NAR FAQ
Q. How do I register on NAR website?
A. To access http://www.realtor.org/, you must Register by using your NAR# and Four Zeros for your password.
Q. How do I log in to REALTOR.org?
A. Type in the Web address http://www.realtor.org/ and select "Log In." Type in the initial of your first name plus the letters of your last name. For the password, use the 9-10 digit code that appears over your name on the copy of REALTOR® Magazine. If you can't find your copy call the SCCAOR Membership Department at 408-445-8500 or NAR Information Central at 800-874-6500 for assistance.
Q. What benefits does NAR offer?
A. Check on http://www.realtor.org/ (LINK to www.realtor.org) and you will see the REALTOR® Benefits Program on the menu bar to the left. This link will show you all of your NAR benefits.
Q. How often do I update my Ethics with NAR?
A. You have to take Ethics every 4 years; Phase II: January 1, 2005- December 31, 2008.
Q. Where Can I take Ethics?
A. You can take Ethics with SCCAOR or you can take an online Ethics course through NAR by clicking here.
Q. What is the fee for the Ethics course?
A. There is no cost for REALTOR® members.
Q. How do I take Ethics online?
A. Go to NAR website, http://www.realtor.org/ for online training.
Q. How long does it take to complete the online Ethics course?
A. The course can be completed in one session (approximately 2 1/2 hours), or completed in parts within 30 days from the start. After each Quick Review Quiz, the course can be exited and started again with the next lesson. Failure to complete a Quick Review Quiz prior to exiting the course will require that lesson be taken over. Individuals have 30 days from the original start date to complete the entire course without having to re-register and start from the beginning.
Q. What is the score to pass the online ethic course?
A. The course includes a final exam and requires a minimum score of at least 75% to receive credit. Click here to view Course Outline.
Q. How do I register for an online Ethics course?
A. A NRDS ID is required to register for the course. Click here to retrive your NRDS ID (LINK to http://www.car.org/index.php?id=MzM2NTM). Information on the successful completion of the course automatically updates to an individual's NRDS education record. Further, a certificate of completion will be e-mailed to individuals who successfully complete the course.
Q. How do I get confirmation that I have done the course?
A. There are three ways to confirm the course has been taken and successfully completed. First, information on the successful completion of the course automatically updates to an individual's NRDS education record. Second, a certificate of completion is e-mailed to individuals who successfully complete the course. Third, by clicking the following link (LINK to http://www.realtor.org/COEArchives.nsf/LookupCOEbyBoard?openform) can be used to view a list of individuals who have successfully completed/passed the course.
Throughout the course optional audio files are available. If you do not have the RealPlayer plugin, you can download a free version of RealPlayer Basic from www.real.com (LINK to http://www.real.com/).
Q. Who do I contact for the Ethics course?
A.Questions on the course can be directed to the Member Policy Department of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® at (312) 329-8399.
Q. Why doesn't NAR acknowledge professional designations other than its own?
A. NAR's bylaws prohibit from "recognizing" third-party industry designations. With the large number of professional designation programs available, NAR does not have the resources to actively review and monitor the quality of these programs and therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment on the level of quality. We encourage members to carefully review the curriculum and ask for references before proceeding.
Q. I wish to obtain a license in more than one state, to allow me to do business across state borders but the varying continuing education requirements make this difficult. What can I do?
A. State regulatory licensing agencies are increasingly recognizing other state licenses. Some have additional requirements, e.g., passing the state portion of an exam, while others do not. You should check directly with the state licensing groups in the state you wish to be licensed and inquire about their license recognition policy. Also, note that many states accept continuing education taken at NAR's annual Convention and Expo. If you support increased license recognition, contact your State REALTOR® Association (LINK to http://www.realtor.org/leadrshp.nsf/Association+Information%5CState+Associations+Only?OpenView&Count=60%22target=%22new) and inquire what position/action the association has taken.
Q. I'm interested in a career in real estate. How can NAR assist me?
A. Contact NAR's Information Central at 800-874-6500 (US/Canada) or write NAR Information Central, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Q.How do I get a subscription to the magazine?
A. If you aren’t a member and would like a subscription, simply call NAR at 800-874-6500 to subscribe. (Member subscriptions: included with dues. Nonmember subscriptions: U.S., $56; Canada, $83; international, $103.)
Q. How do I order reprints?
A. Individual reprints for original REALTOR® Magazine Online and REALTOR® Magazine print content are free. Read our reprint guidelines (LINK to http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/aboutussubscriptions?OpenDocument#three) to learn how easy it is to reprint articles. If you have questions after reading our guidelines, contact Wilma Gonzalez at wgonzalez@realtors.org. (LINK to wgonzalez@realtors.org)
Q. What is my NAR membership ID number?
A. You can find your NAR membership ID number on the mailing label on the front of your latest copy of REALTOR® Magazine (your monthly membership magazine) or the NRDS* ID# on your NAR membership card. You can also click here (LINK to https://reg.realtor.org/roreg.nsf/retrieveID?OpenForm)
If you need additional assistance, please call SCCAOR at 408-445-8500.
Q. I'm am having trouble with my username and password. Who should I contact?
A. Please contact SCCAOR Membership Department at 408-445-8500.
Q. I want to change my e-mail address for the online news e-mail. How do I do that?
A. To change your e-mail address, please contact a SCCAOR Membership Coordinator at 408-445-8500.
Q. Who do I contact for general technical assistance?
A. You can contact the RMO staff by e-mailing us at mediatech@realtors.org (LINK to mediatech@realtors.org). Please include your contact information along with details about your technical problem. They will reply within 24 to 48 hours during business days.
Q. How do I obtain a media kit for REALTOR® Magazine?
A. To view the Media Kit online, click here (LINK to http://www.realtor.org/rmomediakit.nsf/pages/Home?OpenDocument). To receive a media kit by mail, please e-mail Alvin Pulley at apulley@realtors.org (LINK to apulley@realtors.org) with your request.
Q. How do I go about advertising in REALTOR® Magazine?
A. Call Jill Powers, Advertising Sales Coordinator, at 312/329-8332, or visit the Media Kit (LINK to http://www.realtor.org/rmomediakit.nsf/pages/Home?OpenDocument). See the contact list to find information for your regional sales representative.
Q. How do I place a banner advertisement on this Web site?
A. Call Jill Powers, Advertising Sales Coordinator, at 312-329-8332, or contact your regional sales representative.
Q. How do I place a text ad in the daily and weekly news e-mail?
A. Call Jill Powers, Advertising Sales Coordinator, at 312-329-8332.
Q. Can my broker buy ad time and use the ads to promote my firm?
A. No. The ads are only for promoting REALTOR® associations. Therefore, no individual members or real estate brokerages may use these materials for advertising purposes. The only exception is for Web banners, which can be used by all members.
Q. Why do we need a Public Awareness Campaign?
A. As technology increasingly allows consumers to get information previously provided solely by a real estate agent, we need to remind buyers and sellers that REALTORS® add value to the transaction far beyond simply providing information. The REALTOR® is evolving from a provider of information to an interpreter of information. In short, REALTORS® help consumers turn information about the housing market and the transaction into knowledge.
Q. How long has the campaign been running?
A. The National Association of REALTORS®' Board of Directors voted on November 17, 1997 to fund a national Public Awareness Campaign for three years beginning in July 1998, and the Board has continued to approve the extension of the campaign in three-year cycles. NAR's campaign includes commercials on national television—both network and cable—and on network radio. The ads in all formats—television, radio, print, outdoor, posters and Web banners—are available for state associations and local boards to run in their own areas.
Q. What's new this year?
A. 2007 marks the 10th year that the Public Awareness Campaign has been working on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS®’ members to educate and persuade consumers about the value of hiring a REALTOR®.
This year, the campaign goes a step further by encouraging consumers to consider real estate as a strong long-term investment and to contact a REALTOR® in their local market with the call to action, “Every market’s different, call a REALTOR® today.”
“Good Time to Buy” highlights favorable conditions for home buyers and explains how REALTORS® can help buyers make smart decisions in their local marketplace.
“Know How to Sell” explains how REALTORS® can help sellers position their homes in a competitive marketplace to attract and engage serious buyers.
These two spots will be added to the rotation of current advertising as part of the campaign. Multiple television and radio spots carry the REALTOR® message in national media outlets.
Q. Where are the ads running?
A. In 2007, Public Awareness Campaign ads will be broadcast nationwide from January through November. This is the first time the campaign will be on-air for 11 months of the year. With this extended presence, campaign ads will air more than 8,750 times on national TV and radio outlets (LINK to http://www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/files/2007MediaPlan.xls/$FILE/2007MediaPlan.xls) and more than 25,000 times on local radio stations through a national buy.
The campaign continues to build a national presence for NAR on primetime TV.(LINK to http://www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/files/2007PrimeSchedFinal.xls/$FILE/2007PrimeSchedFinal.xls) Public Awareness Campaign ads will be seen in top ABC and CBS programs such as Extreme Makeover, Home Edition; Grey’s Anatomy; According to Jim; George Lopez; How I Met Your Mother; Two-and-a-Half Men; CSI: Miami; Criminal Minds; 60 Minutes; and Numb3rs. To extend NAR’s reach, campaign ads will also appear on the new CW network, with a program lineup that includes Smallville, Gilmore Girls, 7th Heaven, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Based on the success of the 2006 foray into sports programming, NAR will once again air spots in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on CBS, with placements beginning in the early round games and continuing through to the round of the Elite Eight. In addition, campaign ads will air during the major league baseball playoffs in the fall.
Public Awareness Campaign ads will continue their presence in early morning programs like ABC’s Good Morning America and CBS’s Sunday Morning News, and will begin to appear on CBS’s Early Show. In the late-night arena, campaign ads will appear during CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman and on ABC’s Nightline and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
On cable, look for Public Awareness Campaign ads on HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery Home, TBS, TNT, USA, History, ABC Family, CMT, National Geographic, DIY, and Fine Living Network.
For the third consecutive year, NAR will continue to target the important and growing Hispanic market with Spanish language TV ads, which will air on Univision, Telemundo, and Galavision.
Radio continues to play a key medium for the campaign with 31 weeks of activity in 2007. The campaign will also air on a broad range of national radio properties, including the ABC and CBS networks, ESPN Radio’s Major League Baseball, XM Satellite Radio, and in-game sponsorships during NFL games.
Q. Why television—isn't it very expensive?
A. Television is one of the most expensive advertising options, but there's a reason for the added cost. TV is proven to be the most effective medium for changing public opinion over a relatively short period of time. By using the economies of scale available with a national campaign, we are getting the most value for our money. Our 2007 television buy includes network morning news, evening news, primetime and late-night programming, as well as targeted national cable and Spanish-language outlet placements. In 2007, we will run approximately 3,500 spots on television.
Q. Why radio?
A. Radio allows us to build awareness through more frequent messages. Radio is less expensive than TV and offers a means of reaching consumers at different times and places in the day: in their cars, at work, or listening at home. More than 5,800 national radio spots and 25,000 regional and local traffic radio spots are airing in 2007 on networks such as CBS, ABC, Premiere, Wall Street Journal Radio Network, Metro Traffic, and XM Satellite Radio.
Q. I've heard the Public Awareness Campaign special assessment will be $30 in 2007. Why the $10 increase?
A. Now in its 10th year, the National Association of REALTORS®' Public Awareness Campaign is positively affecting consumer attitudes regarding REALTORS®. Since annual consumer tracking began in 2000, the number of consumers who report that they would be more likely to use a REALTOR® instead of a real estate agent who is not a member of NAR has risen by nearly 20 percent, to three out of every four consumers.
The Public Awareness Campaign is also one of NAR's most popular membership services. According to the latest membership survey, 97 percent of all members like the ad program and 94 percent would like to see even more advertising than is currently run.
To continue and build upon this success, the campaign must keep up with rising advertising costs—the price of television and radio media has increased 47 percent since 1998, and that gap is projected to reach 61 percent by 2008. Because of some of these cost constraints, advertising was previously off-air in the winter months during a period of the year when 34 percent of all homes are sold.
This seasonal shutdown reduced consumer awareness generated in the previous months and left REALTORS® open to criticism that went unanswered—FSBO sites and detractors advertise year-round and get a free shot at NAR and organized real estate when we are not on-air.
For these reasons, the National Association of REALTORS®' Board of Directors adopted a proposal at NAR's Midyear Meetings on May 20, 2006 to increase the annual special assessment of NAR members for the Public Awareness Campaign by $10, from a previously approved $20 to $30 for 2007. Assessment levels beyond 2007 will be considered by the Finance Committee and the Budget Review Team during the next three-year budget cycle.
The additional funds will allow the campaign to keep pace with media inflation and expand the campaign to a year-round effort that will significantly increase its reach and impact with consumers, driving home the value and importance of hiring a REALTOR®.
Q. How can state and local associations get involved in the campaign?
A. State and local associations can purchase airtime in conjunction with the national schedule to increase the number of times or the length of time consumers are exposed to the messages. And remember, you're not limited to television and radio: color magazine ads, black-and-white newspaper ads, posters, outdoor ads, and Web banners are also available. The print and broadcast materials can also be used to help inform members about the campaign.
Q. Who is the target for the campaign?
A. The target market is homebuyers and sellers, ages 25-54, with combined household incomes of $50,000 or more. Although the campaign reaches many additional consumers, this group has been identified as the most likely to purchase a home. (The median income for first-time homebuyers is $58,300; the median age is 32. For repeat buyers, the median income is $81,900; the median age is 47.)
Q. How can my state or local association buy media time locally?
A. To plan your own media buy, visit the Local Campaign Planning (LINK to http://www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/pages/LocalCampaign) section of this Web site. It includes strategies, media plans, and sample schedules to help you coordinate your media buy with the national campaign.
If you’d like to hire a media buy agency, NAR has contracted with Carton Donofrio Partners, Inc., to place local television and radio on behalf of state and local associations, for a fee to be agreed upon between Carton Donofrio Partners and the state or local association. Simply call 1-888-NAR-8858 (toll-free) with basic parameters of the buy (like your budget and desired airdate) and the agency will ensure the best use of your dollars. The agency provides free customization of any TV commercial it places, so the association incurs only the actual cost of the media. NAR receives no compensation for the placement of such ads.
Q. What if state and local associations choose not to buy any additional airtime?
A. The national media buys are broad enough to influence the target audience, even if no state or local association buys additional time. However, the national campaign has a more powerful impact on the public if all association levels participate. Many state and local associations have already implemented or begun planning local tie-ins.
Q. Can my broker buy ad time and use the ads to promote my firm?
A. No. The ads are only for promoting REALTOR® associations. Therefore, no individual members or real estate brokerages may use these materials for advertising purposes. The only exception is for Web banners, which can be used by all members.
Q. How do we know whether the campaign is effective?
A. Research shows that the campaign is having a positive impact on how consumers view REALTORS®. Every year, we survey those who had bought or sold a home over the past 12 months or who planned to buy or sell in the coming 12 months. Over the course of this research, the percentage of consumers surveyed who are more likely to hire a REALTOR® than a real estate agent who is not a REALTOR® has risen from 51 percent in 1999 (the first year of the survey) to 64 percent in 2006. Total advertising awareness among consumers surveyed is at 73 percent.
Q. What can I do to support the campaign?
A. First, check with your local association to determine whether they are doing a local tie-in. If they are, support it! Consider incorporating the campaign theme into your own advertising, following the campaign guidelines. Finally, talk to your clients and customers and encourage them to watch for the ads. The actions of every individual REALTOR® combine to create a positive image for all REALTORS®. Working together, REALTORS® can send a message to consumers that they are professionals who provide unparalleled service, experience, and expertise.
Q. What if I want more information?
A. The best source for the latest information on the campaign is on the Public Awareness Campaign Web site. Also, feel free to call 1-888-NAR-8858 or 202-383-1050.
Q. What is the REALTOR® Pride Campaign and where did it start?
A. The REALTOR® Pride Campaign is an internal communications program, separate and distinct from the Public Awareness Campaign, which targets external audiences. It started as an outgrowth from marketplace observations, results of Public Awareness Campaign testing, and state and local association observations.
Q. Why do we need a REALTOR® Pride Campaign?
A. Many members don't actively identify themselves as REALTORS®. Some don’t use their REALTOR® brand on their business cards, wear their REALTOR® pin, or leverage their REALTOR® status as a tool in building their business. Many members don’t recognize the value of their REALTOR® name and, furthermore, don't understand that consumers see value in the REALTOR® designation. As a result, use of the REALTOR® identity is inconsistent.
Q. What materials does the campaign offer?
A. Campaign materials are available to view, customize, download, and order.(LINK to http://www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/pages/RealtorPride#preview) Materials include pins, a video on the value of the REALTOR® brand, print ads, posters, and Web banners. A sample newsletter article and speech are also provided for local and state associations to use in outreach to their members.
Q. How can my state or local association get involved in the campaign?
A. Associations should use as many of the materials as possible to help spread the message. Customize posters or counter cards for your association office and key meetings. Order pins and pin cards to help your members identify themselves as REALTORS®. Use the free Web banners on your intranet site. Customize the print ads for your association’s publication. Include REALTOR® Pride Campaign messages in leadership speeches whenever appropriate. And remember to take special care to explain this program to new members who may not yet understand the benefits of membership.
Q. How can my state or local association customize and order REALTOR® Pride Campaign materials to distribute to their members?
A. To customize materials, visit the ad generator (LINK to http://www.nartools.com/Ad_Generator/).
To order materials, click here LINK to http://www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/pages/OrderForm)