From the GCAAR classroom

Center for REALTOR ® Development

GCAAR is excited to be part of the National Association of REALTORS ® (NAR) Center for REALTOR ® Development, designed to help REALTORS ® grow their real estate business and to keep members up to date with professional requirements.

The Center for REALTOR ® Development:

• Provides online courses that can help you earn NAR credentials, designations and certifications. These courses teach skills in pricing and listing properties, helping clients make more informed decisions based on their needs and working with military service members. • Provides online continuing education courses for some local jurisdictions. • Provides Code of Ethics training for members of NAR.

Code of Ethics Training

All REALTOR ® members must complete at least two-and-a-half hours of ethics training during a cycle. In November 2019, NAR’s Board of Directors approved a change to extend the required cycles to three (3) years, starting with the current cycle, which was extended to December 31, 2021. To meet the Code of Ethics requirement, current REALTOR ® members must complete Code of Ethics training between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021.

Training may be completed through a free course offered by the Center for REALTOR ® Development, through courses offered by local REALTOR ® associations, or an alternative class. The class must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Associa tion of REALTORS ® .

GCAAR members who complete a GCAAR Code of Ethics continuing education course during the current cycle will fulfill the requirement, and GCAAR will report the training directly to NAR. GCAAR members who complete Code of Ethics training through the CE Shop or a qualifying alternative class should submit the completion certification to GCAAR’s education team. GCAAR will then report the completion to NAR. The completion certificate should be sent to education@gcaar.com.

Don’t wait until the deadline to complete or report your training! Doing so could result in suspension of your NAR membership. For more information about the requirements and to review the frequently asked questions, visit www.nar.realtor/codeofethics.

Check us out on the GCAAR website!

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See the schedule of upcoming classes at www.gcaar.com/classes.

Find important resources to build and grow your brand.

Stay up-to-date on licensing requirements and your CE status.

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When was the last time you helped a client buy or sell a property with a well or septic system? If you haven’t yet, chances are you will at some point in your career. According to Eric Garrett, technical development trainer at GCAAR Affiliate Home Land Environmental, “it’s important for REALTORS ® to understand septic systems.” He has some fast facts to get you started.

1. Septic systems require maintenance.

”Proper maintenance includes not flushing feminine products, baby wipes or personal wipes. It is also important to limit the use of a garbage disposal,” says Eric. All tanks need to be pumped or cleaned out every one to five years, depending on the size of the septic tank and number of people in the home.

2. But they don’t last forever!

Septic systems are designed to last for 30 to 40 years, with routine maintenance. But eventually, they will need to be replaced. “Generally, signs that a septic system is not working as designed are multiple slow-draining fixtures in the home, back-ups into the home or septic tank, and surfacing effluent in the yard,” says Eric.

3. They should be inspected during a sale.

“During the inspection process, digging may be necessary to access parts of the septic tank,” says Eric. “A properly functioning septic system works by trapping solid waste in the septic tank and allowing the liquid effluent to be reabsorbed and filter into the ground via the absorption area.”

4. All wells aren’t equal.

“Buyers should be aware of both quality and quantity,” says Eric. “The water should be safe to consume and they should have a well that can produce enough water to fulfill their needs.” A seller’s water needs might be different from a buyer’s, depending on the number of people in the home, hobbies and water consumption practices.

5. Don’t be intimidated!

“Agents, along with buyers, should not fear a home that uses well water or a septic system,” says Eric. “They should understand that they are two more systems a home can have, just like the HVAC system.”

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