|
« February 2007 | Main | July 2008 » April 23, 2007Mashups, Myspace and digital videoRecently added to NAR's Virtual Library eBooks Collection: del.icio.us Mashups, MySpace For Dummies®, Videoblogging, Digital Video Essentials, Digital Video For Dummies®, Videoblogging For Dummies®. Check out eBooks.realtor.org for these and other titles. NAR members can borrow up to 3 eBooks, digital audios, and/or videos for FREE. New to NAR's digital library? Just follow the Quick Start Guide...and have your NRDS number ready! April 16, 2007The "smoking gun" driving NAR membership numbersThe membership of the National Association of REALTORS® has grown steadily over the years, although it has taken some hits every so often in the face of economic recessions. But for the most part, NAR membership has grown in defiance of economic and housing market conditions. The "smoking gun" behind the boom in REALTORS®, at least according to PoliticalCalculations.com, is technology. "Our working theory is that technological innovation, first in the form of the computerized MLS and later through improved access to information through computerized database and Internet technologies, lowered the barriers and costs of entry to larger numbers of real estate agents, above and beyond what would be expected if only the health of the U.S. housing market and economy is taken into consideration," says PoliticalCalculations' April 9 entry. Technological improvements have made it easier for more people to become real estate agents and brokers, according to PoliticalCalculations, and those same innovations may work in reverse to reduce the numbers of real estate professionals as consumers gain greater access to property information. The theory certainly has merit, although technology is only part of the story behind the growth of real estate as a career. Lower interest rates and the general demand for housing are also significant factors, among others. And it's worth noting that 1975, the year noted by PoliticalCalculations for both the launch of computerized multiple listing systems and massive growth in NAR's membership, was also the year that NAR began offering a REALTOR-Associate® category of membership. NAR had primarily been an organization for brokers before 1974, but the new category opened membership to hundreds of thousands of sales agents. That change was the major force behind NAR's sudden exponential growth in 1975. 
|
About This Blog
Power Tools on Technology, from NAR's Information Central, provides information on research studies, websites, books, news, tips, and other resources on technology's use and impacts on the real estate industry.
To stay up-to-date on new resources on technology and real estate, check back frequently or subscribe to the blog via the links at right.
More >
NAR disclaims responsibility for any of the content or opinions expressed on this blog, including, but not limited to content or opinions regarding any products or service mentioned on the blog. NAR disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in the blog. This blog contains links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. NAR has not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaims any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicated any endorsement or approval of the site or its content. NAR reserves the right to edit, remove, or deny access to individuals or content that it determines to be unacceptable, including, but not limited to, any abusive, profane, rude, defamatory, or anonymous comments. In the LibraryProquest Password
Links marked with a red Q are provided by ProQuest for NAR members only and may require a password.
Featured Field GuidesSubscribe To This Blog |
|
|
|
