References
NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require a password.
What a Policy Manual Should Do
- The policy manual must set an appropriate tone and convey fundamental ideas to guide all employees.
- Use clear, concise and uncomplicated language.
- Keep all policies wide in scope and general in nature.
- Establish procedures that clarify any potential issues.
- Provide specific policies about compensation, termination, training and development, and employment rules.
- Require staff to sign a statement acknowledging they have read and understand the manual.
Source: Developing a Policy Manual (National Association of REALTORS® Human Resources Toolkit)
Real Estate Office Policies
Sample Employee Manual for Brokers-Download (National Association of REALTORS®, Item #E126-155)
Are you looking for assistance in developing an employee manual? NAR has a sample manual for you to tailor for your employees.
Reducing the Risks of Managing a Remote Real Estate Team (CRES Insurance, Aug. 12, 2020)
This means upfront discussions about the level of communication expected and how often staff should check in with the office. Staff must also be aware of your policies and procedures and risk management framework.
Company Policies: How Managing Brokers Navigate New Rules and Regs (Chicago Agent, Feb. 3, 2020)
Many brokerages have the autonomy required to set their own policies, depending on the topic. While an office’s parent company may take a more hands-off approach to setting policies and establishing guidelines for how agents conduct their business, managing brokers are responsible for ensuring their associates follow the rules.
Drafting a Policy Manual
Tear Up Your Remote Work Policy (If You Have One) and Start Over (Computerworld, Feb. 3, 2022)
Avoid the temptation to create the policy and then ignore it. Consider your hybrid work policy a living document subject to constant revision and reconsideration.
Creating an Employee Handbook (Indeed, Dec. 3, 2021)
If you'd like to be certain that your employee has read the entire document, you can include an acknowledgment form at the end. They can either sign a paper copy or add a digital signature.
How To Create an Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook (The Balance, May 7, 2021)
The introduction to your employee handbook should contain more than just a few words about your company. It lets your employees understand the importance of the handbook and includes an area for them to sign to acknowledge they have read the handbook.
Employee Handbooks: Sample Language to Keep You Out of Trouble (HR Specialist: Employment Law, Apr. 1, 2021) E
You likely have a general anti-discrimination policy in your handbook. But if it’s more than a year or so old, it’s probably not broad enough. Don’t simply state that you do not discriminate. Include language consistent with the Supreme Court’s recent decisions that say Title VII’s sex discrimination provisions also cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
Developing a Policy Manual (National Association of REALTORS® Human Resources Toolkit)
Be sure to check out the 'related documents' in the box on the right side of the page for sample drug and harassment policy suggestions.
Sample Policy Manuals & Manual Templates
Several state associations have developed sample policy manuals for their members, not all of which are available on the open web. Members are encouraged to contact their state association to see if a template is available.
Note: Many of these samples were developed by state or local associations based on local laws and regulations that may be different from those of your state. As with any legal document, you are strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel to make sure your version is compliant with the law after you modify it for your business. Again, these samples are meant to be used as guides for members. The information should not be construed as a recommendation by NAR for any course of action regarding financial, legal or accounting matters. It is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified legal, accounting or financial professional.
How to Write and Update Your Employee Handbook For 2022 + Template (Workforce Hub, Dec. 21, 2021)
Social media use continues to evolve as new platforms emerge. For your business, it can be a powerful form of communication, promotion, and marketing. It can also be a drain on productivity. Thus, clarify your policy on personal and company use of social media. Be specific about the consequences for violations. If you have a policy restricting what employees can post on their own time, make sure it doesn’t violate free speech rights.
8 Employee Handbook Examples You Should Steal From (Roots, Aug. 4, 2021)
Pronto Marketing's employee handbook webpage is an example of a near-perfect employee handbook. The firm produced an easy-to-read and appealing guide while ensuring that no crucial information gets omitted. Moreover, their contemporary-looking table of contents informs what readers are getting into, which is straight-up excellent.
The 10 Best Employee Handbook Examples (Updated 2022) (AirMason, Apr. 22, 2021)
The Netflix HR handbook is basically a case of “simple yet effective.” Netflix doesn’t mince its words when it comes to educating employees – you’ll find a well-designed 129-slide slideshow full of short, simple sentences. Some companies take the comedy approach to keep their policy manual engaging, but Netflix has gone for the “straight to the point” approach by eliminating all the fluff. It’s very blunt and easy to grasp, as a handbook should be.
Sample Employee Manual for Association Executives (National Association of REALTORS®, 2018)
This sample customizable employee manual geared toward local REALTOR® Associations is available to you in downloadable MS Word format. Manual includes topics on technology, time off, compensation, disciplinary policies, and more. [for purchase]
A Broker’s Guide to Creating a Policy and Procedure Manual (ARELLO, 2012) [links to PDF document]
Prepared by real estate regulators to assist a broker who is considering owning and/or operating a real estate brokerage, as this endeavor comes with much responsibility and liability.
Employer-Employee Guidelines (National Association of REALTORS®)
When implementing employment policies pursuant to these Guidelines, the association should affirm the at-will status of its employees and include language to disclaim the formation of a contract with its employees. The association should also consult with legal counsel to ensure that the disclaimer and policies are consistent with applicable law.
eBooks & Other Resources
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
365 Answers About Human Resources for the Small Business Owner (eBook)
Office Policy Manual (Madison, WI: Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, 2007) HF 5438 W75
Office Policy Manual (Novato, CA: Professional Publishers, Inc. 2000) HF 5438 M19o
Policies and Procedures Manual: A Guide for Success in Real Estate (Tallahassee, FL: The Real Estate School, 1998) HF 5438 P75p
Workplace Law and Office Policies (Chicago, IL: National Association of REALTORS®, 2001) HF 5549 N16wl
Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions.
The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.