A cover story in the October issue of Chicago Agent Magazine, “The professionalism problem: Raising the bar in real estate,” speaks to the issue of professionalism in the real estate industry. The article highlights how new training requirements advocated by Illinois REALTORS® and established by the Real Estate License Act are helping REALTORS® expand their skillsets and expertly serve their clients.
Illinois REALTORS® Deputy CEO Jeffrey T. Baker notes, “It’s rare for industry-led groups to impose professionalism to state law.” However, he explains, “As REALTORS®, we pride ourselves that we’re held to a higher standard. We advocated for changes to the Real Estate License Act, and we voluntarily chose to be bound by a code of ethics. In the REALTOR® world, professionalism is built into our training and education, and it is what we live by.”
“When a consumer partners with a REALTOR®, they get to work with the best.”
– Jeffrey T. Baker, Illinois REALTORS® Deputy CEO
Under the updated Real Estate License Act, broker post-license education requirements include 45-hours of education focused on transactional issues, applied brokerage principles, and risk management and discipline. The expanded curriculum provides more in-depth training that helps REALTORS® elevate their practice.
As the industry evolves, the need for advanced education and professional development grows. Privacy regulations and changes in modes of communication and technology require continued vigilance in maintaining professional standards. “REALTORS® are leaders at adapting and adopting new ways to market and showcase themselves,” Baker says. “The tech and tools available to them are innumerable. Our perspective is to embrace all changes as they come along and approach all new tools in a way that is compliant and not misleading to consumers.”
The bottom line is that REALTORS® remain passionate about their work and are committed to upholding high standards for continuing education and professionalism. That is why, as Baker notes, “When a consumer partners with a REALTOR®, they get to work with the best.”
