Always Learning and Growing: 10 Tips from NAR

Early this summer, we teamed up with the National Association of REALTORS® to bring our readers weekly educational content. Over the past six months, these articles have offered REALTORS® advice on everything from from growing their business to maximizing the value of their NAR membership.

These articles were wildly popular, and with the year winding down, we thought now would be a great time to revisit the most and engaging and informative ones. Below is our round-up of the top ten articles from NAR. Think of it as your guide to getting ahead in 2014.

1. 5 Reasons why your next listing presentation should feature RPR
You know that old saying, "You only have one chance to make a first impression"? Well, it couldn't be truer than when describing a listing presentation appointment. You must show up prepared. You need to stand out from all the other agents the sellers are interviewing. You must prove your local market expertise. Without a doubt, you know you're the best REALTOR® for the job, but you must convince the sellers.

2. 5 Ways to Use RPR to Impress Buyers
But that's only half the story. RPR can help REALTORS® impress buyers too. In fact, by making RPR part of your process with buyers, you can help ensure they will refer you to their family, friends, and those they overhear talking about buying or selling a home.

3. 7 New Technology Companies to Innovate the Real Estate Industry
To bring the latest cutting edge technologies to the real estate industry, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and its investment arm launched the REach™ Accelerator Program. This unique program was developed to help technology companies connect to the more than 1 million REALTORS® driving the U.S. real estate market.

4. 5 Business-Building Tips for Buyer's Representatives
Polishing your buyer-representation skills builds your reputation as a trustworthy, knowledgeable real estate professional who adds value at every stage in the home buying process.

5. 4 Tips to Keep You Safe During REALTOR® Safety Month (and Beyond!)
As a REALTOR®, the risks you face seem to grow more frequent and more complicated. The strategies to being safer on the job remain simple: Know how to react appropriately to a dangerous situation; be Aware of your surroundings; and Empower yourself with careful precautions.

6. 5 Ways to Grow Your Business with Designations
It's true that only a small percentage of agents have completed the requirements for one of the official designations or certifications awarded by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Designated agents represent the upper echelons in their field, go-getters who consistently outperform other agents. Here's what they gain from their designations.

7. 4 Ways to Help Buyers Prepare for Higher Mortgage Rates
After years of historically low mortgage rates, home buyers are seeing the tide turn and wondering how much higher rates will inch up. What advice should agents give them?

8. 4 Ways to Make the Most of Your NAR Membership
The Member Center website and mobile apps showcase member value and benefits in an online format to deliver the most useful content and features in a simple and intuitive way. It is home to a wealth of resources to help you maximize your membership and build your business.

9. Will Your Clients Remember You?
The Lowe's Program for REALTORS® is an innovative emarketing tool that lets you send personalized offers, including 10% off eCoupons, to your clients on your behalf. This program was designed exclusively for REALTORS® to give you a creative way to demonstrate your value.

10. Act Now with MVP and Earn Rewards from NAR
The MVP program was created to reward members for engaging with NAR and taking a simple "action." Tens of thousands of members have earned 1 Million dollars in value from the program to date and the average has earned $22.50 in value from the program.