PROView - April 2008 - (Page 2) Chairman’s Notes Strengthen Your Commitment to Yourself by Pat Ivers, Chairman of the Board These are challenging times for our industry and for our profession. While we know this is a great time to buy real estate, many consumers are still on the fence. In the midst of these challenges are, however, bright lights. Now more than ever, home buyers and sellers need your help. They look to you for guidance through what for many otherwise can be an emotional and stressful experience. They need your expertise in pricing their properties correctly. They need your help to choose the right marketing channels in a marketplace currently rich with competing homes. They need your help in negotiating with potential buyers and bringing deals to close. In short, they look for expertise. How do you currently convey to your audience that you indeed are a specialist in your field? Earning a professional designation through continuing education will help strengthen your position in the marketplace. But continuing education is more than broadening one’s knowledge base; it is a dedication to excellence. Continuing education is a commitment to yourself, your business, and those you serve. Standing Out in the Crowd Continuing education is a commitment to yourself, your business, and those you serve. designation could be for you. Now may even be the time to work with foreign nationals. As you probably know exchange rates are currently extremely favorable for those in other countries and Florida properties are perceived overseas as offered at bargain prices. If this is an area you would like to focus on, a CIPS designation, Certified International Property Specialist, may be your best option. These days many REALTORS® have been asked by their clients to represent them with property leasing when their homes have not sold. Before taking on such responsibilities, consider taking the CPM, Certified Property Manager®, designation. Further enhancing your image as a specialist in your field, you may consider earning the CRS®, Certified Residential Specialist®, designation. Are you currently working with seniors? In that case, the SRES®, Senior Real Estate Specialist, designation will prepare you to serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Do you want to improve your knowledge about online marketing and become versatile in real estate internet marketing? Then consider earning the e-PRO® designation. Earn the GRI Designation This Year A great way to get started may be to earn the GRI designation and now is your chance! Classes offered at reduced price will begin this month. GRI classes will teach you new technologies, laws and procedures - providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to provide clients with superior service. Besides, as an extra incentive, NAR reports that those with the GRI designation earn a median income of $82,900 compared to $40,900 for those without. Several education packages are available. Go to www.floridarealtors.org or call 800-669-4327 to register or request more information. No matter what designation you may choose, your continued learning is certain to help you get where you want to be. Go to the Learning Center at PRO’s website located at www.TampaBayRealtor.com and select education calendar to find out about available classes and programs. April 2008 In an ever-competitive environment the need to stand out in the crowd has never been more imperative. What is your brand? What is the image you want consumers to have of you? What’s your area of expertise? What are you actively doing to build awareness of your expertise? I suggest you start looking at your business model. Do you have a specific niche or specialty? Do you want to expand your business into a new market segment? What are your prospective customers looking for, and what would quickly show them that you indeed have the required knowledge and experience? Finding the answers to these questions will be a good start to decide on where to begin. Do you specialize in working with buyers? Then an ABR 2 PINELLAS REALTOR® ORGANIZATION http://www.floridarealtors.org http://www.TampaBayRealtor.com
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