e-PRO
FAQs
|
| Who
is eligible to take the e-PRO Certification course? Who
is the course designed for? |
| What
does the e-PRO Certification curriculum cover? |
| What
criteria must be met to qualify for the program? |
| Why
would customers come to someone who's e-PRO Certified?
|
| Will
it just be about high tech hardware that I can't afford?
|
| Is
the e-PRO Certification course for real estate professionals
with previous Internet experience only or can beginners
take it? |
| How
will I benefit from the e-PRO Certification course?
|
| Why
did NAR select InternetCrusade® for the e-PRO
program? |
| How
will the new e-PRO program differ from the original program?
|
| Will
costs to students change? |
| What's
the significance of the e-PRO certification? |
| I
am anxious to take the course. When is the first available
date? |
| Can
you tell me something about the topics covered in the Course?
|
| Can
I complete the e-PRO course even though I am not a REALTOR®?
|
| How
long do I have to complete the e-PRO program? |
| How
do I know you will use a secure server to process my credit
card information? |
How
should my computer be set up best for e-PRO? |
Will
I receive Continuing Education (CE) credit for completing
the course? |
Does
a real estate professional have to pay a fee after earning
the e-Pro certificationin order to use the certification?
|
What
is the official policy covering improper use of the e-PRO
certification? |
|
| Q: What
is e-PRO Certification? |
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A:
e-PRO Certification is NAR's new online training
program to certify real estate professionals as Internet
Professionals. Comprehensive and interactive (with other
successful real estate professionals who are taking the
course at the same time you are), e-PRO is the only certification
program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by
the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR).
Because of the innovative design, you will be able to complete
the course at your own pace, when and where you want, with
any Internet connection.... 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
|
|
| Q: Who
is eligible to take the e-PRO Certification course? Who is
the course designed for? |
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to Top |
A:
It is designed specifically for U.S. real estate professionals,
but anyone may take the course. Although the practical application
of the course skills and knowledge is equally valuable to
all real estate professionals, the use of the e-PRO Certification
logo is exclusively for REALTORS® (members of
NAR) who have completed the program. |
|
| Q: What
does the e-PRO Certification curriculum cover? |
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A:
The four areas of focus in the e-PRO Certification course
are:
- Getting
Connected - Getting connected is more than going online,
it is about creating an Internet Presence. Join the Community
and get "immersed" in the process.
- E-mail,
a new way to communicate and a new way to market - Master
your e-mail software, using it as a tool to communicate
before, during, and after the transaction. Learn great
risk reduction and marketing techniques.
-
World Wide Web - Learn the obvious and the subtle advantages
a web-marketing plan can have. Create your own Internet
Listing Presentation content. Use the WWW to publish information
valuable to your prospects as well as your clients. Do
your homework before you "buy" a web site or pay for an
"exclusive territory." Do search engines help? What is
working for real estate professionals on the web?
- Tying
it all together - Bring the aspects of ancillary technology
such as PDAs, Digital Cameras, Virtual Tours, MLS systems
to the attention of the e-PRO. Looking at the competition
and putting together the plan to put the concepts of e-PRO
into your business. Create your Personal Technology Plan
of Action and position yourself for the future. Become
an active member of the e-PRO graduate community and the
growing list of benefits which that will bring.
|
|
| Q: What
equipment is needed and what criteria must be met to qualify
for the program? |
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A:
You must have an Internet connection, an e-mail account,
be a licensed real estate professional, and have a working
knowledge of computer basics including working with Web
browsers. You can take the course from any operating system
as it is browser based. PC users must have a minimum of
Windows 95; Mac users must have a minimum O/S 7. NOTE: Only
members of NAR will be permitted use of the exclusive e-PRO
logo. |
|
| Q: Why
would customers come to someone who's e-PRO Certified? |
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A:
Customers will have confidence that you are proactive and
savvy about the Internet and that you take the Connected
Consumer seriously as well as meet their online needs. This
affluent and rapidly growing consumer group will appreciate
your interest and ability in using the Internet and want
to work with you! Consumers can locate you on a National
Directory of e-PRO Graduates. You'll be able to direct them
to a special Web page which explains what e-PRO Certification
means to the online consumer. |
|
| Q: Will
it just be about high tech hardware that I can't afford? |
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to Top |
A:
No, absolutely not. It's the little things that make a difference
and by taking the little steps you will transform your business.
This is an "Internet Integration" course. Integrating technology
and the Internet into what you are already doing, and not
the other way around. It is a skills development course,
designed to bring skills enhancement and value to students,
regardless of their current level of technology proficiency.
It is the support of an Internet Community, a place to go
when you have questions about almost any aspect of the real
estate industry. It's an "Internet Professional" Certification.
It trains you in using e-mail and the Web: for communications,
marketing and operations. It will help you create and nurture
online customer relationships and it will keep you current
on the legal, security, privacy and other aspects of doing
business online. |
|
| Q: Is
the e-PRO Certification course for real estate professionals
with previous Internet experience only or can beginners take
it? |
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to Top |
A:
Anyone can take this course. If you are not comfortable
with email and the Web, it could prove to be more of a challenge,
but the course is designed to bring learning and value to
all students, regardless of their technology competency.
It will discuss many practical applications of the technology.
It is an Internet course so the information is there to
let the student take it to the depth of learning they desire,
with certain requirements for Certification. The Program
is designed to provide a valuable learning experience to
all students regardless of their skill level. |
|
| Q: How
will I benefit from the e-PRO Certification course? |
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to Top |
A:
The aim of the e-PRO Certification course
is not just to certify real estate professionals in Internet
use. e-PRO Certification is in fact a complete training
program on communicating effectively with the online consumer
and getting the most out of your online real estate business.
The Connected Consumer has very different expectations than
offline consumers and dealing with them effectively requires
a different approach. The e-PRO Certification course guides
students through completing a Technology Plan of Action
for their business and introduces them to many techniques
for evaluating and using Internet tools. e-PRO Certification
will help you make more money today as well as securing
your position tomorrow. You'll learn how to leverage your
most valuable asset - your people skills - to create increased
business online, by participation in online communities.
e-PRO
Certification will set you apart from the competition and
make you the preferred choice of the Connected Consumer.
One of the main benefits of e-PRO Certification, aside from
the training itself, is that you are clearly identified
as a real estate Internet Professional to potential online
clients. When you become e-PRO Certified, you can put the
e-PRO logo on your site, which is linked to a web page listing
reasons why customers should choose an e-PRO Certified real
estate professional.
One
of the biggest advantages of e-PRO is that you will be included
in a referral network with other trusted e-PRO grads. People
you will be proud to refer to your Internet savvy clients.
|
|
| Q: Why
did NAR select InternetCrusade® for the e-PRO program? |
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A:
First of all, InternetCrusade® (IC)is a company
experienced in creating and presenting compelling, relevant
technology content for real estate professionals as they
go online and conduct more business through the Internet.
It's also a company capable of creating online community,
a key element in the e-PRO program. IC created the first
ICANN approved online domain transfer software, and also
has created web applications for real estate professionals.
In addition, (IC) serves as the "Virtual Post Office" for
over 5000 clients from around the world, delivering tens
of thousands of e-mail messages every day. Finally, IC's
principals, Saul Klein, Mike Barnett and John Reilly bring
exceptional real estate industry expertise and knowledge.
Its principals have almost 100 years of real estate experience;
they are experienced brokers licensed in three states, and
they are outstanding real estate educators. |
|
| Q: How
will the new e-PRO program differ from the original program? |
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to Top |
A:
The new certification program is a skills
development and marketing course, which includes many of
the best aspects of the popular live seminars InternetCrusade
has been teaching to REALTORs® across the country
and in Canada. In addition, IC will add the element of community
and interactivity to the new program, to build an ever-increasing
knowledge base of information contributed by current and
past e-PRO graduates. IC is the creator of four international
online real estate communities. Their skills in this area
will take e-PRO to a whole new level and added value to
the student and graduate.
Finally,
the new program will offer an enhanced referral network,
the e-PRO Directory now viewable at http://www.eProNAR.com
|
|
| Q:
Will costs to students change? |
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to Top |
A:
The cost of the course is $359, the same as the original
program. The cost to someone not a REALTOR is $459. |
|
| Q:
What's the significance of the e-PRO certification? |
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to Top |
A:
E-PRO is the only certification program of its kind recognized
nationwide and endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Customers have confidence that e-PRO graduates are savvy
about the Internet and that they take the Internet empowered
consumer seriously and can meet their online needs. The
e-PRO Web site explains what e-PRO Certification means to
the consumer and contains a National Directory of e-PRO
Graduates. |
|
| Q:
I am anxious to take the course. When is the first available
date? |
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to Top |
A: You
may enroll immediately. Simply complete the Sign-up form
at http://www.eProNAR.com You will select your own username
and password when you complete your sign-up form and submit
your credit card for payment. Be sure to note your username
and password because you will use that to LogOn to take
the course. |
|
| Q:
Can you tell me something about the Course? |
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to Top |
A: You
will gain a better understanding of the Course if you click
on the Preview Course button on the left navigation frame
and take a short tour |
|
| Q:
Can I complete the e-PRO course even though I am not a REALTOR®? |
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to Top |
A: Yes.
If you are not a REALTOR®, please note that you may participate
in the learning experience but that you:
-
will not receive the e-PRO Certification
- are
restricted from using the e-PRO trademarks/logo
- may
not participate in the e-PRO Graduate Referral Network
and online Community
- will
pay $459 for the course
|
|
| Q:
How long do I have to complete the e-PRO program? |
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A: You
have six months to finish the e-PRO course from the time
you enroll and are issued your username and password to
access the material. We estimate the time to complete the
entire online course to be 15 to 24 hours. From the time
you pass your final examination, there is a 30 day period
in which you will continue to be subscribed to the Module
Listserv discussion forums. During this period, we will
review your assignments and coursework and then we will
issue your e-PRO Certificate and send you your e-PRO pin.
You will then be able to declare yourself an e-PRO certified
internet professional. |
|
| Q:
How do I know you will use a secure server to process my credit
card information? |
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to Top |
A: When
you place your order on our secure Order Page, take a look
at the URL for the page - it will show a https:// rather
than the usual http:// Also, look for the "lock" icon on
your toolbar as a sign of a secure server. |
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|
|
| Q:
How should my computer be set up best for e-PRO? |
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to Top |
A: The
e-PRO site is designed to work with any system configuration;
however, it is best viewed on Microsoft's Internet Explorer
5.0 (or later) Browser at 800x600 or higher resolution.
|
|
| Q:
Will I receive Continuing Education (CE) credit for completing
the course? |
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to Top |
A: That
will depend whether the regulatory agency in your state
has approved the e-PRO course for CE credit. Each state
has its own set of standards as to the type of courses recognized
for CE (classroom, distance learning, technology). Separate
applications must be made in each state and the number of
hours approved will vary as well. When states approve the
e-PRO course, we will list the states on www.eProNAR.com
at the CE Approval button. |
|
| Q: Does
a real estate professional have to pay a fee after earning
the e-Pro certificationin order to use the certification?
|
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to Top |
A: To
be an e-PRO, one must complete the course and be a REALTOR®.
As long as one is a member of the REALTOR® organization
and continues to be entitled to call themselves a REALTOR®,
they can continue as an e-PRO with no other cost other than
the initial enrollment fee. |
|
| Q:
What is the official policy covering improper use of the e-PRO
certification? |
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to Top |
A:
There have been a number of inquiries
regarding whether certain individuals who are included on
lists at various Internet web sites have or have not received
the e-PRO certification. The first thing to understand is
that neither NAR nor InternetCrusade control postings at
sites other than their own. Thus, even a listing of e-PRO
certified agents on REALTOR.com is not controlled by NAR.
The second important point is that NAR does not and cannot
maintain the responsibility of checking to make sure everyone
who claims to be an e-PRO has, in fact, completed the certification
program. NAR does not do this for GRI nor any of its other
designation programs. Instead, NAR relies upon the desire
of the vast majority of members to uphold the highest standards
of the profession, including the need for honesty in their
dealing with and representation to the public.
It
is only in the breach that NAR must and will take additional
steps, where a member has demonstrated an unwillingness
to otherwise abide by those highest standards of conduct.
This will generally include initially a request for the
member to correct the errant information or document. Ultimately,
of course, NAR's reaction can also include a complaint to
the local association through which the individual holds
membership. As indicated in the procedures manual, anyone
may file a complaint alleging a violation of the Code of
Ethics.
The
Code of Ethics requires that a REALTORS® present a true
picture in their advertising and representations to the
public. The use of credentials which have not been earned
in representations to the public could certainly be found
by the local association to be a violation of the Code's
duty of a true picture.
If
there is evidence that anyone is using the e-PRO certification
and they have not earned it, that information can be sent
to the National Association. From there the National Association
will attempt to determine the facts and then take the appropriate
steps based upon those facts. This information may be forwarded
to NAR, Attention: Legal Affairs, 430 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611-4087 or via e-mail at ePROmarks@realtors.org.
Care should, of course, be taken in making claims of misuse
to avoid counterclaims of disparagement in the event you
are wrong. |
