In this article focused on East Bay Real Estate Job, we will discuss what a Realtor® is, why it is an excellent career option, and how to become one with Range Homes. Not to be confused with a real estate agent, a REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Benefits of Becoming a Realtor®
Why a Realtor®?
Realtors® are held to the highest ethical standards. They are required to be professionals at all times and uphold specific duties to clients, customers, the public, and other realtors.
The following are excerpts from the Code Of Ethics And Standards Of Practice Of The National Association Of Realtors®:
- When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, Realtors® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve Realtors® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly.
- Realtors® shall be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and shall present a true picture in their advertising, marketing, and other representations.
- Realtors® shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, or their business practices. (Amended 1/12.
In addition to real estate agents, real estate brokers, property managers, appraisers, and salespeople can hold the title of REALTOR®.
Steps to Become a Realtor®
To be classified as a REALTOR®, certain qualifications must be met:
- Have an active real estate license
- Be actively engaged in real estate
- No pending bankruptcy on file
- Clean record (no sanctions citing unprofessional conduct)
Once these qualifications are met, the process to become a REALTOR® can begin.
Step One: Become a Real Estate Agent
In order to be a Realtor®, you must be a licensed real estate agent. The following are needed to become a real estate agent:
Meet your state’s general requirements:
- 18 or 19 depending on the state
- High school education or GED
- Be honest and truthful
- No criminal convictions
- Experience (any of the following):
- 2 years full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last 5 years
- 2 years of unlicensed equivalent experience
- 4-year degree with a major/minor in real estate
For more information on becoming an agent get more info from Range Homes HERE.
Course Requirements
Applicants for the real estate broker license exam must complete the following courses:
- Real Estate Economics or Accounting
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Practice
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Real Estate Appraisal
In addition, three courses from the following list must be completed also:
- Real Estate Principles
- Business Law
- Property Management
- Escrow
- Advanced Real Estate Finance
- Advanced Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Office Administration
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Advanced Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
- Common Interest Developments
For more information on licensing requirements in California, see the California Department of Real Estate.
Step 2. Join a Local Realtor® Association
A Realtors® Association is involved in all aspects of real estate, including both commercial and residential business. In addition to maintaining the highest standards of professional practice, a common goal of a Realtors® Association is to be a leading advocate for real estate business and economic development in their respective communities. There are over 1,400 local associations across the United States to choose from, and a national association as well, the National Association of REALTORS®’s (NAR’s).
For more information on REALTORS® Association in the East Bay area click HERE.
Benefits of Becoming a Realtor®
Becoming a REALTOR® has many great benefits:
Real Estate Designations
REALTORS® stands out from the crowd by obtaining real estate designations in a wide variety of niches that showcase their knowledge, education, and unique experiences.
There are many Real Estate Designations to choose from. Some of the most popular include the following:
- ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative. This designation is for agents who prefer to work with clients at every stage of the home-buying process.
- Luxury Homes Certification / LHC. This certification was created for agents looking to work in the multi-million-dollar luxury-home market. This course provides the critical information needed to meet the specific needs and expectations of high-end clients.
- MRP – Military Relocation Professional. Agents who have a passion for assisting current and former military members and their families can benefit from this designation. This certification educates agents finding suitable housing for service members and unique programs and opportunities available to them and their families.
- Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist / RSPS. Resort and Second Home Specialists assist in the buying, selling, or managing of properties in resort, recreational or vacation destinations. They can be for investment, development, second homes or retirement properties.
- SRES® – Seniors Real Estate Specialist The SRES designation is for Realtors® who work with senior clients in the buying, selling, or refinancing of residential or investment properties.
Having additional designations lets the public (and your peers) know you are serious and committed to being a professional in the real estate business.
Increased Networking Opportunities
The unique title of “Realtor®” can help increase networking opportunities that other real estate agents may not be privy to. For example, becoming a Realtor® connects you with a vast network of other Realtos® both locally and nationally. In addition, many Realtor® associations host networking events, webinars and other events that allow you to expand your knowledge base and grow your business.
Access to Vital Information
Realtors® tend to have access to information the average real estate agent does not. For example, many Realtor® associations provide members with key information on regulations and local legislation that can impact their area and business in general. They also provide access to other important resources such as legal help, marketing statistics, and housing market data. This information could be key in growing and developing your business.
Other Benefits
In addition to the benefits listed above, other perks of being Realtor® many local associations will provide the following:
- Quarterly newsletter
- Consumer marketing materials
- Access to an online member database
- Marketing letters
Putting It All Together
For real estate agents looking to take their business to another level, becoming a Realtor® provides the opportunity to do just that. In addition to being able to receive additional designations that highlight your expertise, Realtors® has increased networking opportunities and access to vital information real estate agents do not.
About Range Homes
Have you been looking to grow your real estate agent career? Are you looking for an innovative realtor training program to keep your knowledge fresh? Do you want to join a team that supports your growth and helps you to spend your marketing dollars wisely? If so, consider Range Homes. We are a Bay Area and Beyond real estate company making a difference in our agents’ lives. Are you looking to jumpstart an excellent East Bay Real Estate Job? Are you ready to take your business to the next level? If so, contact us today!
