Center for REALTOR® Development

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) was formed in 1947 by nine African American Founders as a response to the denied access African American brokers were experiencing when it came to selling homes. With 75 years in existence, the association lives by five important pillars: 1) Civic and Faith-Based Engagement. 2) Women Invested In Real Estate — WIRE. 3) Diversity, Equity, Inclu...

This episode covers some of the great ways you can engage agents and consumers with the support of the brokerage. Every brokerage has its unique way of doing things, so it's important to really understand the culture of the organization you're in and the benefits you have access to. Chris Whitten breaks down his consumer-centric brokerage model that empowers his agents to be well-connected in the...

We all know that social media can be a time-wasting black hole. We also know it can be an amazing tool to connect with loved ones, friends, and potential clients. How do you balance both without feeling overwhelmed? Today's guest, Harrison Beacher knows how to get the most out of your social media presence, without the overwhelm! In this episode, he offers strategies to create a comprehensive soci...

Gary Rogers knows a thing or two about networking. The saying might be overdone but it is true: Your network is your net worth. But, did you know a lot of REALTORS® do networking the wrong way? Instead of trying to spin your wheels, here's how you can leverage agent-to-agent referrals that create a collaborative relationship with you and your colleagues and not a competitive one. The ripple effect...

As many of us started to incorporate technology into our real estate business to make things easier and more automated, something else started to drop by the wayside: relationships. Throw the pandemic into the mix, where it was highly discouraged to be face-to-face with our customers, and we are now faced with a big need in the market for personable and friendly real estate agents that can connect...

    What does a good real estate team look like? The answer can be very varied and diverse, and it's also very individual to your specific needs. However, our guest has identified some key principles on when it makes sense to move forward with a team based on your unique situation. Brandon Martens is the Team Lead for The InRealty Group of Hegg REALTORS®. He is passionate about leading his team wi...

Do you have a date on your calendar to start business planning for 2022? Agents with a plan are more likely to reach their financial goals than those who "wing it." However, there can be a lot of moving pieces involved before you can get a clear picture of what to focus on first. Our guest, Brent Lancaster, is not only knowledgeable in real estate, but he loves to educate agents on the business of...

Are you a REALTOR® who would consider themselves a leader? The NAR's Leadership Academy provides leadership training and networking opportunities for all levels. In this episode, Shannon Buss joins Monica to talk about leadership, professionalism, and the benefits of the leadership academies. They discuss how we can lean into leadership and professionalism in the industry, how we lead as real esta...

Real estate is happening all over the world, whether we are following other markets or not. When we connect with agents from other countries, they can help us understand culture and client expectations, which in turn helps us successfully conduct business globally. This episode is all about the benefits of being an International REALTOR® Member (IRM). Our guests Tarun Bhatia and Ana Beatriz Muñoz...

The collapse of the Champlain Towers has been a mysterious and important event in the real estate world, especially for the families deeply affected by the tragedy. It brought to light some of the essential things to note for environmentally-challenged properties; all buildings do degrade and are affected by the elements of nature. Our guest, Linda Olson is a REALTOR® and environment consultant in...

In property management, service animals, emotional support animals, and pets, in general, are big considerations that will come up for potential tenants. As REALTORS®, property managers, and landlords, it's important to know how to do things right to help honor those tenants who really do need the help that comes from having a service or emotional support animal. Cynthia DeLuca is on this episode...

Sustainability is an evolving topic in our culture and in many industries, and real estate is no exception! In this episode, expert Melisa Camp joins Monica to discuss sustainability inside our homes, as well as in the construction of new homes. They talk about new ways to take care of the resources we have, the opportunities in the industry, and how to tend to our health and finances on this jour...

In the real estate industry, we always need to be aware of leveling up our financial situation. In this episode, Rich Arzaga joins Monica to talk about all things financial wellness. Rich shares information about licensing, credentials, and how financial planners get paid, as well as some things to look out for when choosing a financial planner. They also discuss different investment platforms and...

Center for REALTOR ® Development 056: Residential Real Estate Disclosures with Bruce Aydt   While laws on this topic vary from state to state, good disclosure by the seller helps everyone involved in the real estate transaction. In this episode, guest Bruce Aydt joins Monica to talk all things disclosure. They discuss what should or should not be disclosed when it comes to current property status,...

There are so many benefits for real estate agents and REALTOR ® members of local associations. Adorna Carroll is on the show to talk about everything that associations have to offer their members. Monica and Adorna share some of the benefits of joining an association, as well as best practices for engaging with your local, state, or national association.   There are several values that association...

The need for affordable housing exists in communities across the country. This episode's guest, William Baylor, joins Monica to talk about current federal affordable housing initiatives, as well as the personal initiatives he's involved with in his own market of Birmingham. This episode will provide ideas and resources for how agents can help find rental and purchase opportunities in their marketp...

Photos are a must-have when it comes to marketing a home for a listing. In this episode, photographer and real estate agent Brian Copeland shares his thoughts on the importance of great photos for your listings. Brian and Monica discuss the equipment and software that real estate agents can use to get the best photos (and the best price) for their listings.   In the climate of the pandemic, virtua...

Although we are in a multiple-offer market, the appraisal process remains a challenge for real estate agents across the country. In this episode, Candy Cooke joins Monica to discuss some of the best ways to work with appraisers to make more deals. In a fast-moving market, everyone involved in the transaction is a team. It is crucial for REALTORS ® and appraisers to work together to get people in h...

In an active seller's market, there's a huge advantage for real estate agents who utilize multiple offer strategies. There are inventory issues in many of the markets in our country right now, which can be difficult for buyers, sellers, and agents alike. In today's episode, Dale Chumbley shares several best practices for real estate agents to help your buyers or sellers win in a multiple-offer mar...

This episode is all about cybersecurity and protecting your information. Juanita McDowell joins Monica to share her effective and easy-to-implement tips to keep your data safe. They talk about what cybersecurity is, what we really need to protect, and best practices for several different platforms that agents use regularly in their business.   Some agents will collect the same information as an on...

NAR has a new opportunity for you, our members! NAR has partnered with Columbia College for a higher education opportunity in real estate. NAR Academy at Columbia College seeks to facilitate excellent college and certificate programs for agents, brokers, and other industry professionals. In today's episode, Marc and Raj talk about the courses offered through NAR Academy as well as some of the many...

Growing awareness among real estate professionals has resulted in a clearer understanding that fair housing in America is still an issue. Bryan Greene is the Director of Fair Housing Policy at NAR, and he joins Monica to discuss the state of fair housing in America. He talks about the history that led us to where we are today, as well as what tools NAR is using to help their agents start making a...

Social media is a huge part of real estate, especially in today's climate. Social media is the modern method of communication, and also allows small businesses and individuals to have a broad impact. Katie Lance is an industry social media expert and has been focusing on how to help REALTORS ® make the most of their business through social media. In today's episode, Katie and Monica talk about con...

Today's episode is about lead generation and getting new business. Our guest, Sean Carpenter, shares his definition of relationships, and several different ways you can generate leads using "RELATIONSHIPS" as an acrostic. REALTORS ® are always trying to generate new business, and the best way for agents to do that is through consistency, value, and RELATIONSHIPS.   Relationships are the key to the...

Today's episode is all about what goes on behind the mortgage curtain. REALTORS ® work closely with lenders and need to know how to ask better questions of the experts. Our guest, Michael "Smit" Smith, shares advice on how to choose more qualified lenders and what questions you can ask to work better with lenders.   It is important for REALTORS ® to have some knowledge of the lending process, so t...