UPI taps ex-NAR staffers for new site

United Press International is partnering with two former National Association of Realtors staff members on a new residential estate section on UPI.com, UPI Real Estate.

Former NAR chief economist David Lereah and former vice president of public affairs Steve Cook will oversee and provide content for the site, UPI said.

"UPI is pleased to offer our readers a new source of news and intelligence about residential real estate assembled by experienced professionals who know the real estate markets," said Nicholas Chiaia, UPI president, in a press release. "Freshness, readability and information you can use will set UPI Real Estate apart from the competition."

Lereah and Cook are the principals of Reecon Advisors Inc., an independent real estate economics and information company that publishes Real Estate Economy Watch, a Web site that provides information and commentary.

When UPI Real Estate debuted Tuesday, it was populated with stories from Real Estate Economy Watch. The sites will continue to share content, although much of the commentary and analysis Lereah produces for Real Estate Economy Watch will not appear on UPI Real Estate, Cook told Inman News.

While Real Estate Economy Watch is geared for real estate professionals, UPI Real Estate's primary audience will be consumers, Cook said. ...CONTINUED

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