SOURCE: National Association of Realtors
November 04, 2010 11:31 ET
Evolved e-PRO® Program Helps Realtors® Stay on Top of Technology Trends
NEW ORLEANS, LA--(Marketwire - November 4, 2010) - As technology and social media tools evolve, so does the National Association of Realtors®' e-PRO® certification program. A new e-PRO® curriculum was unveiled today during the 2010 REALTORS® Conference & Expo, as Realtors® attending the conference took the first new courses.
"The e-PRO® certification is one of many ways Realtors® bring value to buyers and sellers," said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz. "NAR works hard to provide members with the best courses and curriculum to make them industry innovators. The new e-PRO® certification program will help Realtors® grow their business, as well as connect with clients on a new level."
The new curriculum was designed through a partnership between NAR and the Social Media Marketing Institute.
The e-PRO® certification was previously managed on NAR's behalf by Internet Crusade and will now be managed by NAR's Real Estate Buyers Agent Council. The revamped program is designed to familiarize Realtors® with the latest technology and social media tools.
One of the differences between the new program and the old is the delivery format. Instead of only one comprehensive online course, e-PRO® will now be available in two parts (day one and day two). The first day will be available in a live classroom setting or online and the second day will be provided online only. Topics covered in the course include the changing market, how to connect with consumers, reputation management and hands-on discovery of business tech tools such as an e-strategy, mobile office and micro-blogging.
"The new e-PRO® program gives Realtors® a roadmap to build their business and serve the hyper-connected consumers of today," said Bob Goldberg, senior vice president of NAR Marketing, Business Development & Commercial Services. "Ultimately, this certification will help Realtors® streamline their business, operate more effectively on the road and contribute to social networks while generating leads and gaining referrals."
To earn the e-PRO® certification, NAR members must complete the two course days in succession and be a Realtor® in good standing with NAR or an NAR cooperating international association. Members who are already e-PRO® certified still retain their certification. Once awarded the e-PRO® certification, members can use the e-PRO® logo and name, receive differentiation at Realtor.org and Realtor.com, gain access to customizable marketing materials, be a part of the e-PRO® online referral networks and more.
The e-PRO® certification program is offered through NAR's REALTOR® Benefits Program. For more information about e-PRO®, visit www.ePRONAR.com.
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
Information about NAR is available at www.REALTOR.org. This and other news releases are posted in the Web site's "News Media" section in the NAR Media Center.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR.