By Trisha McCarthy
The moment I began my career as a REALTOR® I began learning and teaching about the real estate industry and how to be a professional. We are in the best business possible, but to be our best on behalf of the industry and our customers and clients, education is essential. And, one of the major benefits of being a REALTOR® is the availability and opportunities to learn more about the industry and the challenges we face.
I contend that we offer the best in continuing education courses taught by the best educators under the REALTOR® umbrella. Through many local Associations and at the yearly state Association Conference & Tradeshow, this year held on September 19-20, countless courses are offered to keep our licenses current. The education classes during our Conference & Tradeshow are fantastic, not to mention networking with our fellow REALTORS® who have years of experiences to share and stories to tell, and contact information to exchange. These are just a few reasons it makes sense to attend the Conference. However, in addition to live classes, I encourage you to visit the Massachusetts Online Education Center.
The Online Education Center was developed in 2010 and I was proud to chair a dedicated group of members who worked diligently to launch this essential program. Through the local Associations, REALTORS® can access the Center and take FREE online continuing education courses. Two additional courses have just been released, therefore the Online Center boasts six courses in total, allowing you to obtain, without charge, all 12 credits needed for license renewal from your home or office. Over three thousand members have already benefited from the opportunity; I hope you will take advantage. Learn more at massonlinece.com.
Finally, take the opportunity to partake in the most prestigious levels of education our Association offers its members, the designation and certification programs. The Graduate Realtor® Institute, the Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Loss Mitigation Certification and so many more are available to us to refine our skills and keep up with industry trends. Moreover, the fact remains that those who obtain designations earn more than those without. Check out the Calendar on marealtor.com for full listings of courses throughout the year.
In my opinion, the more educated we are, the better we serve our customers and clients, and of course this is one more way to enhance the value in using a REALTOR®. So the bottom line here, it is in the best interest of the consumer to work with a REALTOR® that is educated, abides by the Code of Ethics, and by the Golden Rule.
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