Agent Education

It's an exceptionally busy time in my business right now.  In fact, I told my better half this week that I need to remind myself to breathe I'm so busy!  And so, in the midst of this busyness, on Wednesday of this week, I headed into DC for the National Association of REALTORS mid-year convention. Someone who knows how busy I am right now questioned my sanity in taking out an entire day in my schedule to do this.  Thinking about my response to him, it seemed worth an entry here.

First of all, I had made a commitment to work at the Habitat for Humanity booth at the Trade show for a couple of hours that day.  A commitment is a commitment is a commitment!  I will try to move heaven and earth to keep a commitment I make.

But I also believe that I am a better agent for the time I spend at such events. No, I KNOW I'm a better agent because of it!  The current state requirement for continuing education here in Virginia are that I complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two year period.  That's a ludicrously tiny amount of additional education and training in a profession that's changing almost daily!  And so, I'm constantly pushing myself to learn more,  know more, take more classes and get more information.  That information is not only a competitive advantage for me in my business.  It also gives my clients an edge as I help them buy and sell homes.

I had the pleasure of taking a two day training course not long ago on the implementation of systems in a real estate business.  While that topic sounds likely to be beneficial in making my business run more efficiently you wouldn't necessarily think there'd be any immediate benefit to my clients. However, within 24 hours of returning from this course I had two occasions to use insights gained from the class to better negotiate on behalf of sellers I am representing.  That course will directly translate into more money in my seller's pockets and less aggravation throughout the home sale process.

I'd like to see the state requirements for continuing education increased dramatically.  But I'd also like to see the other members of my profession step up and challenge themselves to learn more.  If this profession wants more respect it's up to each of us to work to earn it!