Programs
Four Pillars Education, Inc. is happy to offer a variety of classes. Many are NAR Designation classes and most are approved through the Virginia Real Estate Board for licensing renewal. The following list are the currently offered classes, but if you don’t see a program offered, we’ll be happy to create custom programs as well. Click on the program title below to get a description of the course. We also offer Online Continuing Education and Online NAR Designations.
REALTOR® Designation and Certifications
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR Designation)
ABR Innovative Marketing Reboot
ABR Negotiations Elective
Short Sale Foreclosure Resource – SFR Certification
At Home With Diversity – AHWD Certification
GREEN Designation Course
GREEN Residential Elective – NAR Course
Senior Real Estate Specialist – SRES Designation
Virginia GRI 401: Understanding Agency
Virginia GRI 403: Personal Promotion
Virginia GRI 404: The Cyber-REALTOR
Virginia GRI 411: Successful Settlements
Virginia GRI 410: Code of Ethics IS Good Business
NAR Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA Certification)
SRS – Seller Representative Specialist
ePRO NAR Designation Program
HAFA Short Sale Certification Program
BPOs: The Agent’s Role in Property Valuations
Technology Programs
Real Estate 2.0: The Tools of Online Real Estate
Wallet Wise Marketing Techniques for Realtors
Engage, Edify and Educate: The Basics of Social Media
I’m Sooo Blogging This!
Let’s Go YouTube’in: Styling, Publicizing and Engaing Your YouTube Channel
Facing Facebook Head On: Tricks to Maintain a Healthy Facebook LIfestyle
Socializing Your Photo Story Telling
Social Media: Building Your Tribe
iPad for Real Estate
Google for Real Estate
WordPress Blogging Basics
Getting Found Online – Search Engine Optimization for Non-Techies
When Do You Sleep? – Free Tools to Tame Your Online Marketing
Tech On The Go – Mobile Apps for REALTORS®
Movie Magic: Creating, Editing and Posting Videos with Windows Movie Maker
The Future of Real Estate
Broker Manager Programs
Brokerage Management: Leading in a 2.0 World
Engage, Entice, Evolve: Using Today’s Technology to Grow Your Brokerage
Brokerage Development: Duplicity and Collaboration
Broker Agency: Managing Relationships
Broker Management: Managing the Short Sale Transaction
Virginia 8 Hour Broker Management Renewal Program
CRB: Understanding and Leveraging Teams
CRB: Tech Tools & Tips for a Successful Business
CRB: Analyzing Your Company for Profit
CRB: Marketing Strategies that Deliver Results
CRB: Business Planning for Maximum Results
CRB: Real Estate is Risky Business!
CRB: The A.R.T. of Recruiting: Attract & Retain Talent
CRB: Sales Leadership that Drives Performance
Programs for Instructors
A New Kind of Engagement – Creating a Social Learning Culture
Risk Management and Continue Education Programs
Contracts: Writing With The End In Mind
Agency: The Power of A Relationship
Real Estate Ethics
Fair Housing
Virginia Complete 16 Hour Continuing Ed Program
Pre-Licensing Programs
Virginia Principals and Practice – Pre-Licensing Program
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)
Duration: 16 Hours | VREB Hours: 15 CE – 12 PL
The overall goals of the ABR® Designation Course are to:
* Prepare real estate professionals to thoroughly represent buyer-clients in real estate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed.
* Offer ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business.
* Develop a self-customized tool for conducting a buyer counseling session.
Upon completing the two-day course and successfully passing the exam, you will have achieved ABR® candidate status, a three-year period during which you must fulfill the educational and experiential requirements to become an ABR® Designee.
ABR Innovative Marketing
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB Hours: 6 CE – 3 PL
One of the reasons why licensees fail or only achieve modest success is their inability to focus on the consumer’s needs and to market their services accordingly. In the past, marketing courses have dealt with marketing the seller’s property as opposed to marketing to the buyer. Structured to inspire novel marketing approaches to create a personal “brand” this course encourages students to look everywhere for differentiating marketing opportunities that grab the attention of buyers.
ABR Negotiations
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB: 8 CE – 6 PL – 6 Broker Management
Effective negotiating on behalf of others is the hallmark of the buyer’s and seller’s representatives. This course examines positional bargaining and value negotiating. It also examines unique issues when representing someone in a negotiation and breaking a negotiation impasse.
The Effective Negotiating course counts as one of the three designation courses required for the Performance Management Network Designation. This is a new curriculum course and will satisfy the designation transition for current LTGs. It also meets the elective course requirement for the ABR® Designation awarded by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC). A copy of the course completion certificate is required to receive credit towards your ABR® designation.
Short Sale Foreclosure Resource (SFR Certification)
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB: 8 CE – 8 PL
For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures represent the new “traditional” real estate transaction. Knowing how to maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as how to identify the distinct real estate opportunities in foreclosure are not merely good skills to have in today’s market—they are critical. This course helps students evaluate all available options for distressed homeowners and identify the components of an effective short-sale package. This course looks at how real estate professionals can counsel buyer-clients in the purchase of foreclosure properties. And as a practical resource, this course shows students how consumers can avoid foreclosure in the future.
At Home With Diversity (AHWD Certification)
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB: 8 CE – 7 PL
The At Home With Diversity® course is part of a comprehensive cultural diversity outreach program that will help real estate companies diversify their workplaces and improve the industry’s ability to serve culturally diverse consumers. NAR and HUD undertook a joint effort in 1998 to certify real estate professionals who are trained regarding cultural diversity and outreach and have made a commitment to a set of diversity principles. The training, built on the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Act, provides participants with tools to build diversity outreach into their business plans to best serve a dynamic and growing market. This course is available to all professionals involved in the real estate transaction.
GREEN Designation Course (NAR)
Duration: 16 Hours (requires additional 8 hour elective) | VREB: 8 CE – 8 PL
Students must complete the 12-hour Green Core Course and one of three 6-hour elective courses to satisfy the educational requirements to earn NAR’s Green Designation. Subject matter experts in both the real estate and environmental industries established a curriculum filled with the most current issues and innovative research in green real estate to give designees a competitive edge in the market.
With specialized electives in residential and commercial real estate and property management, our program addresses a variety of real estate professionals and consumers.
We understand people have different motivations for going green. Some want to save the environment, while others want to save money or reduce wasteful consumption. Our program will provide you with the education and training to support your clients’ green endeavors no matter their objective.
Each course offered by the Green REsource Council went through an extensive peer review process to ensure it speaks to the needs of real estate agents and property managers today. To start earning credit towards NAR’s Green Designation, sign up for one of the following courses
GREEN Residential Elective (NAR)
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB: 8 CE – 8 PL
NAR’s Green Designation Residential Elective Course provides students with the awareness and knowledge of green building principles specifically applied in residences. Learn how to guide buyer-clients in purchasing and retrofitting green homes, help sellers list and market their green properties, and be an advocate for greener homes in your community. After completing this course, you will have the green real estate education to:
* Explain the cost/benefit value of green homes and features
* Describe resource-efficient home systems, appliances, building methods and materials
* Outline the benefits of an energy audit and guide clients in obtaining one
* Recognize sources of VOCs and toxins that impact indoor air quality and the environment
* Identify allied green industry partners in your community
* Take into account green home features when developing a price or offer for a client
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES Designation)
Duration: 16 Hours | VREB: 7 CE – 7 PL
This education-based designation addresses the fastest growing market in real estate. And the networking benefit, across North America, may be the single best reason to get connected right now.
Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they’ve always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes on and on. Can you speak to the unique motivation they have? Do you know how to counsel your client on their options? This is the kind of distinction that can set you apart. You can be the hero.
As an SRES® designee, you’ll be able to instantly:
* Join a group of REALTORS® who comprise one of the fastest growing markets in the country.
* Connect to a nationally advertised brand in the consumer market.
* Market your personal brand with designs and tools you receive with membership.
* Register online for courses in over 50 states and provinces.
Leading in a 2.0 World
Duration: 2 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL – 3 Broker Management
Brokers have a unique opportunity to engage the consumer on a level that has not been possible before, but this online engagement with it’s broad audience, presents unique exposer to liability as well. This course takes Brokers and agents through an overview of today’s tools and how to safely use them to engage and gain a personal connection with potential consumers. We’ll review policies and practices that will help Managers reduce their risk while remaining innovative.
Engage, Entice, Evolve: Using Today’s Technology to Grow Your Company
Duration: 2 Hours
Are you scratching your head trying to get in front of one agent at a time? Today’s innovative Brokers are using the power of emerging technologies to build a following of agents. Blogs, Facebook and Social Engagement opens many opportunities for recruiting knowledgeable and dedicated agents. Combining these free tools with a few strategic systems will promise positive growth in your company! <Broker Recruitment>
Duplicity and Collaboration
Duration 2 Hours
Tons of resources are dedicated to training and development of agents – what if we could create engaging tools once and make them available for future reference? Creating videos, recording your training sessions, doing live training with remote agents, using collaborative websites to handle company projects and duplicating your staff efforts is essential to success. This session explores a variety of free tools to strengthen your development, management and education efforts. All managers, trainers and division directors will benefit from this session! <Company Development using Free Internet Tools>
Contracts: Writing With The End In Mind
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL
This isn’t your typical contracts course. This course takes the learner through the process of creating and negotiating contracts on behalf of their client’s best interest and thinking about the contract as a blueprint for a successful settlement. This course will discuss contract for- mat, Virginia regulations and writing techniques.
Agency: The Power of A Relationship
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL
Agency is the backbone of the real estate industry. These relationships set the tone and out- line of how consumers will be work with their agent and what the agent’s responsibilities are. This course is constructed to reinforce the Virginia regulations pertaining to Agency and prac- tical application of Procuring Cause. We’ll also explore agency disclosure options and tools to ensure compliance with regulations. Case Studies and student engagement makes this class interactive.
Broker Agency: Managing Relationships
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL – 3 Broker Management
Agency is the foundation of the Real Estate industry. The issue of Procuring cause, levels of relationship and disclosure is complicated for most and the gets lost in importance by most brokers. This course is designed to reinforce those concepts that protect the consumer inter- est and reduce the risk of the Broker. This program reviews relevant and new regulations on how the broker tracks disclosure issues and oversees Agency relationships.
Real Estate 2.0: The Tools of Online Real Estate
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL
A pervasive force in real estate today is technology and specifically online engagement. With a significant number of consumers beginning online and finding the home they eventually purchase, it’s important for agents to have a healthy understanding of the consumer profiles, engagement tools and risk reduction techniques to protect both the clients and themselves. Agents will be able to find new tools and learn how to use them safely.
Broker Management: Managing the Short Sale Transactions
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL – 3 Broker Management
This course is directed at Brokers whose agents are working with buyer or sellers involved in a Short Sale transaction. The current market has created an environment that stretches the understanding of most agents. The basic foundations of the practice of real estate are being abused or abandoned because of the practitioner’s lack of application to the non-traditional transaction. This course is designed to reintegrate basic real estate practice and regulations to the Short Sale transaction. Brokers are given policies and resources to ensure their agents are in compliance. Agents are given tools to better understand how to best protect their client’s interest.
Escrow, Agency and RESPA Review: Legal Update
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL – 3 Broker Management
There are a number of risk management issues that simply don’t get enough attention in our training programs. This class gives a overview of the pitfalls for Escrow management, agency issues with special attention to dual agency concerns and RESPA violations with a strong emphasis on Affiliated Arrangements and Disclosures.
Real Estate Ethics
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics has been the foundation of the REALTOR® membership. It dictates the actions of practitioners who have sworn to uphold it’s principals. This presenta- tion takes a look at several facets of Ethical Behavior as defined by the Code. This presen- tation utilizes video and psychological principals to help determine the public perception of ethical behavior and how it relates to the real estate career. Portions of the course decipher the difference of the Code as an industry standard, moral standard and regulatory standard. Learners will benefit by looking at the regulations from a point of omissions versus nefarious intent. All 17 Articles are explored with emphasis on often overlooked Standards of Practice and review of NAR case studies to underline the Articles.
Fair Housing
Duration: 3 Hours | VREB: 3 CE – 3 PL
Fair Housing is the duty of every real estate agent. The National and State regulations are adhered to closely and consumers are very sensitive to being treated fairly. On a routine ba- sis agents stumble into potential violations of fair housing laws and this course it to help pro- vide the agent with better practices to avoid these violations. The program will help the agents develop a sensitivity to the client and demographic changes that are effecting the business.
Wallet Wise Marketing Techniques for Realtors
Duration: 2 Hours | VREB: 1 CE – 1 PL
In today’s economic environment agents are being more price-cautious than ever before. Un- fortunately agents are reducing costs on marketing to the detriment of their client or their business. This brief course is an overview of many of the free but valuable tools available to agents. Both on-line and off-line tools are powerful in staying in touch with clients and promoting listings and services. It’s important for the agent to be aware of what works and what doesn’t.
Engage, Edify and Educate: The Basics of Social Media
Duration: 2 Hours
Social media has been shoved into the spotlight by marketing guru’s everywhere, but how does a REALTOR® engage clients? It’s important for agents to know what tools are out there and why they are working to engage, edify and education consumers.
I’m Sooo Blogging This!
The Basic Why and How of Real Estate Blogging
Tweet This!
Tricks, Tools and Techniques for Tweal Estate Pro’s
Duration: 2 Hours
Have you ever wondered how to start and maintain a blog or twitter account? Why does it work and more importantly how does a Real Estate use it to build an online presence? We’ll look at the structure and background of a blog and Twitter account and tools to make the maintenance easier. Students should visit Twitter.com and setup a free account prior to attending the class. Start by following Twitter.com/Mattrathbun
Let’s Go YouTube’in: Styling, Publicizing and Engaging Your YouTube.com Channel
Duration: 2 Hours
YouTube has emerged on the stage as a great way to promote agents, their companies and their listings. Buyers and Sellers are demanding a higher level of promotion and YouTube delivers. We’ll cover what videos work and which don’t tools to create your videos and how to trick a YouTube Channel and find views. Students must go to www.YouTube.com and setup a free account before the attending this class.
Facing Facebook Head On: Tricks to Maintain a Healthy Facebook Lifestyle
Duration: 2 Hours
So everyone keeps telling you how effective Facebook can be, but what about security issues? What should be on Facebook and what shouldn’t be? How can I get a unique webaddress for my profile? How do I set permissions, invitations, Groups and Business pages to represent me and my business? Come join us as we answer all these questions and more! Students must have a Facebook profile before attending this class.
Socializing Your Photo Story Telling
Using Picasa, Flickr and Photos to Engage an Audience
Google Gold
Mastering the Tricks and Tools of Google for REALTORS®
Duration: 2 Hours
They say a picture is worth a 1000 words, but often you wish to tell a story beyond 1000 words, about your community, your listing, market region or more. Engaging a group with photos is an easy task and can really create opportunities. We’ll cover tools to enhance and share your photos for free!
Google is a great search engine, but they have produced countless free tools that will help you and your team in your business. We’ll cover many tools to help you get found Google, use tools to increase productivity, enhance your marketing and manage your online reputation. Student must install Google’s Picasa (free) from www.Google.com/Picasa before this class.
Building Your Tribe
Creating a Complete Marketing Plan with Internet Tools
Duration: 2 Hours
We’re spent six months helping arm you with online tools that engage and now it’s time to put them to work. Don’t be setting around playing with a website, when you could be using a variety of easy tools to create a Tribe – a following of potential clients that look forward to hearing from you. This session will tie together tools to help define you as a trusted advisor and get you found online.
It’s recommended that students read Seth Godin’s book “Tribes – We Need You To Lead Us”
Virginia GRI 401: Understanding Agency
Duration: 8 Hours [Delivered via Local REALTOR® Associations and processed by VAR]
Real estate is about relationships and you need to understand what Virginia law says about your business connections. This in depth review covers the details of brokerage relationships with every customer including buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. In addition, you’ll find all you need to know about property/agency disclosure and confidentiality.
(3 Hours Real Estate Agency; 4 Hours Real Estate Related OR PL 3 Hours Mandatory Residential Real Estate: Agency Law and 4 Hours Elective)
Scheduled through the Virginia Association of REALTORS
Virginia GRI 403: Personal Promotion
Duration: 8 Hours [Delivered via Local REALTOR® Associations and processed by VAR]
You’re a brand whether you like it or not. It’s time you learned how to manage it. This course is optional, but the concepts it covers aren’t. Attend and walk away ready to plan, target, and implement strategic marketing and build an image that will attract clients now and in the years to come.
Scheduled through the Virginia Association of REALTORS
Virginia GRI 404: The Cyber-REALTOR
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB: 7 CE – 7 PL [Delivered via Local REALTOR® Associations and processed by VAR]
There’s a lot of technology available today. Attend this course to make sense of it all. Today’s competitive Realtors® are the ones making smart choices in relation to hardware, software, and communications tools (including Facebook, e-mail, websites, and more). This session is a great starter for those who want to join the technology elite, those who are struggling to keep up, and everyone in between.
Scheduled through the Virginia Association of REALTORS
Virginia GRI 411: Successful Settlement – Managing the Transaction
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB: 7 CE 7 PL [Delivered via Local REALTOR® Associations and processed by VAR]
Avoid the angry, anxious, exhausted looks at and after the closing table. Attend this course for tools for managing the transaction including how to organize and communicate for the best possible closing results.
Scheduled through the Virginia Association of REALTORS
Virginia GRI 410: Code of Ethics is Good Business
Duration: 8 Hours | VREB: 7 Ce – 6 PL [Delivered via Local REALTOR® Associations and processed by VAR]
What is the Realtor® Code of Ethics good for? The Code is more than a list of do’s and don’ts. The course covers why the code is important for business success and includes a comprehensive review of the Code and case study analysis that will show you how to practice the code in your business everyday.
Scheduled through the Virginia Association of REALTORS
NAR Real Estate Professional Assistance (REPA Certification)
Duration: 16 Hours
The Real Estate Professional Assistants (REPA) course 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 the listing secretary to the personal assistant, will benefit tremendously from this quick-start program.
At the conclusion of the course you will:
* Be knowledgeable in the day-to-day operations of the real estate businesses, from state laws and regulations down to the conduct of business in a real estate brokerage office.
* Be familiar with terminology used in the real estate business.
* Be able to assist a real estate licensee in: Farming, Marketing, Listing, Showing, Contracting, Inspections, Follow up
* Be able to provide clerical support in the preparation of:Listing agreements, Sales contracts and addenda, Seller net sheets, MLS input and output (CMA)
* Be able to track due dates, deadlines, termination dates, etc. in Listing agreements and contracts.
* Be able to provide general follow up and support to the licensee in day-to-day operations, understanding the specific activities permitted to be performed by a licensed and/or an unlicensed professional assistant.
www.Professional-Assistant.com
Virginia Complete 16 Hour Continuing Ed Program
Duration: 16 Hours | Includes all Virginia Mandatory Topics and Elective Hours
From time to time agents prefer to complete their education requirements in a compact program instead of throughout the two year period. This program is a two day series of classes. Descriptions are listed below the schedule.
| 8-11 | Ethics | 8-11 | Contracts |
| 11-12 | Lunch | 11-12 | Lunch |
| 12-3 | Agency | 12-3 | Real Estate Technology |
| 3-6 | Fair Housing | 3-6 | Legal Update |
Real Estate Technology
A pervasive force in real estate today is technology and specifically online engagement. With a significant number of consumers beginning online and finding the home they eventually purchase, it’s important for agents to have a healthy understanding of the consumer profiles, engagement tools and risk reduction techniques to protect both the clients and themselves. Agents will be able to find new tools and learn how to use them safely.
Ethics
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics has been the foundation of the REALTOR® membership. It dictates the actions of practitioners who have sworn to uphold it’s principals. This presentation takes a look at several facets of Ethical Behavior as defined by the Code. This presentation utilizes video and psychological principals to help determine the public perception of ethical behavior and how it relates to the real estate career. Portions of the course decipher the difference of the Code as an industry standard, moral standard and regulatory standard. Learners will benefit by looking at the regulations from a point of omissions versus nefarious intent. All 17 Articles are explored with emphasis on often overlooked Standards of Practice and review of NAR case studies to underline the Articles.
Legal Update
There are a number of risk management issues that simply don’t get enough attention in our training programs. This class gives a overview of the pitfalls for Escrow management, agency issues with special attention to dual agency concerns and RESPA violations with a strong emphasis on Affiliated Arrangements and Disclosures.
Fair Housing
Fair Housing is the duty of every real estate agent. The National and State regulations are adhered to closely and consumers are very sensitive to being treated fairly. On a routine ba- sis agents stumble into potential violations of fair housing laws and this course it to help provide the agent with better practices to avoid these violations. The program will help the agents develop a sensitivity to the client and demographic changes that are effecting the business.
Contracts
This isn’t your typical contracts course. This course takes the learner through the process of creating and negotiating contracts on behalf of their client’s best interest and thinking about the contract as a blueprint for a successful settlement. This course will discuss contract for- mat, Virginia regulations and writing techniques.
Agency
Agency is the backbone of the real estate industry. These relationships set the tone and out- line of how consumers will be work with their agent and what the agent’s responsibilities are. This course is constructed to reinforce the Virginia regulations pertaining to Agency and prac- tical application of Procuring Cause. We’ll also explore agency disclosure options and tools to ensure compliance with regulations. Case Studies and student engagement makes this class interactive.
Virginia 8 Hour Complete Broker Management Renewal Course
Duration: 8 Hours – Broker Management Specific Hours
| 8-11 | Managing the Short Sale Transaction |
| 11-12 | Lunch |
| 12-3 | Managing Agency Relationships |
| 3-5 | Leading in a 2.0 World (Technology Risk Reduction) |
Broker Management: Managing the Short Sale Transactions
This course is directed at Brokers whose agents are working with buyer or sellers involved in a Short Sale transaction. The current market has created an environment that stretches the understanding of most agents. The basic foundations of the practice of real estate are being abused or abandoned because of the practitioner’s lack of application to the non-traditional transaction. This course is designed to reintegrate basic real estate practice and regulations to the Short Sale transaction. Brokers are given policies and resources to ensure their agents are in compliance. Agents are given tools to better understand how to best protect their client’s interest.
Broker Agency: Managing Relationships
Agency is the foundation of the Real Estate industry. The issue of Procuring cause, levels of relationship and disclosure is complicated for most and the gets lost in importance by most brokers. This course is designed to reinforce those concepts that protect the consumer inter- est and reduce the risk of the Broker. This program reviews relevant and new regulations on how the broker tracks disclosure issues and oversees Agency relationships.
Leading in a 2.0 World
Brokers have a unique opportunity to engage the consumer on a level that has not been possible before, but this online engagement with it’s broad audience, presents unique exposer to liability as well. This course takes Brokers and agents through an overview of today’s tools and how to safely use them to engage and gain a personal connection with potential consumers. We’ll review policies and practices that will help Managers reduce their risk while remaining innovative.
iPad for Real Estate
Duration: 2.5 Hours
So…. You just got that brand-spanking-new iPad and you need to know how the heck it’ll actually help you in Real Estate?
This course explorer’s Apple’s gift to the Real Estate industry to find ways to better serve those who depend on us, be more innovative and most of all have fun! Both new and experienced iPad users will benefit from this program.
There are a number of fantastic apps out there and this workshop will act as both a review of tricks and tools for iPad as well as a brain-share of what the participants are doing Apple insanely cool iPad.
ePRO – NAR Technology Designation
Duration: 8 hours classroom and 8 hours online
With today’s increasingly accessible technology, savvy real estate consumers are able to find the information they need online, at any time. Your job is to use the latest real estate email marketing, web strategies, and social media to make sure they find you first.
e-PRO® will help you connect with online real estate consumers.
We partner with the pros.
Working together with the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI), the National Association of REALTORS® redesigned the e-PRO® curriculum to better meet the challenges of today’s real estate market. The new e-PRO® course will expand your real estate technology skills and help you connect with consumers online via social media, email marketing, and web site promotion.
The two-day e-PRO® course teaches you to:
* Make the most of today’s social media technologies, techniques and best practices
* Implement powerful real estate email marketing and electronic marketing initiatives
* Employ efficient e-office strategies
* Work effectively with rich media technologies
* Identify tools that fit your budget, resources and capabilities
* Create on online presence, and understand the importance of real estate web site promotion
SRS – Seller Representative Specialist Designation
Duration: 16 Hours
Regardless of how long you have been in the business, Seller Agency has been available and more importantly, it remains the primary focus for agents across the country. However, since the advent of Buyer Agency and the emphasis on training how to be an effective buyer representative, it has become apparent we can no longer assume Seller Agents have the same level of effectiveness.
For the last several years, it has been apparent that there has not been training for Seller Agents similar to the REBAC ABR designation disciplines. SRS Council and its Authors, along with the counsel of Tom Dooley, set forth to create a new seller designation that would take a new agent to an accomplished level sooner and an already successful agent to an even higher level of competency.
SRS - Seller Representative Specialist – is the premiere seller agency designation, conferred by the SRS Council, recognizing real estate professionals who have completed special education in seller representation.
Virginia Real Estate Principals and Practice
Duration: 60 Hours | Approved for Virginia Real Estate Pre-Licensing Program
In a day when the Real Estate industry is facing significant challenges while representing clients, it’s essential to give new licensees a solid foundation. Traditionally the pre-licensing program has been a “test prep”. Four Pillar’s Pre-License program does prepare the student for passing the Virginia Real Estate Licensing test, but also how to find a broker, market themselves and running their business.
The program will meet three evenings a week from 6pm till 10pm for a period of 5 weeks. A detailed timed outline is attached. Students will be give reading assignments from two primary text books. The Modern Real Estate Practice and Virginia Real Estate Practice and Law from Dearborn Press. Additionally we’ll be using the VREB Rules and Regs and the current version of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics as an example for Ethics training.
Google for Real Estate
Duration: 2 Hours
Google has a wide platform or tools and services beyond it’s basic search engine. This program explores a variety of ways to make sure you can get found on Google, but also covers advanced Google Maps techniques for Realtors, Google Picasa, Google Docs, Google Tools and much, much more!
HAFA ShortSale Certification Program
Duration 8 Hours
This brand-new course from NAR on HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) provides in-depth coverage of US Treasury, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs. Since 2007, short sales have been an unfortunate but widespread fact of many real estate marketplaces and these newly introduced programs assist homeowners who need to sell their homes. This course explains the similarities and differences in the three HAFA programs in detail and will give you the tools to assist your sellers in processing short sales more efficiently. The HAFA Short Sales course counts as one REBAC elective course to be applied towards the ABR® designation. It can be completed in a classroom.
BPOs: The Agent’s Role in Property Valuation
Duration 8 Hours
Whether you are experienced at preparing broker price opinions or are new to the business, this brand-new course from NAR will provide you with the resources and knowledge to reduce your risk and increase your opportunities. Learn about the multiple uses of BPOs and what they can and cannot be used for, how to evaluate and minimize the risk of the valuation process, identify and use effective tools, and filter and select comparables in order to create professional and accurate BPOs.
WordPress Blogging Basics
Have you ever wondered how to start and maintain a blog or have a WordPress Blog and want to know more? Why does it work and more importantly how does a Real Estate Agent use it to build an online presence?
We’ll look at the structure and background of a blog and tools to make the maintenance easier. Agents are encouraged to setup a free blog at WordPress.com before attending the class and to bring their laptops to follow along.
Getting Found Online – Search Engine Optimization for Non-Techies
Everyday we hear how important it is to make sure we are found online. Agents are willing to do what they can to increase their ranking online, but there are very few down-to-earth resources to help. This program is an basic orientation to search engine optimization, what’s important and what isn’t. Content is king, but if no one can find your content – what does it matter? We’ll cover basic “long-tail” issues, Google Analytics, ranking and submission techniques that can help your online presence.
When Do You Sleep? – Free Tools to Tame Your Online Marketing
Have you ever attended a technology class and wondered where the instructor gets the time to do all the stuff they’re talking about? This class will explore the free tools that will help you get your message out, quickly and with as little effort as possible.
Tech On The Go – Mobile Apps for REALTORS®
The mobile world is upon us and there are a lot of tools out there to help REALTORS® be more active, more responsive and more connected. We’ll visit a variety of tools for iPad, iPhone, Droids and other devices. Students are encouraged to bring a list of their favorite applications and tools to share with the class!
Movie Magic: Creating, Editing and Posting Videos with Windows Movie Maker
Videos are a prevailing force in real estate marketing. Many agents aren’t aware of the free Windows Movie Maker program on their PC’s and how easy it is to create outstanding videos for their clients. This program explorers the the process of creating, editing and posting videos on YouTube or their favorite hosting site. Students are encouraged to bring their PC’s to class for a hands-on learning experience.
A New Kind of Engagement
The emergence of a socially connected, digital REALTORS® has created both opportunities and obstacles in the learning process. Our Learners want to connect with us in a more meaningful way and desire to be engaged, even after the formal training opportunity is over. This new focus can be challenging to many instructors. This session will explore ways to engage our learners before & after the program and to be more socially relevant. The wide range of easy-to-use (and mostly free) technologies are a must have for your instructor-toolbox!
The Future of Real Estate
Nah, we can’t really tell the future, but this one hour program does review current trends and emerging technologies that agents should know about. We’ll explore a variety of topics from mobile technology to video and virtual realities. This is a fun and informative session that starts a fantastic conversation about “what if..”.
CBR: Understanding and Leveraging Teams
Real estate brokerage firms face the challenge of a market place that demands higher levels of service from both the brokerage firm and individual agents. This increased demand creates a need for specialization and an unbundling of tasks associated with the real estate transaction (i.e., listing coordination/follow-up, transaction/closing follow-up, buyer’s agents, listing agents, marketing, client services, etc.) At the same time, agents are limited by their individual capacity to perform all of the necessary tasks and continue to maximize their market share and ultimately, their revenue performance. The opportunity exists for agents to improve their performance by building a high performance team. Under this concept, a single agent can delegate, duplicate and eventually replicate work functions by leveraging their business through others. If structured correctly, a multi-agent team can improve efficiency, maximize performance, and increase profitability.
CRB: Tech Tools & Tips for a Successful Business
hen used effectively, technology should generate sales, improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance customer service. And in order to take full advantage of the technology available today, you must identify the needs of your agents and your business. This course will help you develop and implement a comprehensive technology strategy tailored to your specific company goals and marketplace.
CRB: Analyzing Your Company for Profit
Understanding your company’s financials is VITAL for measuring profitability and growth, for creating an annual budget and making long-term plans. Do you know which financial statements you need to review and how you should you analyze them? When your profit margin is not where it needs to be, do you know what you need to do to turn things around? Do you know EXACTLY what your company is worth today?
CRB: Marketing Strategies that Deliver Results
Today’s managers face the challenge of organizing, executing and measuring an effective marketing plan. Their strategy must optimize the firm’s resources and capitalize market opportunities while also considering the role of their agents. When this blend is well executed, the company’s brand is strengthened and agents enjoy reasonable autonomy.
This course is structured to take you from marketing concepts to real world examples, and finally, to a customized, market-specific plan tailored to your company’s needs. You’ll learn to better understand the customer in order to achieve the best return on the marketing investment.
CRB: Business Planning for Maximum Results
Strategic business planning and implementation are fundamental to the success of any real estate company. The plan must be relevant and address both internal and external changes and challenges. In addition, it must be guided by the company’s values and vision and be executed so that every staff and/or team member is positioned to optimize their contribution.
This course provides you with a process for developing a strategic business plan, guidelines for implementing that plan and methods for how to apply the plan to real world situations. In addition, you will have the opportunity to examine a variety of business models, evaluate the impact of those internal and external influences and develop change strategies to meet the ever-evolving business environment. And, at the conclusion of each module you will have constructed a key part of your personalized business plan.
CRB: Real Estate is Risky Business!
Now more than ever, brokerage managers and owners must carefully navigate their firm through an alarming number of risks and liabilities. Successful brokerages must employ solid risk management and reduction practices to insure their company against significant losses, lowered productivity and a damaged reputation. Register today and gain valuable insight as to what types of liabilities are found in everyday transactions and company operations. Participants will develop a risk management strategy filled with the best practices of other brokerages.
CRB: The A.R.T. of Recruiting: Attract & Retain Talent
This hands on and interactive two-day recruiter’s workshop will strengthen and develop the skills of any person within your firm who is responsible for recruiting sales associates. Whether new or seasoned, the participant will walk through the steps of creating the company’s Recruiting Action Plan. This Action Plan will enable the participant to implement both foundational and advanced strategies for creating a high energy office environment that will attract potential recruits and retain existing productive associates. The participant will also develop and learn winning dialogues and best practices that they can immediately put to work, (and try on for size), in a safe group-practice setting.
CRB: Sales Leadership that Drives Performance
Today’s managers must deal with a myriad of leadership challenges, such as recruiting, managing turnover, training and mentoring; in addition to running a successful and profitable business. To succeed, you must develop and implement a leadership strategy that addresses these challenges and have the flexibility to adapt to different personalities and different situations.
This course is designed to help you understand different management and leadership techniques and apply them to real world situations. And at the conclusion of each of module, you’ll construct a key part of your personalized Sales Leadership Strategy.
Comments on this entry are closed.