655,940
We already have an E-pro designation by NAR.
Computer proficiency isn't a responsibility of a broker to mandate or enforce. Many top agents delegate anyway. Bettering oneself as an agent should always be ongoing, on all levels of our buisness.
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Troy Erickson AZ Realt...
Chandler, AZ
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Candice A. Donofrio
Fort Mohave, AZ
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
5,772,575
No, I have know some very, very, high producers who have little to no skills. They are thriving and having fun. A
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Barbara Todaro
Franklin, MA
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Michael Thacker - Re/M...
Louisville, KY
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
4,572,117
No.
Alexandra Ron and Alexandra Seigel has a smart response.
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Barbara Todaro
Franklin, MA
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Debbie Gartner
White Plains, NY
42,670
I think new Agents should be taught to understand the contracts and other documents used in a real estate transaction before they actually use them. In the brokerage that I work with all newly licensed agents must go through a week in class training program and after doing that they are assigned a mentor for the first year or first three transactions which ever comes first.
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Michael Thacker - Re/M...
Louisville, KY
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Candice A. Donofrio
Fort Mohave, AZ
5,104,931
David, I believe I would agree. How can one succeed today in this business without some level of proficiency?
3,727,873
I worked with a woman who didn't know how to turn a computer on. She put together some of the biggest transactions in the city. She had a lifetime of amazing contacts and partnered with a guy with a law degree and computer skills. It was a match made in heaven.
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Troy Erickson AZ Realt...
Chandler, AZ
1,052,211
I'd like to see charm school in there! Common courtesy and politeness. And a sense of humor. I dare to dream!
'SOMEONE' should be computer literate, whether it's the broker, agent or assistant. I have been the other guy's tech support way often.
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Troy Erickson AZ Realt...
Chandler, AZ
516,437
2,178,553
I haven't been in the trenches for a few years, but I suppose relevant computer software classes would be in order.
979,496
David - I guess I feel that computer competency in order to submit a contract in a timely manner should be the responsibility of the individual agent, not regulated by a test. Many agents are salespeople and that is all they do. They have assistants, and transaction managers to write the actual contract and follow the transaction to close.
If an agent misses out on submitting an offer because they couldn't submit it in time, then I guess that is their loss, as well as their clients.
However, there are still agents who write offers face to face on paper documents and are successful. Also, the market will not always be one that is fast moving with multiple offers and tight deadlines.
1,513,143
Do not speak to loudly Government might hear you and make it a renewable class every two years and with fees
3,986,258
NO! Nothing says that a person needs to be computer savvy to do work in this Profession.
That is like me telling everyone taht they should never look at the computer and use a yellow legal pad for lisitngs...LIKE I DO!
3,988,007
No they shouldn't have a competency test for computers anymore than a personality test to see if they like people and can get along. Let them find their own way or not.
32,051
I think the failure is clear documented processes, not 'computer skills'.
For a new agent who writes 2 contracts in 6 months, it doesn't matter the amount of training they get, it matters how much they use it. Brokers, team leaders, mentors should understand that showing someone one thing, one time isn't going to prepare them to do it in 'real life'.
If there is a documented process, with step by step guides in writing, in video and in audio, (hit all types of learners) you can train 100s of people at once, and give them the resources to check/verify their actions. ALWAYS have someone available to double check their work and coach them through mistakes.
212,755
I am not the one spending time with agents, if others want to put in the time that is fine by me. Chances are if they have that many issues they wont last long anyway.
1,502,998
900,128
140,560
I understand your frustration and I feel it myself sometimes. I came into the business when Florida was still using MLS catalogs in addition to a very bad MLS intranet.
When MLS did away with the catalogs, several agents at the office I worked at back then left the business. They just did not have the ability or desire to embrace technology.
I think it's up to brokers to lead the industry by hiring and training their agents better. Brokers, for the benefit of the customer, should make it mandatory for agent to be able to scan, email, use an e sign platform and as host of other computer skills. I do not support a legal or NAR requirement to police this though.
That said, I have known many an agent with high computer skills that couldn't put a deal together to save their life. So while computer skills are great, it's only one of several qualities you will need to be good Realtor.
617,935
David,
As a former Fortune 100 IT guy I would say no. Passing a test is not the same as being proficient in every day life. And what would the test cover?
4,800,082
It would be nice, though I know some really great agents that can't work a computer as well as some really marginal ones that are very tech savvy.
7,836,134
A high percentage of the young agents may be better on the computer than the broker.
1,239,901
The best is "write" on a piece of printed contract by new agents. There are several residential contracts used here. Each one is unique in his own way.
The commercial contracts in 58 pages long. Few computer literate realtors can submit properly. That is why CCIM designation realtor look down upon residential realtors.
For eSignatuer there are 4 to 5 types.
Like everything it takes practice, practice and practice.
49,097
Well basically you have got to know something on a computer or your going to have a very difficult time. But no required test I don't think.
150,416
Since they run their own "business" I would think that their skills or lack of would be their own problem, not their brokers or the industry's.
1,712,676
There is one, if you are still in this business to be successful and be profitable, you have passed the test.
1,466,207
David Barr I don't think a test is necessary or it is the Broker's responsibility to teach computer competency. If an agent doesn't know how to use a computer or other technology, they may be in the wrong business.
5,868,482
It sure would help if REALTORS had this knowledge, but some have assistants to do this part of our jobs.
6,393,179
No, we already have too much government interference in our lives, why suggest another restriction. It is just going to cost everyone a little more money and more time. LET THE MARKET DECIDE WHO IS GOOD AND WHO IS NOT!
911,338
They shouldn't be required to, but it would be in their best interest to have enough computer skills to know the basics like downloading and printing forms needed for listings and contracts. If they don't have the skill, they should have someone on call that can assist them.