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CRB Briefcase

By CRB, Real Estate Business Magazine, October/November 2006

November is Designation Month

NAR recognizes November as an important month in which to encourage its members to Keep It In The Family by starting, completing or continuing an official NAR-endorsed designation program.

An industry that moves as fast as real estate demands continuing education throughout one's career. To help members remain up-to-date in such a dynamic environment, NAR and its Institutes, Societies and Councils offer advanced education designation and certification programs.

Today's market expects the highest level of expertise from each REALTOR. NAR's advanced education designation and certification programs, tailored to virtually every real estate specialty, are the means necessary to take an agent or manager to the next level. Beyond building skills, knowledge and productivity, these prestigious programs enhance the professional image.

In both their heightened proficiency and increased marketability, it is clear that REALTORS® who pursue professional designations have a distinct competitive edge. This November and always, tout your CRB Designation with pride.

The median gross personal income of a CRB Designee is 84% higher than that reported by broker/owners/ managers without the designation. Source: 2005 Member Survey and 2005 NAR Member Profile

Bar chart indicating income difference with the CRB designation

The median gross personal income of a CRB Designee is 84% higher than that reported by broker/owners/ managers without the designation. Source: 2005 Member Survey and 2005 NAR Member Profile

Education with an Edge

New CRB courses have been added in 2006, includingthe Recruiter Paradigm and Managing Diversity for the Broker, Owner & Manager, with more exciting programs planned for 2007 delivery. Take advantage of these programs to sharpen your professional edge. Our flexible structure allows you to customize your educational experience.

  • Classroom: Two-day and one-day courses taught by experienced instructors who understand the challenges you face in your office and the industry.
  • Self Study Programs on CD-ROM: Eight Council courses are available in this highly-interactive, self-paced learning format. Visit www.CRB.com for more information and ordering details.

As 2006 draws to a close, it is not too late to earn your CRB or polish your skills before the end of the year. Visit the calendar online in the Education section of www.CRB.com to find courses in your area through the end of the year and into 2007.

Cover of 'Five Minutes to Maximizing Technology'

New product available soon!

Five Minutes to Maximizing Technology

John D. Mayfield, ABR/M, CRB, e-PRO, GRI

This "must-have" desk reference goes beyond every-day technology tools to showcase the newest cutting-edge products and applications for real estate professionals. This simple, easy-to-use reference covers a wide range of tools including smart phones, PDAs, digital cameras, scanners, printers, and more. Useful advice and application tips on blogs, podcasts and other marketing ideas are included. Tech-savvy agents will appreciate the tips, tricks and short cuts for many major software applications. Brokers will also find a "bonus" chapter for utilizing and implementing technology within their offices to recruit and retain more agents! The bonus CD-ROM included provides a sample database, helpful Web site resource list, and video clips on how to actually use the technology discussed in the book.

John D. Mayfield, ABR/M, CRB, e-PRO, GRI has held his real estate license since 1978 and has since then paved the way to making real estate agents be more productive and efficient. He owns and operates three offices in Missouri, serves on many local, state and national task forces and he is also a seasoned real estate speaker and trainer.

Visit the e-Marketplace in November for ordering information.


Join us for a memorable evening held during the REALTORS® Conference & Expo

Friday, November 10, 2006

This special event honors:

Bonnie J. Sparks and Richard Mendenhall

Bonnie J. Sparks, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI, Mel Foster Company, 2007 Council President (left)

Richard Mendenhall, CRB, CCIM, CIPS, GRI, RE/MAX Boone Realty, Columbia, MO (right)

6:30–10:30 p.m.
Cocktail Reception & Dinner
Sheraton New Orleans


CRB Day

Sunday, Nov. 12 is CRB DAY during the 2006 REALTORS® Conference & Expo!

In celebration of CRB Day, the Council will sponsor the following timely and insightful sessions that you shouldn't miss! Sessions will be held in the Morial Convention Center on Sunday, Nov. 12.

Carla Cross

Ahead of the Curve: Best Fresh Ideas for Management

10–11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Carla Cross, CRB

Revitalize Your Office!

Managers and broker owners will learn the best emerging trends for increased productivity, profitability and agent retention. You will be able to effectively increase and manage productivity, effectively recruit staff, efficiently manage time and implement the top three emerging leadership trends that retain your best producers.

Sherry Chris

Anchoring Agents: Keeping You Centered in a Changing Consumer Market

1–2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Sherry Chris

Sink or Swim?

There is an increasing collection of real estate research tools agents must keep abreast of in order to meet client expectations. This session will allow you, the broker, to recognize and use the available tools to stay afloat in today's real estate market. You will be able to identify changing consumer demands created by information available online, identify appropriate resources needed to stay informed of industry trends and use technology to provide clients with a complete home buying/selling experience.

Sherry Chris

Starting a Real Estate Office from Scratch

3–4:30 p.m.
Speaker: Cliff Perotti, CRB, e-PRO, GRI

Prepare for Success!

Whether you are a newly organized brokerage or about to launch your brokerage, structure your real estate office the right way. Be a better decision-maker during this transitional time through a keener understanding of the start-up process. You will be presented with three simple strategies to help in the transition from sales person to broker/manager, and you will be given 10 key steps for starting your real estate brokerage.

Sherry Chris

*Special Education Session*, Saturday, Nov. 11

10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Sheraton New Orleans

Real Estate 2010 and Beyond

Speaker: Jonathan Nicholas, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI

The real estate industry landscape is changing — are you ready to flourish in the future? This session will explore:

  • Emerging and future technology
  • Generational shifts and millennial agents
  • Urbanization and clustering
  • Trends in housing and design
  • The new consumers and what they expect

Your Registration Supports CRB!

When you register for the REALTORS® Conference & Expo, be sure to mark "CRB" under the Primary Affiliation section. Part of your registration will then be credited to CRB. Make your hotel reservations early, as record attendance is anticipated. The Council headquarters' hotel is the Sheraton New Orleans and all Council meetings will be held there. Remember, you can always reserve a room now, if space is available. You may cancel 72 hours before the scheduled arrival date if your plans change.

Members only feature

The rest of this page is only available to members of the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers. If you are a member, please sign in.

If you are not a member and are interested in becoming one, please read the membership information.

The CRB courses have changed how we analyze our books, agents and long-term retirement plans. They allowed us to pull ourselves out of potential financial ruin and create systems that even my tax accountant has been impressed by.

Jodi Wachholz Monroe, CRB Candidate, TEAM-UP Realty LLC