Are they important and could some be more significant than others? YES and YES!

In short, when you see a REALTOR® with designations behind their name you know that you are usually looking at a full-time Broker with an ongoing commitment to this profession. This commitment goes well beyond the required 30 hours to maintain their license every two years and updates to forms which are ongoing. To be one of the 64% of all Brokers belonging to the the National Association of Realtors and a REALTOR®, additionally requires code of ethics coursework and fees. At the very least, operating under current laws and regulations keep us, our companies, and clients from being named in lawsuits.

Why I chose to be NINJA® Certified.
The program begins with an intensive one week training. Periodic seminars are offered in larger cities and filled with like-minded Brokers represented by a wide variety of real estate companies to share, learn best real estate practices, and network. No doubt real estate requires the minute-by-minute changing of hats. We are handling more than one transaction at a time and each in a different phase with changing schedules for both Buyers and Sellers. It requires being analytical, creative, having attention to detail and an overall brain for business. At the same time we must never forget that buying and selling of homes can be the most emotional and biggest financial transaction of a lifetime – it’s about people and all personality types. There are definitely tools, systems, and processes which provide guidance so that when the unexpected happens (and it always does) we have the time and experience to jump in calmly and with clarity.

Best of all, NINJA® is an ongoing network of information and learning. When referring my clients out, it may not always be possible to find a Windermere Broker. Looking for this designation first is a great place to start, knowing that the Broker I’ve found subscribes to the same business practices and speaks my language!

The importance of the SRES® certification.
Early on in my real estate career many of the same scenarios and questions came up daily. It became clear that this program was a “must have” for me. Like anything, one can learn, get the certificate, and file it away. It’s really been an ongoing concerted effort of learning, honing skills, and a goal to be a resource and advisor to the 50+ community. Understanding what is going on in their world is a huge part of it.

For example, I recently worked with a seller with a lifetime of treasures. From the day she began the downsizing process, her family made plans and decisions for her. As a VERY capable 50+ individual, I loved her words to them, “Just one minute everyone — I’m just downsizing and I’m not dead yet!” With some humor along the way, the happy place awaits on the other side when it comes to home. Another example is cross-sizing to a smaller home similar in value but in a location that provides a much needed change of lifestyle — on the water, by a golf course, or in a community.

It’s no surprise that I didn’t graduate college yesterday! With about 90% of my business being referral based, many of my clients tend to be 50+ years of age. If they aren’t, they are younger and know that one day they will be. Kudos to all of you for seeking out wisdom and asking questions well in advance!

Lastly, the RENE® designation.
A mere 13% of all Brokers nationwide hold this designation. This is crazy to me given that from start to finish in each transaction, there are on average 250 negotiations. The negotiation starts when asking questions on behalf of a Buyer or Seller with nothing in writing and all the way through closing and sometimes after. Keeping peace while getting needs and wants with diplomacy creates a “win” for all. During this week-long training with ongoing coursework, we work through both sides when representing a Buyer and then the Seller. No two negotiations are alike and some things are just nonnegotiable.

I cherish what I’ve experienced through these networks and the results from the time, money, and effort put forth. I am hopeful that if you made it this far you have a peek into the multi-faceted aspects of my day to day – never dull and always learning!