subject: Take Your Real Estate Business to the Next Level in 2010 [print this page] Take Your Real Estate Business to the Next Level in 2010
The vast majority of consumers, especially in a distressed market place, begin their search for their property online, site such as Los Angeles Condos or realtown and many more. A long time ago the internet became synonymous with finding deals. I think it may have been eBay
that made that happen, but regardless, the internet is where clients search for real estate. The internet is also where you should be building a good portion of your leads. The e-pro training is what you need to fully integrate your business into the world of online commerce. Don't think that just because a client has found their house on zillow.com that they don't need you. Just like every other market, this one is rife with tools that, in the hands of an unskilled user, can be down right dangerous. Do yourself a favor and look into your local association's e-pro training.
NAR's Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification
A lot like the CDPE training mentioned above, the National Association of Realtors has also developed a program for training agents on the intricacies, practices and pitfalls associated with foreclosures and short sales. Remember, real estate practitioners had a great deal to do with the insanity that recently took place in the nation's real estate market and real estate professionals ought to be on the forefront of solving the foreclosure crisis. Check out the training at www.realtorsfr.org. A lot of your clients are going to be asking if you have this certification and answering Yes is going to go a long way towards calming their fears.
CCIM Training
CCIM is hands down the designation to have for the commercial real estate market. Even beginning your training with CCIM is going to give you a wealth of information on what's going on in the commercial market and how to help commercial property owners with the upcoming disaster that is about to hit. Commercial real estate is not fundamentally different than residential real estate, but it is certainly less fungible and works with higher stakes. Being conversant in commercial real estate will be a key factor in setting your business apart in 2010 and will be absolutely vital in 2011 - 2013.
Conclusion
By investing a little bit in your business in the form of training, you can really set yourself apart and let your professionalism shine through. Don't let the media tell you that the industry is dead and your career along with it. Every deal has it's day and every market has it's training requirements to make sure that the practitioners dealing in that market every day have the skill set required to help their clients weather the storm.
