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Free Webinar - 7 Strategies That Can Double Your Traffic, Followers & Sales From Pinterest In The Next 90 Days

Do you currently use Pinterest?  Don't use Pinterest yet and want to get started? Melanie Duncan, social media guru, is offering a free webinar on how to make Pinterest work for you - and fast!  Read More... 

Ifbyphone Offers Discounts for REALTORS®
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Welcome to Week 6 of NAR®'s REALTOR® Party Awareness Campaign!

YOUR REALTOR® PARTY ACTION PLAN 

Use the REALTOR® Party Action Plan and follow the checklist of what we ask of each member of the REALTOR® Party. It's simple and takes so little time -- just a commitment on your part to do each of the following:

• First, VOTE. Make sure you register to vote. Be informed about the issues. And cast your vote for supporters of real estate.
• Second, ACT. Know the issues, get involved, and, most importantly, respond promptly to Calls for Action. REALTORS® are strongest when we speak with one voice.
• Third, INVEST. Invest in RPAC each year, even if it's just a little, every contribution helps. Attend local RPAC events-show your support. Recruit others to invest in RPAC. Tell a colleague how important it is to invest.

Economists Revise Housing Figures Amid Optimism

REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend Kicks-Off Spring Home Buying Season article by Peter Mosca

Waldwick, NJ March 14, 2013 - Purchasing a home is one of the most important decisions in a person's life and deciding on a particular house comes with many options. Forty-five percent of recent buyers used open houses as a way to narrow down their choices and find their dream home. Buyers in northern New Jersey will have the opportunity to do just that on April 20 and 21 as REALTORS® hold open houses all weekend long as part of the REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend.   

"Spring is typically a busy season when it comes to home buying, and to kick-off the season the 3,000-members of the RealSource Association of REALTORS® throughout northern New Jersey are taking part in REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend," said Edward Thor, 2013 RealSource President. "This event is a great way for buyers to get an idea of what they can afford and what kinds of homes are available in the local market. It's also a chance for sellers to market their home and attract potential buyers."  

REALTORS® will be available at open houses to answer questions about the home buying process and local market conditions. According to data from the National Association of REALTORS® the typical recently purchased home was 1,860 square feet and was built in 1996. The typical buyer purchased a home with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, while slightly half of the homes purchased were on a single level. When it comes to home features, buyers prefer central air conditioning the most, while walk-in closets were second. The two most common rooms buyers were willing to spend more for were a laundry room and a den/home office. 

"Buyers need to have a clear idea of what features are important to them and know where they are willing to compromise;" added Thor. "That is where visiting open houses can be helpful. Also, working with a REALTOR® can be a real asset. REALTORS® visit hundreds of homes with buyers each year, and have a unique understanding of what buyers value in their local markets. Their expertise and knowledge can help you achieve the dream of homeownership."