NAR hires 2 social media experts

The National Association of Realtors says it's doubling its commitment to social media, hiring two prominent former Realtors to further its goal of becoming a social business with an emphasis on member engagement.Nobu Hata, who became a Realtor in 1996 and has been active in social media and NAR's Young Professionals Network, started this week as the trade association's new director of digital engagement. Hata -- formerly with Minnesota-based Edina Realty -- will be based in Chicago, traveling to conferences and meetings to present NAR's focus on social media and member engagement. Nobu HataHata will also meet with state and local association staff "to help grow their knowledge and expertise (in) social media and member engagement," said Stephanie Singer, NAR's managing director of media communications, in an email.NAR's other new hire, Heather Elias, has been a Realtor in Loudoun County, Va., for eight years, landing much of her business through her blog, LocoMusings. Elias...