So, if you haven’t noticed yet…on my website (by my name) it says e-Pro. Why? Well, hello, because I am e-Pro certified. What is e-Pro? I have had a few people ask what this certification was about. So, in this blog, I will inform all of you who are ‘not informed’ on what e-pro actually is. 
What is an e-PRO—— and why should you use one?
A short guide for the Internet consumer
When you’re on the Internet, you don’t have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you’d like a real estate agent who
- Answers e-mail promptly and professionally.
- Respects your on-line privacy.
- Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home.
Enter the e-PRO.
An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today’s consumer really wants.
What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional.
More privacy
Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They’ve learned the Web isn’t just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust.
That’s why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don’t send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.
Less hassle
Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:
- On-line home tours
- Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data
- Extensive property listings
- Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria
- Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information——even potential buyers——from other e-PROs
- Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area
- Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail
- Advanced software, PDAs, and laptops to find you answers on the spot
The result: you get more information, more easily. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.
Less expense
An e-PRO’s access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you’re likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings——and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.
Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you’re in town——or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you’ve decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.
Should you use an e-PRO? Yes——especially if you’re an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it’s a safe bet you’ll get the kind of service you want——and need.
Lindsay,
Great post. I’m very much involved with internet marketing and working paperless. I can’t say that I’ve ever been much on designations, but E-Pro has been in the back of my mind. What can you tell me about how obtaining this designation has help your buisness?
Comment by James Dudley — January 17, 2008 @ 8:51 pm |
At this point, I haven’t been able to say “That sell was b/c of my e-Pro certification”. I just think that down the road, consumers are going to start looking for it. You actually have six months to finish the course and I did it in three days. Of course, I was at the computer for those three days, nonstop.
e-Pro, it’s actually for the ones that are not internet savy. I did learn a good bit from it though. I assure you though, if you are internet savy, you will breeze through it. It’s basically letting your clients know that you ARE internet savy.
From all of my readings, real estate is heading straight to the internet. I think 70% go online first before calling an agent. To me, this makes it even more important to know what is all out there and what are some of your options.
I took the e-Pro and REW certification. When comparing the two, REW was way more advanced than e-Pro. It’s not a certification that everyone has heard about yet. I know it will soon get around, though. I think I learned more from the REW than the e-Pro, but like I said- I think that consumers (down the road) will start to look for that certification. I only assume this b/c of the simple fact of real estate moving toward the internet.
Both certifications were very beneficial. A lot of agents, I’ve read, think that e-Pro is basically just trying to push products. I don’t think this is the case. I actually enjoyed reading and learning about all the internet tools that are out there that I didn’t know about.
I’m not sure if http://www.epronar.com gives you information about the Module but I think that since I have gotten my membership I can still look at it. If you would like I can copy and paste the classes to let you know what it’s about and what you will be learning. Also, if you are interested in the REW certification, go to http://www.webographers.com. I’m not sure if you would even be interested in this certification, but if you are I have a few 25% coupons off the initial price for friends and so forth. I hope this answered some of your questions
Comment by forsalebylindsay — January 19, 2008 @ 6:01 pm |