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Why Reading, Taking Classes, And Certifications Are So Important

Read For Knowledge Many real estate agents along their career paths go in to somewhat of a cruise mentality when it comes to continuing education. There is a fundamental reason

Why reading, taking classes, and certifications are so important.

That is, because no one can ever take it away from you.

Designations, licenses, certifications, multiple degrees, cross training in different areas, technology skills, etc. all make you a very valuable YOU in the marketplace not only individually but also to your family. You should not look at education as a grind, but new kinds of exploring and adventure. Take it with a sense of wonder. All subjects will not appeal to you of course, but keep trying many of them.

The second tip beyond no one taking away what you earned is COMPLETE a program. Don't be one who just takes classes but if you want a degree or an advanced degree, GET IT. Want to be a Broker? Get it. Want a Staging certification? Get it. Want to also sell insurance? Get licensed. The world is yours for the taking once properly trained. You can NEVER get too much education.

Enjoy learning. It really polishes up that great mind that we all knew you had all along.

Be a lifelong learner. Then you can turn around and teach others.

Posted by Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth on 10/28/2009 03:44 PM

Comments (25)

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25 Comments on Why Reading, Taking Classes, And Certifications Are So Important

OCT

Education should never stop in life. An occupied mind is a productive mind. Thanks.

As I sit here trying to decide whether to take the new NAR Short Sale class offered by Liniger at a discount for 24 hours, your post crops up!

You have to stay on top of your game if you want to be successful. To stay on top, you have to be educated - every day, not just 10 or 20 years ago when you first got your license. What was relevant 5 years ago is quite different today.

If you don't like to read, surprise yourself and see how your additude changes after a few books. All part of learning and getting certified.

So true. Learning is a great thing to get hooked on. I just finished up my MBA and, already, I find myself wondering which degree/ designation to pursue next . . .

Gary,

Couldn't agree more. I was conversing with a friend about this very thing when they said to me, "I haven't read a book in 3 years." I was floored. I love to read and learn new things.

I love the learning process and using that gained knowledge in my business. It only enhances and enables me do be a true professional. Thank you Gary for a well-written and meaningful post!

Hi Gary...I earned my GRI the first year I was in real estate, 23 years ago, and have not stopped taking class since. I enjoy them. I'm always learning something new. That's why so many of us find Active Rain to so helpful also. It is a great place to learn different marketing tecniques and a multitude of other thins helpfl to our business success.

Kate

I love to read and do it every chance I get! Learning should be mandatory for everyone forever!

;)

Gary, first of all, reading is my favorite past-time. I just wish I had more time to do it! Continuing Education is not only important but it keeps us sharp! Of course I wish we could get CE credit for some of the things we learn here onAR!

Gary...reading is one of the most important things we can do to keep up with the times. We may not think we are learning...but every now and again something pops into our minds that we learned unexpectedly!

Amen, brother! Learning new things keeps the brain busy, and keeps us growing! This market is a great time for us to get new certifications, brush up on Web 2.0 skills, and network network network....because it won't be slow forever. :)

Gary... have you missed your calling? OK - we get it... you are using Active Rain to practice, right?

I read your blog and become like a sponge. The power to get informal learning has never been greater with the internet. Good article.

Gary,

Changes are coming fast and furious, so the only way to keep up with at least some of them is read, read, read. Then you can professionally help your clients achieve their goals.

Gary, I'm bored when I'm not learning something. I don't always learn useful information but I do keep learning.

Education is very important. There are always new things to consider so that you can be a better asset to those you work with.

Gary....so right you are! I'm always trying to learn new things and new skills, but I just don't seem to have enough hours in the day! Yikes...here I am at 12:55am doing AR comments!

And I thought I worked to many hours in the corporate world....Ha Ha!

OCT

This is certainly a business where you can never learn too much and you should truly never stop learning. There's a lot to know and you never know it all.

Hi Gry,

Learning is a lifelong process. Reading is one of the best ways to stay informed. Every business changes and you need to change with it. Then there are things like values that never change....they are always applied to every situation. Thanks for your post.

You are right on the money. No one can take it away. It makes you a wiser person and overall a better asset to your client.

Gary: I loved taking the GRI. So informative. And with all day classes, you never just skimmed the surface of something. I'm thinking I'll go for my Broker's license next year.

Gary,

Just took SRES and am proud to have done so . We learned so much in the classes!,

OCT

Hi Gary: The day an agent decides to stop learning is the day the agent should leave the business. It's constantly changing and evolving. Stuff changes all the time. However, I must admit that I'm one of those people who will just take the classes and probably not graduate. I don't set my sights on the degree. I set them on the process. It's a journey without a destination.

NOV

This is super important! I just got back into reading (not just real estate material!) and am really enjoying it.

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