Are You Committed to Excellence?

The Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) Endorsement is a unique commitment signifying you have achieved learning objectives and real world tasks to show consumers and your clients that you are more knowledgeable in your business. Once you complete the Endorsement, you're provided with resources to help you market your increased dedication to the industry.

Last year, we held a livestream webinar series that offered Ted-Talk style presentations touching on the different topics and session involved with the C2EX program. You can view all of the sessions from that webinar series here. Below is an overview of all 9 sessions. With more than 50,000 NAR members nationally participating in the program already, what are you waiting for? 

Hot Legal Topics with Anneliese Fierstos, Illinois REALTORS® Legal Hotline Attorney

As time moves on, the market is shifting and there is a demand for property. One of the most frequent questions from listing agents, “I have received several offers on the same property, should I/must I disclose to the buyer that I have gotten other offers on the property?” Code of Ethics, standard practice 1-15 does require permission from the seller to make the disclosure that there are other offers on the property. You can guide your seller and the seller can accept the best offer on the property. “Best” is a subjective term, best to everybody doesn’t mean the best offer on the property. 

For more ‘hot topic’ legal questions and answers, watch the full, ‘Hot Legal Topics’ video now.

Top 5 Code of Ethics Violations with Andrea Davis, Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® 

According to NAR, the Code of Ethics, “Is what separates REALTORS® from non-member real estate agents.” While the Code of Ethics might be common knowledge for most, it could never hurt to have a little refresher on the Code of Ethics. After you review the Code, take a few minutes to watch Mainstreet’s Director of Professionalism and Career Development, Andrea Davis, as she tells you the Top 5 Code of Ethics Violations.

Article 10 of the Code of Ethics with Kate Lawton, National Association of REALTORS® Vice President of Member Experience

Article 10 of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics states that “REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” In this webinar, you will get a history lesson on Article 10 of the Code of Ethics, where it started, how it has progressed, and how you can make sure you’re not showing discrimination or implicit bias in your practices.

Importance of Mobilization, Advocating for Private Property Rights with Joe Roth, Illinois REALTORS® Government Affairs Director – Lake County 

As we all know, REALTOR® voices are critical for clients and the industry. At the national, state, and local levels of our industry, they have come up with three basic ways for you to engage as a REALTOR®: vote, act, invest. Learn more about how you can start advocating from Joe Roth in this webinar.

Trust and Integrity are Fundamental and Essential to REALTORS® with Lynn Madison, Lynn Madison Seminars 

One of the biggest take-aways from Lynn Madison’s webinar is to follow the Code of Ethics. Not only because you have to as a REALTOR®, but because it will help your business. Lynn talks about the importance of remaining truthful and to have integrity while being a REALTOR®. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching,” according to C.S. Lewis. Simply put, do what is right. Watch Lynn’s entire webinar now.

Becoming and Remaining Proficient with Technology with Carrie Little, CarMarc Realty

As a REALTOR®, you should be learning and adapting to new technology. Carrie touched on continuing to educate yourself on the new trends and technology so you can better reach your clients. If you are struggling with technology, the C2EX (https://www.c2ex.realtor/) program can help. In addition to talking about utilizing texting more, she also talks about the use of electronic signatures and how it is becoming a more common practice that helps you save money! Conveniently, Mainstreet offers a few e-signature subscriptions as a member benefit. Check them out and get started using e-signatures today!  

Safeguarding Privacy with Deanne Rymarowicz, National Association of REALTORS®, Associate Counsel 

According to the Internet Crime Report from 2015-2019, there were 1,707,618 cyber crime reports, translating to about $10.2 billion in losses. Illinois in 2019 reported 10,337 victims of cyber crimes, that was the 9th in the nation. So what can you do to prevent this? One of the best things to do is to familiarize yourself with some of these threats so you can better protect yourself, clients, friends, and really anyone. Learn about some of the most prominent cyber crimes and tips in preventing them here.

Managing Client Expectations and Strengthening Your Business Through Client Service with Chris Read, CR Strategies 

Ask yourself, “Why should someone work with me?” What value do you bring to them, what services do you provide?  You have to develop your business model, and figure out what your services are that you will provide, then find out how you will communicate that with your clients and customers. Chris Read opens up her conversation about managing clients expectations with giving some advice on ways that you can strengthen your business to benefit your clients. “We are the chameleons,” Chris said, as in, The REALTOR® has to change to the client and communicate with them how the client wants to be communicated with. “ 

Professional Reputation and Working with Others with Dale Taylor, RE/MAX 10

“The good that you may happen for others, it begins to happen to you and your business because seeds produce after themselves,” said Dale Taylor. Dale speaks about his experiences in life serving others and how in return, although might not be planned, the REALTOR® name and his personal brand are able to grow and benefit from it.