For Immediate Release 

Local Real Estate Agent Earns e-PRO Certification

12/14/2009 – Eric P. Egeland of RE/MAX SUBURBAN has successfully completed the e-PRO Technology Certification Program course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered by the National Association of REALTORS^.

The e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

The e-PRO course was recently totally revised to include segments on Social Networking and Web 2.0 marketing.

“Today on the Internet, information about homes, neighborhoods, real estate professionals, the home buying and selling process, lending, you name it, are all available and searchable, at everyone’s fingertips,” said Egeland of RE/MAX SUBURBAN “Being that the real estate business is really an information based business, Web 2.0 will have a major impact on the conduct and process of real estate related objectives by consumers.”

With more than 80% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.

The exclusive e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help REALTORS stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.

Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services.  Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” Egeland said. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public. It only makes sense to work with a REALTOR who is up to speed on today’s technology.”

Both the content and the delivery platform were created by the San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade^. The course instructs participants in the professional use of e-mail, the development of an interactive Web site, and the use of online research tools including Social Media and Web 2.0 instruction. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.

For more information, e-mail Eric at eric.egeland@remax.net or call visit ChicagolandHomeSeller.com