Welcome to the highest level of expertise in the real estate industry. With the average real estate agent only selling around six homes per year and the threat of an ever changing economy, it is time for a new breed of real estate agent. The Certified Expert Advisor™ has emerged as the leader in specialized knowledge, specialized skills and advisory services in the real estate industry. Passionate, experienced agents across the country are learning how to be the preeminent choice for sellers engaging in the real estate market today. The Expert Advisor™ is the real estate agent of choice to professionals, business owners, community leaders, doctors and lawyers who understand that to run a real estate business you must have the highest level of specialized knowledge, a solid track record of success and the systems and resources to execute a proven plan.
The mission of the National Association of Expert Advisors® is to revolutionize the way consumers sell real estate by providing the highest standards in specialized knowledge, skills training and advisory counsel to the highest class of real estate agents in the nation. Consumers will experience exceptional professional services, guidance and advice that is best for their current real estate situation.
“Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®)” Designation
Professional negotiation skills are a must for all real estate agents helping home buyers and sellers, especially in the current market.
George Woods has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®) designation by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE® is earned by real estate professionals after successfully completing formal negotiation training from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute. Agents who receive this certification are in the top 1% of all agents nationally.
With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of their home. CNE® agents have a powerful competitive edge because of their ability to 1) communicate effectively to uncover more information, 2) help clients understand their options, 3) work collaboratively with others, and 4) resolve deadlocks. CNE® agents have a thorough understanding of how to negotiate effectively to help achieve their client’s goals.
The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry. Tom Hayman, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, is a professional negotiator with 35+ years of negotiation experience, including 25 years with The Procter and Gamble Company (Fortune 50 company). Hayman asserts “Any Buyer or Seller who hires a CNE® agent can feel confident they have one of the best trained negotiators in real estate. They should achieve superior results and have better resolution of all issues when represented by a CNE® agent.”
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative
With over 40,000 members, REBAC is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Over 30,000 ABR® designees have completed the REBAC course, passed the test and provided documentation of buyer agency experience.
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (REBAC) of The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria. When you can’t count on the market, you have to count on the skills of your ABR®. ABR® education provides the buyer representation expertise you need for an edge in today’s evermore competitive market.
You Want to Buy a Home
It’s a big decision and there’s a lot to learn, but you’ve decided to buy a home. This, quick-reference guide provides the information and tools you need to help you find a home that’s right for you. As you follow these ten steps, gather information and work with your ABR®, you will chart a personalized map that will help you find, purchase, and finance a home that meets your needs and preferences.
10 Steps to Choosing and Purchasing Your Home
-
- Find a Qualified Buyer’s Representative
- Assess Your Credit and Finances
- Assess Your Wants and Needs
- Shop for a Home
- Negotiate Terms
- Obtain a Mortgage
- Prepare for the Close (Transfer Ownership)
- Close
- Move
- Celebrate
Find a Qualified Buyer’s Representative
How often do you purchase real estate? Once, twice, three times in your lifetime? So you can hardly be expected to know all the ins and outs of such a major transaction complicated by so many details. In most transactions, sellers are represented by a listing agent who minds these details and their client’s best interests. As a buyer, don’t you also want complete and fair representation in your real estate transaction? Real estate buyer’s representatives are responsible for protecting the best interests of their clients—buyers like you—and can guide you through every step of the process. So the first step, and perhaps the most important, is finding your buyer’s representative.
What is a Buyer’s Representative?
Defined most simply, a buyer’s representative (or buyer’s agent) is an advocate for the buyer—not the seller—in a real estate transaction. Real estate laws and regulations vary from state to state, but buyer’s representatives usually owe full fiduciary (legal) duties, including loyalty and confidentiality, to their buyer-clients and keep their best interests in mind through the entire transaction. In some states, consumer protection legislation has been enacted that defines the assumed relationship between a buyer and a real estate agent as that of client and buyer’s representative. Regardless, to ensure that you are working with a buyer’s representative, the two of you should sign a written buyer representation agreement that defines your buyer’s representative’s responsibilities and obligations, and yours also. Consult with your local REALTOR® Association or state real estate regulatory agency for the agency laws that govern your state.
Why Should I Use a Buyer’s Representative?
The two most important reasons to use a buyer’s representative are protection and efficiency. Most likely, the seller of whatever property you buy will be represented by a listing agent who can provide expertise throughout the transaction. Don’t you want the same kind of service as a buyer? A buyer’s representative can provide you with the expertise you need through the entire transaction. According to NAR research, buyers who work with a buyer’s representative also find their homes quicker, while viewing more properties in their search, than buyers who do not engage a buyer’s representative.
What is an e-PRO—and why should you use one?
A short guide for the Internet consumer e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism.
e-PRO® is not just about technology – it’s about how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people-skills, into doing more business on the Internet.
When you’re on the Internet, you don’t have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you’d like a real estate agent who:
Answers e-mail promptly and professionally.
Respects your on-line privacy.
Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home. An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today’s consumer really wants. What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional. More privacy
Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They’ve learned the Web isn’t just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust. That’s why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don’t send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.
Less hassle
Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:
On-line home tours
Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data
Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria
Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information——even potential buyers——from other e-PROs
Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area
Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail
Advanced software, PDAs, and laptops to find you answers on the spot
The result: you get more information, more easily. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.
Less expense
An e-PRO’s access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you’re likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings—and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.
Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you’re in town—or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you’ve decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.
Should you use an e-PRO? Yes—especially if you’re an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it’s a safe bet you’ll get the kind of service you want—and need.
CNHS – Real Estate’s Premier New Home Sales Designation
The real estate industry’s most comprehensive new home sales course to earn his national designation as a Certified New Home Specialist™. With this designation, he joins a group of the most successful and highly respected individuals in the profession of real estate.
“This course is recognized as one of the very best ever offered in real estate,” explains Mr. Woods. “The training covered architectural design and planning, blueprint reading, topography, building site design, evaluating quality construction, materials, methods, construction terminology and scheduling. We also studied successful buyer/builder relations, all aspects of customer service and the use of various organizational tools and systems. I’ll be able to do a professional job of assisting anyone interested in a brand new or existing home.”
“I’m excited to have more of our associates earning this certification,” explained Ray Berdiner – Broker/Owner at Re/Max Patriots. “Knowledge is power, and I believe this training really sets our people apart when it comes to helping builders market new homes and home buyers make their best decisions.”
Completion of the Certified New Home Specialist™ training involves over 20 hours of interactive computer-based course work, successful completion of the 200-page workbook and a 90% or better score on the certification test.