Certification

[Canary Admin Services]

Hi, I've been involved in Real Estate in Spain for 9 years and I have included that as part of my VA services. I am interested in becoming certified and joining Real Estate forums etc but I'm having real difficulty so I wanted to please ask:

1. If any of you have really benefitted from being certified.
2. Where I can get certified or recommended courses
3. If anyone knows if REVA network still exists

I have been trying to register at REVA network for over a month but the registry form doesn't work properly and they do not respond to emails...

Thanks a lot

[Apex Virtual Assistance]

Hi Sabrina,

You'll find that everyone has their own view point on certifications. I think that it really depends on the individual when it comes to the value of it. The focus should be on the skill learned and not so much on whether or not you're certified. My suggestion is to focus on courses that will add value to your business. And by value I mean courses that will teach you something you don't already know or ones that will help you sharpen skills you already possess. In order to be a successful business owner, you should always be learning.

I am not sure if REVA Network is still operating but I know that Pam Ivey has a Real Estate Assistant course that can be found here: http://pamivey.com/reacert.html. I haven't taken it but I have heard great things about her.

All the best with your business,

[Canary Admin Services]

Thanks Trena for the link you've provided. I'm taking a look at it now. My focus isn't so much on the actual certification even though it would be great to add to my site, I already have more than 9 years real estate experience but I would like to look at virtual specific techniques etc to add to my skills as well as connecting with other REVA's. Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it

[leedrozak]

Sabrina,

As Trena pointed out there are different views on certifications. You need to look at what benefit certification has in your target. Real Estate is a field where certifications may count because you need the continued education to keep up with the changes, especially here in the US (not sure how Spain fairs on that).

Rather than only looking for REVA networks you should also look for RE networks where you can connect with your target and find out what is important to them both now and down the road. You can also connect with agents in the field to find out what support issues they have, what software they see themselves using in the future, etc. Those who are prospects will lead you to where you need to concentrate your efforts.

[CCI Virtual Solutions Center]

Is it really necessary to become certified as a real estate assistant? I worked for a broker for over a year without any certifications. I'm trying not to pay out money if I dont have to.

[Canary Admin Services]

It's not that it is necessary, I have also worked for various estate agents and even set up a successful business (albeit for someone else!) without being certified. The main aim is training in virtual systems, added credibility and forming part of a specialized community you can communicate with for whatever reason.
I started this thread to see my options and for the moment I am going to continue as I am but perhaps I'll look into this again in the future.

[MegBarberVA]

I always say that certifications are never required just to be a REVA, but that real estate knowledge and experience is is necessary. So if you have spent years in the real estate industry assisting agents in-house, or working for a brokerage, then you probably have the experience necessary to support agents. I think the REVA certifications and trainings are really for those who don't have those skills and experience already. But it is helpful to brush up on some of the technologies and systems out there for real estate since they change so much.

Just my $0.02. :cool:

[Canary Admin Services]

Everyone's two bob is welcome , that's why I started the thread, to hear other options and what other people have done. As I mentioned before, I'm going to continue as I am because I do have the necessary experience to offer those services, I just hadn't done it "virtually". Loving the different opinions though...

[Virtual Jane]

I would say it depends on what state you live in. In NC to perform certain tasks for your real estate agent you HAVE to either be certified or HAVE an active license. Of course experience is a plus.