Real Estate Watch: Education a key to representation

I had been in Atlantic City this week, but not to gamble. Instead, attended our Triple Play Realtors Conference.   
There were approximately 8,000 realtors, (final count was not in when I wrote this article) from around the tristate areas, around the U.S. and the globe; who had taken the initiative to come here to learn, increase their knowledge and network with like-minded individuals  to stay updated and ahead in our ever changing industry.  
There are hundreds of  thousands of brokers and salespersons just in the tristate area, so I am surprised and perplexed as to why our attendance wouldn’t be higher?
I believe some of the reasons  are a significant number have jobs and only do this part time, apathy, lack of motivation, no money, and I am sure other reasons.  
However, because it is a business, you need to treat it like one and if done the correct way, you probably wouldn’t need a job and just might have the time to attend these presentations.  
One goes to these events to learn, absorb and implement to hopefully work more professionally, providing service to their client owners, purchasers & investors.  
This in turn will usually earn the broker and agents much more money assuming they are consistently and persistently professional and nice.  
Some of us, like me, no longer are required to take courses, due to the number of years as brokers.  
However some of us again, like me, continue to take courses, stay active & practice our trade, to stay current and up to date, way ahead of our competition.  
For a majority of homeowners, it is the largest  asset that they own.   
Don’t you want to hire the most professional  and knowledgeable broker to sell your most valuable commodity?  
However, you would be surprised at how many people will hire their friends or someone they may like, but lack the necessary credentials to do the best quality job.  Interview your broker and ask pertinent questions as to their designations as a realtor; what courses they have taken up and above their normal required CE (22.5 credits every two years of continuing education) credits.  
I am a graduate of the Realtor Institute with 90 hours of continuing education above a broker) and also a Certified International Property specialist enabling me to transact globally.  
What is their complete marketing plain?  
Do they have their own website and how long has it been online for maximum exposure?  
Are they connected to social media eg. YouTube, Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, Activerain & many, many other sites to maximize the marketing exposure for your properties.  
Remember it’s your property, you are the boss, so why hire just anybody? So don’t settle for second best, forget the rest and hire the best!
Bonus Information for our Readers:
 If you would like to receive a digital copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality,  or “Our Seller’s Guide for “Things to Consider When Selling Your Home” just email me with your name, email and cell number.
Phil Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 7 Bond St. in Great Neck.