Every new year comes with an opportunity to reflect, start fresh, and make plans to improve. This year, we encourage our REALTOR® members to focus on professional development and make 2021 a year of learning. And Orange County REALTORS® is here to be your personal trainer, get you pumped up, and guide you through a variety of designations and certifications to make you a better REALTOR®.
January: Commitment to Excellence (C2EX)
What better way to kick off the year than to commit yourself to excellence with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) C2EX program! According to NAR, the Commitment to Excellence ;(C2EX) program is meant to “empower REALTORS® to evaluate, enhance, and showcase their highest levels of professionalism. ”C2EX is a self-paced, online program consisting of eleven self-assessments to measure your proficiency in ten aspects of professionalism (eleven for brokers), ranging from customer service to the use of technology. The platform generates a customized learning path and recommends experiences and resources to enhance your individual skillset. Bonus: Completion of C2EX satisfies the Code of Ethics training requirement.
Take C2EX!
February, June, September, and December: At Home with Diversity® (AHWD)
Diversity was a hot topic this past year, and Orange County REALTORS® wants to ensure that its members have access to resources to help them learn to work effectively with—and within—today’s diverse real estate market. The At Home With Diversity® virtual certification course teaches you how to conduct your business with sensitivity to all client profiles and build a business plan to serve them successfully. We encourage all members to attend this course, which is why we are offering it multiple times throughout the year.
Register: February 26, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
June link to come
September link to come
December link to come
March: Green Designation
The Green Designation is designed for agents who are interested in learning more about issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in real estate. As a part of this certification, you will be given access to exclusive marketing tools to help you build your business and gain a comprehensive understanding of how to market homes with green features differently from the way in which you would market traditional homes. If you consider yourself eco-friendly or would like to know more about green living, this designation is for you!
Register: March 10 & 11, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
April: Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE)
Want to become a master negotiator? The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification is for ;real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiating skills and provides REALTORS® with the ;tips and tools they need to be skillful advocates for their clients. If you want to learn how to deal with a variety of personalities as well as situations, you should consider this certification.
Register: April 26 & 27, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
May: Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
Calling all new REALTORS®! The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is perfect for new agents who are working solely with buyers. While earning the ABR® designation, you will receive instruction that elevates your skills and knowledge in the eyes of home buyers. Master the art of working with buyers by earning your ABR® designation in May!
July: Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
Why only think local? With a Certified Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, you can develop and grow your international real estate business. The CIPS designation will provide you with the knowledge, research, network, and tools to globalize your business. As a CIPS designee, you will be connected to a network of more than 3,500 real estate professionals who turn to one another first when looking for global referral partners.
August: Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR)
Given the current unemployment rates, 2021 may see the return of short sales and foreclosures. If that proves to be true, it might be in your best business interest to earn the SFR® certification. This course teaches real estate professionals how to work with distressed sellers and the finance, tax, and legal professionals who can help them, qualify sellers for short sales, develop a short sale package, negotiate with lenders, safeguard your commission, limit risk, and protect buyers.
October: Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)
If you are an owner, broker, manager, or supervisor, the Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) is where you can shine! It is awarded to REALTORS® who have completed advanced educational and professional requirements. This designation will help you streamline your operations, integrate new technology, adjust to trends, and apply new business strategies to your company.
November: Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
Support our veterans by obtaining your Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification. This certification is for agents who want to work with current and former military service members. The MRP certification program educates REALTORS® about working with U.S. service members and veterans to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs while taking full advantage of available benefits and support.