receiving savings

from one or more partners that exceeded the amount of their annual NAR dues. The program

includes offers from more than 30 industry-leading companies in a wide array of categories.

Some programs with special relationships with NAR have even allowed us to play a key role in

influencing product development and offers aimed directly at NAR members.

Staff Contact: Kristin Stafford, (312) 329-8628

Learn more about REALTOR Benefits®

Program

URL: www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits

REALTOR Team Store®


is NAR’s official supplier of REALTOR ®

premium incentive products,

offering a wide array of promotional items to let prospective clients know they are working with

a REALTOR®.

Staff Contacts: Kristine Erickson, (312) 329-854, or Kristin Stafford, (312) 329-8628

Learn more about REALTOR Team Store®

URL: www.realtorteamstore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=25

SentriLock

SentriLock is the official lockbox solution of NAR, a majority owner in the company. Today,

more than 550,000 lockboxes are in use by 250,000 agents from more than 207 different boards,

associations and Multiple Listing Services in the U.S. and Canada.

Staff Contacts: Rebecca Daly, (312) 329- 8379, or Kristin Stafford, (312) 329-8628Learn more about Sentrilock

URL: www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/benefits_partners/sentrilock_llc

zipLogix®

zipLogix® is a subsidiary of Real Estate Business Services, Inc. (REBS) and is a joint venture

between REBS and the National Association of REALTORS®. Today, the zipLogix

®family of

tech-savvy products is the recognized industry standard for electronic real estate forms

(ZipForm®) and the transaction management systems, (Relay

®) that are currently used by more

real estate professionals than any other real estate software programs.


Learn more about zipLogix®

URL: www.ziplogix.com/

http://www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits



http://www.realtorteamstore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=25



http://www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/benefits_partners/sentrilock_llc



http://www.ziplogix.com/









26

Issue: Applying Social Media to Advocacy, Marketing and Member

Development

Social media has revamped the way communications occurs in our digital world. NAR is utilizing

cutting-edge social medial tools in order to better connect with our members, as well as key

constituencies.

Challenge: Utilizing Digital and Social Media Tools Effectively

SolutionsNAR Blogs

A blog, a blended term that combines the words web and log, is a type of website that consist of

entries of commentary, descriptions of events or other material such as graphics or video. NAR

has a family of blogs containing up-to-the-minute real estate news and topical perspectives in

order to communicate with members in a quick and direct format.

Learn more about all of NAR’s blogs

URL: www.blogs.realtor.org

NAR Facebook Pages

The social network site Facebook is the largest of its kind in the world with more than 500 million

members. NAR maintains several Facebook pages as a way to promote our programs, services

and resources. Unlike a blog, which anyone can access, one has to have a Facebook account in

order to access the page. Once you have an account, you should also join NAR’s Facebook pages

by pressing the “like” button. You will automatically get updates from NAR fed directly to your

Facebook page.

Learn more about all of NAR’s Facebook pages

URL: www.realtor.org/technology/nar_facebook

NAR Twitter Accounts

Twitter is a social networking service that enables users to send and read short messages. One

must have a Twitter account in order to send and read messages. These messages are called

tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the user's profile page. In

order to receive a tweet, the user must “follow” another user. For users to receive your tweets,

they must “follow” you. Join Twitter today, and then follow all of NAR’s Twitter accounts for

the latest developments coming out of NAR.Learn more about all of NAR’s Twitter accounts

URL: www.realtor.org/technology/nar_twitter

http://www.blogs.realtor.org/



http://www.realtor.org/technology/nar_facebook



http://www.realtor.org/technology/nar_twitter








27

REALTORS®

ARE THE HEART OF THE DEAL

2011 Issues and Challenges Index

Topic Page Number

AE Member Toolkit 20

Broker Price Opinion Resource Certification 10Center for REALTOR

®Technology 10

Code of Ethics 14

Code of Ethics eProducts 14

Commercial Real Estate Transaction Standards 10

Commercial.REALTOR.com 8

Commercial Services Programs 20

CommercialSource.com 8

DocuSign®

24

Eliminate Qualified Residential Mortgage Down-

Payment Requirements

17

Enact Secondary Mortgage Market Reform 17

e-PRO®

11

Graduate, REALTOR®

Institute Summit 11

Ifbyphone 24

Home Ownership Matters Campaign 7

HouseLogic 7, 12

Housing Opportunity and Smart Growth Programs 21

Information Central 21

Leading with Diversity 23Make FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits

Permanent

18

Maintain Current Tax Rules 16

My REALTOR®

Party 5

NAR Blogs 26

NAR Facebook Pages 26

NAR Member Guide 22

NAR Member Profile 14

NAR Twitter Accounts 26Pass Covered Bond and Credit Union Legislation 18

Prevent EPA from Overstepping Authority 19

Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 13



28

Profile of International Home Buying Activity 13

Public Advocacy Campaign 6

RAMCO 21

Real Estate Today 8, 13

REALTOR®

Action Center 6

REALTOR Benefits®

Program 25

REALTOR®

Magazine 11

REALTOR®

Neighborhood Stabilization Project 23

REALTOR®

Party Initiative 5

REALTOR®

Safety 22


25

REALTOR®

Trademark Awareness Program 9

REALTOR®

University 12

REALTOR.com®

9

REALTOR.com® International Website 9

REALTOR.org 12

REALTORS®

CONFERENCE & EXPO 22

REALTORS®

Confidence Index 14

REALTORS®

Federal Credit Union 13, 24

REALTORS®

Political Action Committee 6

REALTORS®

Property ResourceTM

12

Reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program 18

Second Century Ventures 14

SentriLock 25zipLogix

®25

realtors® are the heart of the deal: 2012 issues and challenges

Documents