NAR Pulse: This Week’s Top Stories from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

RISMEDIA, January 30, 2009-This week’s headlines from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS include: Existing home sales are on the rise; financial solutions offered through NAR’s REALTOR Benefits Program Partners; and NAR launches $5 million grant program for workforce housing.

Existing-Home Sales Show Strong Gain

According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIAITON OF REALTORS® existing-home sales rose unexpectedly while inventory declined, led by a surge of sales in the West.

Financial Solutions Offered Through NAR’s REALTOR Benefits Partners

With the custom-designed REALTOR Platinum Visa consumer and business credit cards, you may be eligible for a low introductory APR, an $80 account credit after your first purchase and the ability to earn rewards for your purchases.

NAR Launches $5 Million Grant Program for Workforce Housing

In today’s challenging economy, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is taking action to make workforce housing more available. Through the Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants, NAR will award as much as $5.23 million to state REALTOR® Associations or their housing foundations to support workforce housing initiatives in their states.

For more information, visit www.REALTOR.org.