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Why Reading, Taking Classes, And Certifications Are So Important

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

Read For KnowledgeMany 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.

Brian Brumpton
Keller Williams Boise - Boise, ID
Boise Idaho Real Estate

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.

Oct 28, 2009 08:59 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

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!

Oct 28, 2009 09:01 AM
Kate Elim
Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA
Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

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

Oct 28, 2009 09:09 AM
Betina Foreman
WJK Realty - Austin, TX
Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY

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

;)

 

Oct 28, 2009 09:44 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

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!

Oct 28, 2009 10:23 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

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!

Oct 28, 2009 10:41 AM
Coleen DeGroff
Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors - Gainesville, FL
Haile Plantation Real Estate - Gainesville FL

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.  :)

Oct 28, 2009 11:40 AM
Diane Rice
Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL - Lansing, IL
SFR, SRES, CNC

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

Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM
Eric Bouler
Gardner Realtors, Licensed in La. - New Orleans, LA
Listening to your Needs

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

Oct 28, 2009 12:46 PM
Esko Kiuru
Bethesda, MD

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.

Oct 28, 2009 12:47 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

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

Oct 28, 2009 12:53 PM
Theodora Wu
TJ Investments - Burien, WA

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

Oct 28, 2009 03:11 PM
Thom Abbott
MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living - Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Sale

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 28, 2009 04:50 PM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

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.

Oct 28, 2009 11:51 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

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.

Oct 29, 2009 12:42 AM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

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.

Oct 29, 2009 01:45 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

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. 

Oct 29, 2009 02:03 AM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Gary,

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

Oct 29, 2009 04:50 PM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

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.

sacramento short sale agent

Oct 30, 2009 02:16 AM
Patricia Beck
RE/MAX Properties, Inc., ABR, GRI, SRES - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Realty

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

Nov 01, 2009 05:12 PM