Learn How to Increase Your Revenue with Professional Development

In today's competitive market, professional development is one of the best ways to hone your skills and advance your business. Real estate market influences are ever evolving and, now more than ever, successful agents must keep current on trends and issues related to their business.

First, you must determine what the best professional development path for your business is. For example, if you are only representing sellers and want to start working with buyer clients, it would be beneficial to learn the practice of representing buyers, how to fulfill your buyer clients' real estate needs, and how to ensure that transactions proceed smoothly. A course in buyer representation can teach you the necessary skills to ensure you are representing your buyer clients to the best of your ability.

The National Association of REALTORS® offers extensive resources to help you further your skills and remain up-to-date, from online courses through REALTOR® University to webinars, videos, and more. REALTOR® University courses can help you earn NAR designations and certifications, which enhance your reputation, build your referral business, and increase earnings. In fact, REALTORS® who pursue NAR designations and certifications have a distinct competitive edge as a result of their increased expertise and marketability. Based on the 2012 NAR Member Profile survey data, the median income of REALTORS® with no designation was $28,900, and the median income of those with at least one designation was $50,000.

You can complete courses online anytime through REALTOR® University's global online campus. And almost every course is available in a tablet-friendly format so you can easily access courses from anywhere with an Internet connection.

In addition, many REALTOR® University courses are approved for continuing education (CE) credit. Currently 12 courses are approved in over 40 states, and NAR is in the process of securing CE approval for many more courses. So you can acquire leading-edge real estate knowledge and skills as well as earn CE credit at the same time—and at no extra cost.

As you become more specialized in your field of business, your business will grow, as well as your referral network. Learn more at RealtorU.com.