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INNOVATIONS
in challenging times
The real estate industry has been changing for decades. It’s more important than ever that we adapt to these changes to the best of our ability. Fortunately, we have support. Organizations around the country stepped up during the coronavirus crisis to equip REALTORS® with the tools necessary tools — even if our day-to-day reality looks different than what we’re used to.
Right Tools, Right Now
I
n 2009, as the country struggled to recover from a devastating economic crash, the National Association of REALTORS® deployed “Right Tools, Right Now” (RTRN). “It helped our members better themselves and get their businesses back on track,” says Colleen Doyle, director of strategic initiatives at NAR.
ports to inform businesses and clients, digital tools for transactions and marketing, and resources for REALTOR® associations. “Every area of the association was asked to think big about how we can help our members,” says Kristin Maurelia, NAR director of strategic alliances. “Everyone is trying to come up with things that are helpful, including for when the market opens back up.”
“Now more than ever, the idea of RTRN is really the right thing for our members,” says Colleen. “We’re saying, ‘Here’s what we have to offer you during this time. What can build your business?’”
“We’re trying to curate it for what people are using right now,” says Colleen. “Not everything is new, but we’re showing people the tools that they currently have access to and what they can do with those tools.” Colleen notes that the resources are also available in Canada.
Although the resources have changed over time, the RTRN package includes webinars to help manage finances, education courses to expand skills, timely market re-
In 2009, the RTRN initiative lasted for more than a year; Colleen says there’s no set end date for the program this time around. Hundreds of thousands of members have
10 CAPITAL AREA REALTOR ® — May/June 2020
