Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes gained five points in May from a downwardly revised reading in the previous month to reach a level of 29 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today. This is the index’s strongest reading since May of 2007. “Builders [...]

Many REALTORS® are asking the questions – why is NAR having this rally? Are there specific bills or legislation we are trying to pass or defeat? What is the urgency? Congress addresses a myriad of real estate issues every year. What makes this year unique is that for the first time ever the American dream, [...]

As of December 2011, the official lockbox provider of The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is 100 percent owned by NAR, the organization has announced. Now directly accountable to the real estate community it serves, SentriLock, LLC, as the official lockbox provider for NAR, will continue to focus on providing high-quality, technologically innovative solutions that [...]

The Power Broker Roundtable is brought to you by the National Association of REALTORS® and Rei Mesa, NAR’s Special Liaison for Large Firm Relations. Watch for this column each month, where we address broker issues, concerns and milestones. Moderator: Rei Mesa, Special Liaison for Large Firm Relations, NAR, and President/CEO, Prudential Florida Real Estate Services [...]

Given the importance of the real estate market in today’s economic environment, REALTORS® will make their voices heard in Washington, D.C., next month at the National Association of REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, May 14-19. More than 9,000 participants from across the country are expected to attend. As a highlight of this year’s [...]

HomeServices of America, Inc.™, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, recently announced the acquisition of Seattle-based Prudential Northwest Realty Associates. Originally established in 1942, Prudential Northwest Realty joined the Prudential Real Estate affiliate network in 1990 and is their largest affiliate in the state of Washington, with more than 350 sales associates in six offices. In 2011, [...]

This month, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) officially launches its new website, my.REALTOR.org. But this is no average website redesign. my.REALTOR.org is an entirely new approach to the online experience for members. Built with responsive design technology, my.realtor.org takes a bold step to engage members like never before by providing a customized website experience—an [...]

“The market is already changing and the real estate professionals that are most prepared to deal with that change are the ones that are going to thrive.” That’s the perspective of Jared James, one of the industry’s most sought-after trainers, who will be launching his next 6-month coaching series, “Jump Start,” beginning April 16. Through [...]

(MCT)—QUESTION: With the market up and down and with elections on the horizon, my husband and I are unsure about whether we should buy a home. We don’t want to wait too long and have prices go back up. What are your thoughts on buying in 2012? —Emalita ANSWER: Buy. The housing market is nearing [...]

With annual sales of more than $82 billion, international buyers who are interested in purchasing properties in the U.S. provide a tremendous opportunity for brokers and agents looking to expand their business this year. And with the recent addition of more than 1 million international listings on REALTOR.com® and advanced training and education opportunities, there’s [...]