The following Field Guides have recently been updated in the Library:

Green Property Management

Green leases (also known as aligned leases, high performance leases, or energy efficient leases) align the financial and energy incentives of building owners and tenants so they can work together to save money, conserve resources, and ensure the efficient operation of buildings. Energy and environmental performance are emerging as key benchmarks in how commercial real estate buildings are judged and priced in today’s market. According to a recent survey, 88% of corporate and developer respondents expect to own, manage or lease some green properties five years from now. This field guide introduces the importance and value of environmental sound practices in property management as well as giving some ideas on trends, certification programs, and other resources for the green property manager.

Resource Efficient Homes

The green movement is here to stay, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the housing market. Find out the latest trends, statistics, reports and resources on green homes.

Retail Property Market

Retail property is under stress, with empty stores, little growth and customers who prefer to shop online. Find out current trends, forecasts, and what is happening in retail leasing and investing.

Wind Farms & their Effect on Property Values

Powerful, controversial, and fast growing, wind power is making inroads in the United States. U.S. wind power totaled nearly 182 million megawatthours (MWh) during 2014, equal to 4.4% of U.S. electricity generation and more than three times the wind power generated in the United States in 2008.  However, with growth comes opposition.  Homeowners are worried about decreasing property values and the visual blight of turbines. Read the pros and cons of wind power in this newly updated Field Guide.

Smart Homes

Smart home devices, which allow the remote monitor and control of home features, are a booming industry with major players and mass adopters. Automation technologies have been around for decades (recall The Clapper), and consumers can still purchase separate technologies to control thermostats, sprinkler appliances, or door locks.

These days, Smart Home Hub systems are available to manage disparate functions through one centralized interface that can be accessed on a user’s smart phone or tablet. Homeowners and renters alike have taken notice. They want smart home devices for lots of different reasons, but security and energy management are among the most significant. Read on, and learn why some say the global home automation market will be worth over $121.73 billion by 2020.

Choosing & Using a Smartphone

Do you need a smartphone to get organized? What features do you need? How do real estate professionals use smartphones? Find out the answers to these questions and much more in the following articles and websites.

The definition of smartphone varies widely, but is generally defined as a cellular or mobile phone that is enhanced with computer technology functions such as internet and email access, personal digital assistant tools, handwriting recognition, and more. (Oxford English Dictionary), smartphone n.)

Multiple Offers

There may be times when you receive multiple offers for the same property listing: how do you review these offers and determine which one seems the most beneficial for your client? In this guide, we explore how to handle multiple offers of purchase on real property.

Technology Tools for Association Executives

This guide will help you learn tips for doing information technology yourself, keep up with legal issues and learn new training ideas.

Solar Energy Features & Tax Credits

As energy prices continue to rise, solar and other renewable sources are becoming more affordable options for not only large utility-grade users, but also consumers. States help make the switch even more affordable with tax credits and other benefits currently on tap through at least 2016. This field guide explores the basics of solar energy, how to get in the game, as well as current credits available both from federal and local authorities.

Surviving & Thriving in a Challenging Market

Every market has its ups and downs, and real estate is certainly no exception. In difficult times, it is more important than ever to find your niche, to discover new marketing methods, and to explore how you can separate yourself from the competition. And whether you are a residential or commercial specialist, your clients will be looking to you for advice on coming out on top. This Field Guide offers tips and ideas to help you and your clients survive and thrive in a challenging market.

Impacts of Property Taxes on Real Estate

Americans love to hate property taxes despite the fact that local governments depend upon this levy to provide services and programs to local residents. Learn more about property tax basics and the impact on property values.

Using Privacy & Security in Social Media

For most REALTORS®, social media has become an integral part of their marketing and communication efforts with clients, family and friends. This new media also brings with it some concerns over privacy and security. The rules of the game keep changing. Gone are the days when ‘default’ options are good enough. This updated field guide will give you background information on concerns with various popular social media sites as well as provide tips and suggestions to protect your privacy and identity.

Leadership Development

This 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.

Marketing Tips for REALTORS®

Marketing is an essential ingredient for the success of any business. The material in this field guide will help you market your expertise to potential clients. It includes sections on how to build your personal promotion campaign, increase your presence in a niche market, and strengthen your marketing plan.

Quick Real Estate Statistics

Looking for quick statistics for your sales meeting or a customer brochure? Need a quick fact to make your point? Information Services 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.

Listing & Selling Luxury Properties

Due to the limited quantity of luxury properties and prospective buyers, the listing and sale of luxury real estate may present some challenges. However, with the right marketing mix and a little creativity you can connect your luxury listings with qualified and interested buyers—perhaps a multimillion dollar home could be converted into a winery, convention retreat center, or hotel, or maybe connecting with the international community will help increase the pool of prospective buyers. This updated Field Guide explores trends and performance of the luxury market, and offers tips and techniques for success.

Cell Phone Towers

Cell phone towers may bring extra tax revenue, greater reception, and security to a city or town. Despite these benefits, many remain skeptical of towers due to potential health risks, environmental aesthetics, and the impact on property values.

Women in Real Estate

There are few industries remaining today that have not seen a drastic change in the role that women play, and real estate and relocation are certainly not immune to these changes. Historically, women have been involved in real estate almost since its inception in 1794 and its establishment as a legitimate business in the 1840s. In real estate’s early days, women filled office and clerical roles, but by the 1880s, women were already moving into the roles of agents and brokers, though at a relatively slow rate. Nationwide, women brokers dominate the residential real estate market, but have yet to make a major entrance into the more lucrative commercial market. This page includes articles, books and web sites related to issues facing women in the real estate industry.

Real Estate Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a relatively new idea in real estate financing—soliciting funding online. Find out the basics of crowdfunding, the impact on real estate, consider the pros and cons and discover crowdfunding platforms.

Social Benefits of Home Ownership

The financial and tax benefits of owning a home vs. renting are very clear. Home ownership also provides many benefits to the family, children and the community, such as increased education for children, lower teen-age pregnancy rate and a higher lifetime annual income for children, as discussed in the following articles.

Effects of Low Income Housing on Property Values

Questions arise about whether or not the sales prices of single-family homes are made higher or lower when low-income housing is nearby.  Most studies indicate that affordable housing has no long term negative impact on surrounding home values. In fact, some research indicates the opposite.  However, local communities continue to believe the myth, raising a cry of “Not in my Backyard! (NIMBY).” The following articles and studies examine the effects of low-income, public, and subsidized housing on the values of surrounding properties; the challenge of NIMBY; homelessness in America; and some possible resources people can use to educate community groups and local governments.

Lead Generation and Sales Prospecting

Lead generation, farming, and sales prospecting – these terms are often used interchangeably, but in actuality have different meanings, each requiring unique skills. What are the differences and what skills are needed to do them? Resources to help define them are available in this field guide, including toolkits from REALTOR® Magazine Online, pertinent articles from various websites, and books, eBooks, and related Field Guides from Information Services.

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