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| Today, more than ever, you face difficult decisions concerning your real estate needs. The decision to buy or sell real estate is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You need the help of experienced real estate professionals who will successfully guide you in all phases of your transaction. Choosing to work with a REALTOR® will ensure you are guided successfully through the process. |
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| The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTOR® (NAR). Only those agents who are members of NAR (obtained through their membership in a local board like the REALTOR® Association of Southern Minnesota) can call themselves REALTORS®. |
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| Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to over one million members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS® who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in the various aspects of real estate. NAR, the world's largest professional association, is The Voice of Real Estate®. |
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| REALTORS® are committed to conducting their business according to a strict Code of Ethics as established by the National Association of REALTORS®. Working for America's property owners, NAR provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members, the public, and to the government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. |
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What is a REALTOR®?
A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate® -- the world's largest professional association.
The term REALTOR® is a registered collective
membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today's one million
members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople,
property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.
Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory
associations of REALTORS®. They can join one of our many institutes, societies and councils. Additionally, NAR offers
members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections.
REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards
of Practice. Working for America's property owners, the National Association provides a facility for professional
development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government
for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.
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Why Use a REALTOR®?
1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power.
2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search.
3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property.
4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate.
5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property.
6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the
marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties.
9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public.
10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property.
11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position.
12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home.
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| What do the REALTOR® Designations mean? |
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ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative
With over 40,000 members, REBAC is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Over 30,000 ABR® designees have completed the REBAC course, passed the test and provided documentation of buyer agency experience.
REBAC (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council)
1-800-648-6224, or visit the REBAC Web site.
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ABRM, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager
Geared to real estate firm brokers, owners and managers that have or wish to incorporate buyer representation into their daily practice, designees have taken and passed both the ABR® and ABRMSM course and provided documentation of past management experience.
REBAC (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council)
1-800-648-6224 - REBAC Web site.
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ALC, Accredited Land Consultant
ALC’s are the recognized experts in land brokerage transactions of five specialized types: (1) farms and ranches; (2) undeveloped tracts of land; (3) transitional and development land; (4) subdivision and wholesaling of lots; and (5) site selection and assemblage of land parcels. Acquire valuable skills through educational offerings leading to the ALC designation.
REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI)
1-800-441-5263 - RLI Web site or email rli@realtors.org..
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CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member®
CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes more than 7,500 designees and an equal number of candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources.
CCIM Institute
1-800-621-7027 - CCIM Web site
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CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
The CIPS network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals from 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the "international" market. Whether traveling abroad to put deals together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets, CIPS designees are consumers' best resource to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
1-800-874-6500 - CIPS Education Page or email NAR International
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CPM, CERTIFIED PROPERTY MANAGER®
Acquire valuable real estate management skills through educational offerings leading to the CPM® designation. CPM® members have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial.
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
1-800-837-0706, Ext. 4650 - IREM Website
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CRB, Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designation is recognized industry-wide as the measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management. The designation is awarded by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers to REALTORS® who have completed the Council's advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB designees consistently increase their level of industry knowledge, advance their earning and career potential, increase their firm’s profitability and benefit from active involvement in our network of real estate professionals. The new CRB Designation Program now provides credit for management experience, higher education and previously earned NAR designations. Additional credits can be earned through the Council's management education programs delivered live or by Self Study on CD-ROM.The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designation is recognized industry-wide as the measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management. The designation is awarded by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers to REALTORS® who have completed the Council's advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB designees consistently increase their level of industry knowledge, advance their earning and career potential, increase their firm’s profitability and benefit from active involvement in our network of real estate professionals. The new CRB Designation Program now provides credit for management experience, higher education and previously earned NAR designations. Additional credits can be earned through the Council's management education programs delivered live or by Self Study on CD-ROM.
Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers
1-800-621-8738 - CRB Website or email info@crb.com
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CRS®, Certified Residential Specialist®
Agents can maximize their potential by earning the CRS® Designation and joining the organization that has served top-producing residential sales agents since 1977. The more than 35,000 CRS® Designees benefit from nationwide referral opportunities, a professional image that attracts customers, and sales and marketing support. The CRS® Designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling, and meet rigorous production requirements.
Council of Residential Specialists
1-800-462-8841 - CRS Website
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CRE, Counselor of Real Estate
The Counselor of Real Estate – or CRE – is a member of The Counselors of Real Estate, an international group of recognized professionals who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,100 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE designation. Membership is by invitation only.
Counselors of Real Estate
1-312-329-8427 - CRE Website
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GAA, General Accredited Appraiser
Certified general appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the GAA designation. The GAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
1-800-874-6500 ext. 8393 - NAR Appraisal page
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GRI Graduate REALTOR Institute
Members involved in residential real estate who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRI designation.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
1-800-874-6500 ext. 8393 - new GRI site
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PMN, Performance Management Network
The Performance Management Network (PMN) is a new REALTOR® designation that’s built from the ground up to bring you the real-world skills, the know-how and the tools that will keep your business out front and on top of a lighting-fast market. This designation is unique to the REALTOR® family designations, focusing on the idea that in order to enhance your business, you must enhance yourself. The curriculum is driven by the following topics: negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning & systems, personal performance management and cultural differences in buying and selling.
Women's Council of REALTORS®
1-800-245-8512 - WCR Web site
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RCE, REALTOR® association Certified Executive
Association executives interested in demonstrating commitment to the field of REALTOR® association management should pursue the RCE designation. AEs are recognized for their specialized industry knowledge and their association achievements and experience
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
1-312-329-8545 - Association Executives Homepage.
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Residential Accredited Appraiser
Certified residential appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the RAA designation. The RAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
1-800-874-6500, ext. 8393 - NAR Appraisal page.
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SRES®, Senior Real Estate Specialist
The SRES® Designation program trains REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Includes first year membership in SRES Council and its umbrella of services.
SRES Council
1-800-500-4564 - SRES website site.
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SIOR, Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
Individuals certified with the SIOR designation are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage. SIOR's network includes more than 2,800 members in 480 cities in 20 countries on six continents. The Society's mandatory recertification requirement assures clients of the designee's excellence in the fast changing commercial brokerage field.
Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®
1-202-449-8200 - SIOR Web site.
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| What do the NAR Designations mean? |
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At Home with Diversity Certification
A ground-breaking professional education initiative designed to provide America's real estate professionals with training and tools to expand their business as well as homeownership opportunities for more Americans.
AHWD certification relays to the public that those certified have been professionally trained in and are sensitive to a wide range of cultural issues inviting a wider volume of business from a greater variety of cultures.
At Home With Diversity
1-202-383-1201, or visit the At Home With Diversity
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e-PRO®
e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism.
e-PRO® is not just about technology - it's about how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people-skills, into doing more business on the Internet.
e-PRO® gives you:
- Exhaustive Internet Training
- Unique Competitive Advantage
- Professional Distinction
- CE credit is now available in several states
REALTOR e-PRO® Web site.
REALTOR e-PRO® Web site.
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REPA, Real Estate Professional Assistant
REPA is a comprehensive two-day certificate course that provides an intensive introduction to the real estate business and to the specific ways support staff can become valuable assets to their employers. Every administrative employee in the brokerage office, from listing secretary to the personal assistant, will benefit tremendously from this quick-start program.
Real Estate Professional Assistant Web site.
Real Estate Professional Assistant Web site.
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Resort & Second-Home Markets Certification
The RSPS is a new certification offered by NAR Resort for resort & second-home REALTORS around the world. REALTORS specializing in resort and second-home markets and interested in demonstrating their knowledge and expertise should pursue the RSPS certification. The RSPS core certification requirements include the NAR Resort & Second-Home Market Course and the RLI Tax-Deferred (1031) Exchange Course. RSPS applicants will also choose from nine different elective choices including courses from the NAR Education Matrix and the NAR Resort Symposium held every 18 months.
NAR Resort
1-312-329-8393 - NAR Resort Web site
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Transnational Referral Certification
The goal of this certification offered by the National Association of REALTORS® is to prepare real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the Transnational Referral system developed NAR and the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Students will learn how to integrate international referrals, resulting in increased income, into their business plans.
When you are involved in an international referral, as a referring or receiving agent, the Transnational Referral Certification demonstrates to other real estate professionals that you are well versed in the procedures of the Transnational Referral system, have pledged to follow a code of conduct in business dealings, and expect that compensation, paid in a timely manner, will be an integral part of the transaction.
NAR International: Transnational Referral Certification
NAR International: Transnational Referral Certification
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