REBAC's Exciting Entrance Into 2009

I understand that today's market presents unique challenges for all of us, which only strengthens my commitment developing new REBAC member benefits and reaching out to consumers looking to buy. Normally, I take the time in this Column to write about general topics, and not promote REBAC per se.

But I thought I would be remiss if I didn't share with you how strong Our organization is and how it benefits you. If you are a member of REBAC, thank you and please enjoy this overview. If you are not a member, I want to invite you to become a part of the largest member organization dedicated to representing buyer-clients in the residential real estate transaction.

In 2009, you won't see the REBAC staff slowing down or lessening our member support. You have my word that we are working tirelessly to increase your benefits, help you find clients and raise consumer awareness. So, please permit me to share with you what we have done and what we plan for members of REBAC and those that have earned the Accredited Buyer's Representative Designation.

YOUR WEB SITE: REBAC.NET

After conducting focus group research with members and consumers alike, we revamped www.rcbac.net. The site is as easy to navigate and has excellent tools for our members. Knowing that knowledge is power we placed these tools in the password protected "for members" section of the site.

o View all past issues of Today's Buyer's Rep online in the members section of
www.REBAC.net. many of which also include articles that will be valuable to consumers. Feel free to use these issues to brush up on your skills, share with your clients or use for prospecting tools. Just make sure you aren't violating copyright protections when you reproduce content from another source. If you want to use any REBAC materials, simply drop us a note at REBAC@realtors.org. We'll walk you through our simple process for securing reprint permission.

o Save time and money by using the REBAC Print Shop where we've developed professionally designed postcards and flyers that you can customize, geared toward first-time homebuyers, in addition to several other audiences, such as growing families, relocating buyers, vacation homeowners, move-up buyers, retirees and more. All you need to do is check your personal contact information and, if you like, add your photo. You can even upload your mailing list and let the Print Shop send your postcards for you.

o I strongly encourage members with real estate questions to try our new "Ask an Expert" feature, Here you can submit questions for a real estate lawyer, a mortgage broker, another buyer's rep or other real estate professionals. Your questions, as well as all answers, will be posted on the site, so all members can benefit from this expert advice. Don't worry about asking a question that seems too basic, we won't list names on the site.

o In addition to hiring the quantity and quality of online member benefits, the new web site is loaded with valuable information for homebuyers, including many great tips and insights into the importance of working with an ABR. That information, coupled with a stepped-up online advertising campaign, should result in strong traffic from consumers to generate even more referrals for REBAC members.


LEARNlNG AND EDUCATION

On more than one occasion, members have asked me why REBAC doesn't have a continuing education requirement for members. My reply is simple-we provide such a wealth of on-going information that members receive education all the time. Members get this fine magazine, weekly email updates and our monthly newsletter - Today 's Buyer Rep. Also, we will continue our REBAC Connection webinar covering a wide range of topics of particular interest to buyer's reps.

The introductory sessions have received very high marks from the members who have participated in to them. There is no charge for these webinar; - it's part of your member benefits package. These are just some of the things that REBAC is doing for its members. Don't forget that we have other incredible tools for you such as REBAC's online guide to Successful Homebuyer Seminars, which walks you through each step in the process and offers numerous helpful shortcuts.

Also REBAC's Homebuyer's Toolkit; an excellent resource you can provide to prospective buyers for a comprehensive quick-reference guide to buying a home. And in 2009 we will be going full-force into creating social media outlets for you to network with peers, find prospects and continue to learn. While the media and others are painting complete gloom and doom, I firmly believe that REBAC members, and especially those who have already earned their ABR designation, are uniquely positioned for greater success this coming year than other real estate professionals.

Also, we've witnessed an ongoing trend over the years, in terms of buyers becoming increasingly informed about the many different purchasing decisions they make. This trend has been fueled in large part by easy access to information over the Internet. I say this is great! The more educated the buyers are, the more they will see the benefit in using someone with additional training and accreditation as it relates to the buy-side of the residential transaction.

Now, more than ever, homebuyers want to make sure they're making smart choices, both in terms of the homes they buy and in terms of who they will work with to complete their transaction. As buyers sort through their options -including learning about the benefits of buyer representation -it will undoubtedly become clear to them that their interests are best served when they're served by an Accredited Buyer's Representative.