RPR, a resource for mem-bers of the National Ass-ociation of REALTORS®, has developed an array of high-value tools created specifically to support real estate firms and meet the unique needs of brokers and managers. The Broker Tool Sets (BTS) leverage RPR’s database of property information and report capabilities, helping brokers provide valuable services to their agents that work in tandem with the broker’s existing technologies and branding.
The BTS contains four distinct elements, two of which, Broker Branding and Affiliated Service Modules, appear to agents on the RPR website and reports, while other elements such as the Chart Service and Data Tool are for manager and authorized staff access only. The Broker Tool Sets include the following components:
Company Branding: BTS allows you to add your logo to the RPR website and provide links back to critical content on your website. Your branding also appears on RPR reports and emails that your agents create for their consumers.
Affiliated Service Modules: Service Modules are promotional widgets that highlight your company’s business services to your agents via the RPR website and RPR Branded Reports. Each service module can include a logo, contact information for the servicing agent and a brief description. Service modules include:
-Mortgage: This module allows you, at your option, to display current and historical mortgage rates and provide links to get more information
-Title, Home Warranty, Insurance and Concierge
Chart Service: The Chart Service allows your company to display select chart imagery from RPR directly on your own Web pages and reports, or internal company marketing resources.
Data Tool: Analyze and visualize RPR data using a reporting and querying tool designed specifically and exclusively for company staff and managers. Download market trends in a variety of segments, and evaluate company and office performance against market performance. RPR Data Tool allows custom defined geographies, which will cross MLS boundaries and give companies a view of the entire market area.
RPR also has a dynamic de-duplication tool that allows a high level of statistical accuracy for those companies where properties are listed in multiple MLSs.
RPR has also created a set of broker resources that can be accessed through its new, re-designed blog at blog.narrpr.com/broker. The Broker/Manager resource Center offers three specific areas of support:
-Live, manager-specific training classes covering various areas of RPR. Archived videos of each class are available for download.
-Pre-designed communications pieces to promote your company’s registration and involvement with RPR Broker Tool Sets, specific RPR features that can enhance your agent’s efficiency, training opportunities for agents, and valuable tips to save time and money.
-Sales Meeting Modules allow brokers and managers to utilize the Resource Center for a week-by-week, pre-recorded video and supporting print material for use in company sales meetings.
RPR began the Broker Tool Sets process in August 2010 when it reached out to a number of large brokers across the country for input on its design. Beta testing began in May 2011 and is expected to continue into Q3 when the BTS will become available for open registration. The BTS Registration Queue and contact information for the RPR Broker Services Team is available at blog.narrpr.com/broker.
Jeffrey Young is SVP of Operations at Realtors Property Resource, LLC.
