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Q.
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Who is eligible to take the e-PRO certification course? Who is
the course designed for?
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| 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.
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Q.
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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.
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| Q. |
Why would customers come to someone who has an e-PRO
certification? |
| 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. |
Is the e-PRO certification course for real estate
professionals with previous Internet experience only or can beginners take
it? |
| 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 the 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? |
| 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 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
the 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 designated, 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 designated 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. |
How will the new e-PRO program differ from the original program? |
| 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.
|
Q. |
Will costs to students change? |
| A. |
The cost of the course is $359. The cost to someone not a REALTOR® is $459.
|
Q. |
Is there an annual fee for the e-PRO certification? |
| A. |
Currently there
is no annual fee.
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|
Q. |
What will happen to students who were unable to complete the
program because of the bankruptcy of the first vendor? |
| A. |
Students who paid
their fees in full but were unable to complete the course by June 23, 2001
under NAR's Maintenance and Support Agreement will be able to take the new
course at no additional charge within a designated six month period.
|
Q. |
What about e-PRO graduates who have the certification? |
| A. |
Graduates from the
original course will be provided access at no charge until April 29, 2002 to
the new course and its resources, including access to logos, a customizable
press release and graduate directory.
Graduates may use the certification until re-certification is required.
At that time, they will be notified of the requirement in order to maintain
their certification. Currently, there is no designated time period for
re-certification.
|
Q. |
What's the significance of the e-PRO certification? |
| 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? |
| A. |
You may enroll
immediately. Simply complete the Sign-up form at
http://www.edesignations.com/epro 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 topics covered in the
Course? |
| A. |
You will gain a better
understanding of the Course if you click here to
Preview Course.
|
Q. |
Can I complete the e-PRO course even though I am not a
REALTOR®? |
| 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? |
| 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 certification and send you your e-PRO pin. You will then be
able to declare yourself an e-PRO certified internet professional.
|
Q. |
What if I do not complete the e-PRO course within the allowed 6 month period? |
| A. |
If you have not completed the e-PRO course by the expiration date, you may extend the course for an additional fee.
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60 day extension - $59
-
120 day extension - $99
-
180 day extension - $149
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Credit Received From e-PRO
|
Q. |
Will I receive Continuing Education (CE) credit for completing
the course? |
| A. |
Your ability to obtain CE credit for the e-PRO course 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. Click here to view instructions and if your
state qualifies for CE credit. (Opens in new window)
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Administrative/Technical
|
Q. |
Who do I contact regarding billing questions? |
| A. |
For billing
related questions please visit:
edesignationsepro.internetcrusade.com. Click on "Contact Us" on the top
right of the page. Then click on "Billing".
Click here to view a graphical version of the instructions.
|
Q. |
How do I retrieve my lost login and password? |
| A. |
To retrieve your
lost login and password please visit:
edesignationsepro.internetcrusade.com. Click on "Log On" on the
left side of the page. Then enter your email under the "Forgot your
password?" section.
Click here to view a graphical version of the instructions.
|
Q. |
Why did NAR select InternetCrusade® for the e-PRO program? |
| 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 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 should my computer be set up best for e-PRO? |
| 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. |
What equipment is needed and what criteria must be met to
qualify for the program?
|
| 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.
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|
Q.
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Will it just be about high tech hardware that I can't afford?
|
| 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. |
How do I know you will use a secure server to process my
credit card information? |
| 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. |
What is the official policy covering improper use of the
e-PRO certification? |
| 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 certification 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.
|
Q. |
How do I search for an e-PRO? |
| A. |
To search for a
REALTOR® with an e-PRO certification, please
click here.
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