The real estate sector is an integral part of the US economy and has been a source of strength in recent economic downturns. This sector brings in millions of dollars in revenue and also creates employment opportunities for many. The role of real estate is to basically provide housing for families, and land for commercial businesses.
The real estate market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years according to a report published by RREEF Real Estate. This sector is attracting many investors from across the globe which ultimately adds to the overall GDP. Retail real estate, industrial real estate, and office real estate are few of the main sectors that may experience a steady growth from year 2014-2015. US real estate is back!
Many individuals are preparing for careers in real estate due to the positive employment outlook and industry trends. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted a faster than average growth rate for real estate brokers and agents. Working as a real estate broker may require certification and a license.
Real Estate Education
The work of a real estate professional involves a complicated blend of skills and knowledge in mortgage and finance, accounting, property laws, negotiating, and more. The education needed to prepare for a career in real estate must take into account all the diverse skills that are required to succeed in this industry. There are a number of schools offering real estate certificate courses. Real estate education is necessary to acquire. Real estate courses will cover topic areas like economics, investment and property analysis, marketing, and relevant laws.
After completing a course in real estate, students can opt for a certification as well as license. The requirements for obtaining a broker license may vary from state to state. On the other hand, being a certified real estate agent may help with different career opportunities. There are a few credentialing organizations that certify real estate professionals in the US.
Real Estate Certification
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Cornell University are offering real estate certification to interested individuals. Individuals can apply for such certifications by completing the minimum requirements and passing the certifying exam. Here are the details of various real estate certifications available:
1. Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist RSPS Certification
This certification is designed for individuals who want to specialize in managing investment properties, recreational properties, hotel and resort properties, and retirement properties.
2. Offered by:
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
3. Requirements:
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Complete a resort and second-home market course
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Pass the certification exam with at least a score of 80%
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Pay an application fee of $195
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Complete and submit an application online
4. The Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification
This certification is designed for realtors who want to work with buyers and sellers of distressed property.
5. Offered by:
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
6. Educational Requirements:
Complete any one of the core courses and electives:
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Short sales and foreclosure
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Guiding the buyer in distressed property market
7. Other Requirements:
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Professional affiliation with NAR
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Submit an application and send it via email
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Pay an application fee of $175
Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification
The MRP certification is designed for individuals who want to work with former and current military officials, and help them find suitable housing solutions. Individuals will be certified to help the families of military professionals sell and buy property.
Offered by:
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Educational Requirements:
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Complete a course that provides you with in-depth understanding of the military and military culture
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Complete a one-day course regarding military relocation
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Complete at least two webinars on: VA home purchase financing and options for disabled service members and veterans, and VA Compromise sale
Other requirements:
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Earn over 80% scores in the certification examination
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Must be affiliated with NAR
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Submit an online application and pay a $195 application fee
At Home With Diversity (AHWD) certification
This certification is designed to enable realtors to work within a multicultural market. Individuals will be able to understand the housing laws and the expanding market.
Offered by:
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Requirements:
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Complete a “At home with diversity course” offered by NAR.
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Pass the certification examination
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Submit an application
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Pay the $49 application fee
The Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPO)
This certification is designed to help individuals work with in the residential real estate market. The certification will enhance BPO skills, and also allow students to apply alternative valuation techniques and risk management techniques.
Offered by:
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Educational Requirements:
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Complete a one hour webinar on BPO practices
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Complete classes that cover the role of BPO’s and valuation processes
Other requirements:
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Affiliated member of NAR
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Pass the certification exam with 80% or more scores
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Must have a real estate license
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Must have an E$O policy with $250,000 coverage policy per incident and $500,00 aggregate maximum
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Complete a criminal background check
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Submit an online application
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Submit the application $199 fee
e-PRO Certification
This certification will allow individuals to effectively use technology to promote their real estate businesses. Various social media strategies and advanced technology can be used to boost service effectiveness, customer base, and company recognition.
Offered by:
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Requirements:
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Complete a two-day course offered by NAR
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Must be an affiliated member of NAR
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Must pay the fee for classroom or online courses
Advanced Certificate in Real Estate and Hotel Investment
This certification is basically designed for managers how wish to work in the rapidly-growing real estate industry.
Offered by:
Cornell University- School of Hotel Administration
Educational Requirements:
Completion of a six-day classroom course and various online courses such as the following:
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Developing asset management strategy
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Valuing hotel intellectual property and structuring the capital stock
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Valuing hotel investment through effective forecasting
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Control of hotel real estate
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Financial analysis of hotel investments
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Achieving hotel asset management objectives
Benefits of getting a real estate certification
Whether you plan to be self employed or want to work with a well-known real estate firm, being certified in your field can boost career opportunities. A Certification will reflect your expertise and skill in real estate.
Career Outlook
With an 11% employment growth rate, real estate professionals are in demand. Real estate brokers can work as self-employed and offer services to individual clients. The median annual wage of real estate brokers and sales agents, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $41,990 in 2012.