When a homeowner or purchaser is seriously contemplating selling or buying, the last thing on their mind is the designations an agent has earned. The main reason is that 99.9% of consumers know very little, if anything, about the meaning and ramifications of the most crucial and critical benefits of Realtor designations. Moreover, there are major components of effort, discipline, and sacrifice of a Broker’s valuable time in earning those higher prestigious designations. Lastly, consumers may not truly know, realize, or understand the amount of dedication and perseverance required to take those courses to stay current with the ever-changing real estate field. We constantly and consistently need to achieve and gain the advanced, priceless, and invaluable education necessary for those looking to hire a true top-producing Realtor.
I think there are times when those in the top 10% are taken for granted for their passion in their business. We must be disciplined daily, make concerted efforts, and be constantly active and responsible to our clientele. This is an absolute requirement without any option. It is demanded of us in the upper echelon of realtors to provide “top-notch service, before, during, and after the sale” to stay at peak performance in our profession and career.
For example, there are approximately 7.2 million individuals in real estate globally. However, only a few million can designate and call themselves Realtors who belong to an organized association like an MLS. Of those approximately 7.2 million in real estate, only 4,190 have a Certified International Property Specialist designation (CIPS), of which I am included and was established in 1953. We can provide all clients with expert guidance in consulting and transacting business within the U.S. and its 50 states, dealing with all the varied cultures and customs, and internationally. We have been recognized as a Realtor who has taken, trained, and passed the necessary six courses, each a full 8-hour day, including contract law, project management, ethical sourcing, and supplier relationship management. This prestigious accomplishment has elevated those with the designation to higher and superior stature in advanced education, adding to our expansive knowledge beyond 99.9% of all agents worldwide. One earns 100 continuing education credits. One must pass the final exam with at least a grade of 80.
There is another designation that I attained back in 2004 called The Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), which I believe is what I call my master’s degree in Real Estate. There are 15 required courses, of which one has a choice of 5 elective courses, each a full day of comprehensive and advanced curriculums. This puts us in a very esteemed and exclusive group. This education provides advanced training in business skills, risk management, ethics, professional practice, real estate technology, marketing, and negotiations. Also included are proper ways of dealing with clients openly and transparently, disclosing all the required information, all the proper and required forms, learning to be a superior and advanced listener, learning the proper questions to ask sellers, investors, purchasers, renters, and leasees of residential and commercial properties, inspections, construction, and many other pertinent details that are needed to be a truly professional Realtor. When you pass the final exam with at least a 75, you will achieve this designation and receive 60 continuing education credits.
There is one more designation that I hold dear to my heart, especially having to deal with the severe climate change that is occurring all around the globe, especially here in the U.S. with the insane and destructive, costly wildfires that have devasted California and that are still present and occurring. It is the National Association of Realtors “Green” designation. It is a 2-day curriculum of 8 hours each day with 16 continuing education credits. The curriculum included sustainable building practices, marketing, and rating systems such as LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, which my son has attained and earned that specific designation as a Lead Certified Project Manager in NYC for Google.) IFGIVCT (ifgict.org) and Energy Star are other parts of the Green course structure that one must engage in. One needs to pass the final exam with at least an 80.
So when hiring a Broker, Associate Broker, or salesperson, it would be prudent to ascertain their level of education and earned designations in the real estate sector. This will determine if they have the necessary credentials, knowledge, and expertise via their education to promote and market your most valuable asset, your home, townhouse, condo, or coop, that the typical homeowner has locally and throughout the U.S.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave
Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of
your home or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached
by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via
https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com
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