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Brian Summerfield

Brian Summerfield is manager of business development and outreach for NAR Commercial and Global Services. He can be reached at bsummerfield@realtors.org.

Content by Brian Summerfield

NAR Adds to Its Worldwide Ranks

NAR leadership travel to the Caribbean to strike a new partnership and welcome a new wave of REALTORS® to the global family.

March 11, 2014
Brian Summerfield

What’s the Big Deal About Big Data?

When you get past all the confusion and hype, what is "big data," really? And what does it mean for you?

September 18, 2013
Brian Summerfield

How's Your Business?

If you were responding thoughtfully and honestly, what would you say? Find out how you can ensure a positive answer to that question.

May 10, 2013
Brian Summerfield

Contemplating Tablets for Real Estate

The managing director of NAR's Center for REALTOR® Technology sat down with REALTOR® Magazine to help you determine the best tablet for your needs.

March 15, 2013
Brian Summerfield

What's Your Data Source?

Your business demands that you know what information resources are available—and how to assess their reliability.

March 15, 2013
Brian Summerfield

The Evolving Brokerage Model

Changing perspectives among consumers and real estate professionals are shaking up the classic real estate brokerage. Find out how real estate businesses can thrive in a shifting market.

November 20, 2012
Brian Summerfield

How to Get More Business From the Web

You’re making connections on social networks, generating traffic to your blog, and drawing consumers to your site via search results. All of that doesn’t mean much if you aren’t getting those connections to supply their contact info, request more information about your services or listings, or ask for an appointment.

November 1, 2012
Brian Summerfield

RPR's All-Member Launch: What You Need to Know

The Realtors Property Resource® (RPR) is now officially open to all of the 1 million members of the National Association of REALTORS®. Here are some resources to help you get started with this tool.

November 1, 2012
Brian Summerfield

Rocky Balsamo: Going Toe-to-Toe With Poverty

This real-life Rocky’s strong faith and indomitable will is driving his crusade against poverty. And it’s inspired hundreds of young people to help the less fortunate.

October 2, 2012
Brian Summerfield

Is Your Technology Good Enough?

When it comes to technology, you shouldn’t let the hype around the latest and greatest solutions prevent you from considering affordable products that can meet your standards. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available at both the high and low ends in three categories of products widely considered to be “must haves” for real estate professionals. 

July 18, 2012
Brian Summerfield

In Defense of the American Dream

Thousands of REALTORS® gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in May 2012 to send a message to legislators and policymakers: Home ownership is part of the American Dream and needs to be supported.

May 18, 2012
Brian Summerfield

How the Web Is Ruining Real Estate

Experts in real estate technology argue that online media is causing real problems for practitioners and consumers and how they connect with each other. What are these issues, and what can you do about them?

April 20, 2012
Brian Summerfield

Battle Royale: Google+ vs. Facebook

Which social network offers the best experience for real estate professionals looking to raise their profile and promote their business?

March 1, 2012
Brian Summerfield

4 Surprising Findings About How You Use Technology

  • Despite common warnings to not be too promotional on social networks, 48 percent post listings on Facebook.
  • 91 percent of agents use social media.
  • The most popular mobile device operating system is Google’s Android, at 35 percent. Apple’s iOS is second at 28 percent.
  • Sixty-three percent of agents and 73 percent of brokers spent more...
March 1, 2012
Brian Summerfield

3 Ways to Take Advantage of a Rising Rental Market

Rentals are booming right now, thanks to falling home prices and economic uncertainty. Real estate pros who don’t take advantage of this situation will miss out on money-generating opportunities.

January 20, 2012
Brian Summerfield

Three Questions to Ask While Printer Shopping

1. How much am I willing to spend? You can find inexpensive (i.e., less than $100) printers fairly easily. But to get better print quality and more features, be prepared to spend at least $150. For an office with high print volume, products can run from $500 to $1,500.

2. How will I be using it? If the primary purpose of your printer is...

January 1, 2012
Brian Summerfield

Good Neighbor Judy Pitt: Water Is Life

Clean water makes opportunities flow: That’s the heart of Judy Pitt’s message and work in western Kenya.

November 1, 2011
Brian Summerfield

Fab-TAB-ulous

Our look at 2011's tech essentials tackles tablets.

July 1, 2011
Brian Summerfield

Home Ownership and the American Dream

Home is the one place where we create an environment that’s all our own. But does it matter whether we own the home or not? In the past several months, that question has been hotly debated, with some critics saying that too much emphasis has been placed on the virtues of home ownership.

February 1, 2011
Brian Summerfield

Home Ownership Does Matter

With challenges on the rise, you may be asked to defend the fundamental value of owning a home.

November 1, 2010
Brian Summerfield

Countering the Critics

Home ownership is just another choice in the marketplace, no different from renting—and certainly not worthy of the generous tax benefits currently offered. That’s an idea that’s been voiced by a chorus of pundits over the past several months.

November 1, 2010
Brian Summerfield

Tech It Up a Notch

To help you get the most from your technology, we’ve rounded up expert tips, shortcuts, and resources. Time to start learning!

September 1, 2010
Kelly Quigley, Brian Summerfield, Katherine Tarbox

Social Networking Sites You Need to Know About

Check out this list of social media sites that real estate professionals are using to reach out to new customers.

September 1, 2009
Brian Summerfield

6 Realities of Doing Business on the Social Web

When used correctly,  blogs and social networks are powerful tools that can help broaden your real estate knowledge, strengthen your reputation and ultimately expand your clientele.

September 1, 2009
Brian Summerfield

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