When asked to write an article about the Realtors® Property Resource (RPR) project, I took a moment to think about where to begin. My own position on the RPR Advisory Board and recent appointment to the RPR, LLC Board of Directors allows me a great deal of insight into the process of this NAR initiative— to create an online real estate library/archive that will provide real estate professionals with data on every property in the United States. Another place to start would be with the  beginning of the project itself, when the entire scope of the Second Century Initiatives, a host of projects strategically focused on supporting the professional and personal interests of  Realtors®, was announced in 2007 by NAR CEO Dale Stinton.

Instead, I decided to write this from the ground level, where the business of brokers and agents is done, and answer the question, “How does the RPR help us to be better Realtors® and advocates for our buyers and sellers?” Technology continues to change our world, and yet the business of real estate remains relationshipbased. As advanced as the RPR technology and data systems are, the true value of the system lies in the power the information gives to agents and brokers. In short, NAR’s goal for the RPR project is to keep Realtors® central to the transaction by giving them the best tools and data in the industry at no cost to them. There is no question that similar  information is available from multiple sources; it’s just not available from one source. There is also no question that other entities outside of our industry have seen the value of this and are attempting to aggregate the data before NAR can.

During my year and a half on the RPR Advisory Board, I have seen the concept of the project go from a vision to reality. That process has been guided by residential and commercial brokers and agents, state and local association executives and MLS executives, not by vendors and technology insiders. This is very important to all of us, as this group truly represents the interests of our industry.

The RPR business model is innovative and will challenge some of the existing paradigms we have come to accept. The application is impressive, and the potential of having a single point to access a database owned by Realtors®, for Realtors®, is extremely exciting. It will offer nationwide tax assessment and public record data, liens, permits, plot maps, school information, HOA documents, and foreclosure information along with MLS active and off-market data.

I invite you to visit the RPR blog at www.blog.narrpr.com to see for yourself what has me and the RPR Advisory Board so enthusiastic about the Realtors® Property Resource.

Imagine what such a tremendous tool can do for you when it becomes available in our marketplace.