in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• WCAoR Tech Tune-Up • RE/MAX 1 Ground Breaking • Downtown Property Tour • ABoR Night at the Ballpark • and much, much more!
Associates in Progress
Save the Date Home Tour October 15
page 25
See page 2
TM
AUGUST 2011 • VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 4
Back to School: Designations and Certifications Setting Yourself Apart from Your Competition by Stacy Stroud
I
Visit us online 24/7 at www.myRealtyLine.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708
TM
austin
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Printed on recycled paper.
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715
n this highly competitive industry, REALTORS and other industry professionals are continually looking for ways to set themselves apart — and since most are savvy marketers, there’s no limit to the creative ideas that power the growing real estate businesses in Austin. But even in the midst of blogs, virtual tours, QR codes and networking events, there’s still something to be said for good old-fashioned education. Completing certifications and earning designations is one proven way to help you
grow your business and show clients and colleagues that you know your stuff. While coursework for designations is not required to maintain a license, and entirely optional to the REALTOR, those who actively further their education beyond the minimum requirements of state licensure and basic CE credits by pursuing designations tend to stand out from the crowd because of their increased expertise. “Designations and certifications are just another way of confirming with your clients that you are keeping up with industry trends through continuing education,” says Bill Evans at Austin Real Pros. Need proof? A recent survey of REALTORS reveals a difference in median income of approximately $21,800, with
agents holding one or more designations earning a median income of $51,500 — as opposed to those without a designation, who earned a median income of $29,700. According to Kay Andrews of Amelia Bullock REALTORS, “Designations send a clear message to clients: This agent is seasoned, knowledgeable and experienced. They may not know what t h e designations mean, but it gives them a higher
level of confidence in the agent.” Though you may already stand out as an excellent REALTOR or industry professional through experience and reputation, the added boost of confidence that a particular designation may instill in a potential client can tip the scales in your favor. Not only does a designation provide an extra level of assurance to your potential clients, it can also garner credibility and acceptance among other professionals —
Front Page: Continued on pg. 12
Local REALTOR to be Installed as Texas Association of REALTORS Chairman
J
oe Stewart of Joe R. Stewart REALTORS will be inducted as Chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) next month, a huge accolade for one of our local leaders. He also has served the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) in numerous roles including chairman in 2003, and was recognized as ABoR’s REALTOR of
the Year in 1997 and 2004. Realty Line visited with him about his involvement in the state organization and what he sees on the horizon for the industry. What do you hope to accomplish as chairman of the TAR and how might you be different from past chairmen? We have a leadership team at the TAR. CEO Travis Kessler, Shad Bogany, secretary/treasurer from Houston, Dan Hatfield, secretary-elect from Comfort, and Dwight Hale, chairman,
from San Antonio and past chairman when I take office on Jan. 1, 2011. The concept is to work closely with the team to support the membership’s issues for several years to come. The continuity of this leadership team is vital for the future visions and mission statement of TAR. My past experience in the corporate world and as a REALTOR/BROKER allows me to give my best to this team on behalf of the
Chairman: Continued on pg. 26
Upcoming Events Thursday, August 18 Friday, August 26 HBA Builder/Associate Networking Social Champions School of Real Estate 4 Day Cabinets - 5 to 7 p.m. Career Fair - Austin/Round Rock Campus 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ABoR - TREPAC Wine Tasting Tuesday, August 30 Green Pastures - 6 to 8 p.m. HBA Golf Extravaganza More at www.myRealtyLine.com Shadow Glen Golf Club - 12 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, September 1 CCIM Networking Luncheon Westwood Country Club 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 13 NAPMW Monthly Lucheon Westwood Country Club - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.