REALTORS® generally lead fast-paced lives, and continuing education can often take a back seat to the other many items on your “to-do” list. But professional development is not only important for personal growth; it helps to differentiate you from the rest of the pack in this competitive marketplace.
Read on for tips on how online courses can offer REALTORS® a valuable advantage in their careers, while taking into account their increasingly busy lives.
1. Flexible and convenient. REALTORS® are well known for being available to their clients 24/7. That makes for unpredictable schedules and the need for flexibility. One major benefit to a virtual classroom is instant access to education anytime, anywhere an Internet connection can be found. Requirements can be fulfilled when convenient, and in any available increment of time. For example, taking advantage of those few extra minutes while waiting for an appointment. A web-based application offers the added flexibility of logging in from different computers and devices, which means a course can be started at the office or on the road, and finished later at home.
2. A wide variety of courses for any career stage. Online courses offer access to a tremendous library of continuing education. These available offerings allow REALTORS® to remain current with their designations, certifications and state-mandated continuing education hours, while allowing them to pursue new specialties that may potentially increase their client base and income. For instance, REALTORS® interested in expanding their service offerings may consider taking a course in property management or appraisals.
3. What’s your learning style? Online offerings come in a wide variety of formats to meet individual preferred learning styles. Some REALTORS® might choose a work-at-your-own pace format, while others might prefer a more interactive setting with instructor-led webinars, or classroom seminars offering student chat and other communal features. In many cases, live customer support is available to further enhance the online learning experience.
4. The very latest on hot topics. As you well know, the real estate industry can change at lightning speed due in part to new regulations and market conditions, dictating the need to quickly pivot strategies in order to stay on top of what’s new and trending. Consistently modified with the most up-to-date information available, online courses provide the latest in best practices and legal requirements. If possible, check course ratings and peer reviews to help you find which classes might be best suited to your needs. If the courses are to be counted toward continuing education, be sure to verify they receive applicable credit hours for completing the classes.
5. Invest in yourself for less. Education doesn’t have to be expensive. Online courses remove many of the elements that contribute to driving up costs for in-person training, from instructor’s time to facility rental or classroom space. Online curriculums allow for economies of scale that benefit the student in the form of lower fees. In addition, students are also spared expenses associated with time off from work, travel and parking expenditures.
6. Share your new knowledge. Online courses can also provide fresh fodder for customer outreach. Learn something interesting? Post it! By sharing your fresh insights, home buyers and sellers may feel even more confident they are working with a professional who has up-to-the-moment real estate knowledge and expertise, further underscoring your value.
Despite the many demands on their schedules, savvy real estate professionals understand the importance of consistently increasing their knowledge base through continuing education. Online options deliver on the promise of aiding REALTORS® in their quest to achieve more, while helping them enjoy the benefits of flexibility, convenience and affordability.