Today’s REALTORS® potentially work with four generations of real estate buyers: Millenials, Generation X, Baby Boomers and Matures, not to mention unique and diverse groups within these demographics, including minorities, international, Green and commercial buyers. All buyers and sellers are not created equal. Now, more than ever, it’s important for REALTORS® to educate themselves, continue their professional development and take advantage of NAR real estate designations and certifications.
Certified International Property Specialist / CIPS
The CIPS designation prepares REALTORS® to serve the growing international markets in their communities: total purchases by foreign or foreign-born buyers in 2011 totaled $82 billion. CIPStraining concentrates on culture, exchange rates, investment trends and legal issues. Studying global real estate in local markets and global real estate transaction tools serves as the foundation of the CIPS designation, with additional courses available catering to regional clients from Europe to Asia. Continue reading »
Homebuyers and sellers have their pick of eager agents to assist them with their real estate needs. We wanted to make sure that you stand out from the pack and demonstrate to your potential clients the advantages of working with a REALTOR®. We’ve compiled a list of 7 tools that you can add to your marketing repertoire.
1. Establish a Competitive Advantage with Education from REALTOR® University
Consider investing in a Designation or Certification Course offered by the National Association of REALTORS® which offer you specific skills that will help you offer unique services to your buyers and sellers. You can also take your training to the next level by applying to REALTOR® University’s graduate school where you can pursue a Master of Real Estate Degree in a variety of concentrations ranging from Real Estate Sales, Marketing and Management to Real Estate Appraisal.
2. Get Handy with Apps
REALTORS® have a number of useful apps at their disposal to help you work on the go and stay productive. NAR offers apps to help with business and your membership, while you can also download free apps on iTunes to help with marketing, managing client relationships and even helping with calculating interest rates and annual property taxes.
Stop us if this sounds familiar. You’ve logged a few successful years as a real estate agent and you now crave something more. A bigger challenge with, yes, greater risks, but also much sweeter rewards. Opening your own brokerage seems like the next logical step. But think before you leap. Becoming a broker is an exciting career move for an agent, but it’s not without its downsides. Set yourself up for success by taking advantage of the resources and support available to you as a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Passing the broker license exam is just the first step. To succeed in your new role, you’ll need to constantly stay on top of the newest designations and certifications. Your training is imperative, not only to keep yourself up to date on industry trends, but to provide guidance to the other agents in your brokerage as well.
In addition to the business of selling properties, there will be legal and financial issues to manage, not to mention your new role in human resources. At REALTOR.org, you’ll find pages and pages of articles, quizzes, surveys, books and webinars to educate you on the various responsibilities associated with owning a brokerage.
- Hear first-hand stories from others who have been in your shoes.
- Get tips on creating a business plan.
- Learn about how to compensate the agents who will be your employees.
According to a 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Member Profile, 41% of REALTORS® are affiliated with an independent, non-franchised company. Yet there are some very convincing reasons to buy a franchise. The decision to go independent or with a franchise is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. And one of the very first. With the resources provided by NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, whenever you make that decision, you can make it with confidence, knowing you had access to all the information you needed for an educated decision.
Opening your own brokerage could be the best move you ever make for your career. Don’t do it alone. Do it with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
