Providing educational and professional advancement opportunities for REALTORS® is a big part of what our organization does to support the community.  Recognizing that supporting home ownership is an essential strategy for protecting the stability and economic prosperity of local communities, the Cape Fear REALTORS®(CFR) connects its membership to a variety of educational, leadership, and professional development opportunities.

This is a key element of our mission to provide the best possible knowledge and service to clients and, it is worth noting that, professional development can be a viable means of building a business and/or creating a competitive advantage.  After all, if you were looking to buy or sell a home, would you choose a new agent or someone who has consistently worked to refine their knowledge base?

Aside from the required Code of Ethics training, members of CFR receive access to designation courses, specialized training, and free seminars.  Designations refer to the funny acronyms that can be seen at the end of some REALTORS’® email signatures.  Earning a designation allows a REALTOR® to add knowledge-based resources and value to the range of services he or she provides, by completing these additional educational requirements.

Of course, providing access to training and education helps to ensure our members have a chance to make a positive impact on the local community broadening their network of resources and professionalism.  Supporting our members with the opportunity to serve the profession through volunteer leadership positions is another important means of impacting the community in a positive way and ensuring the viability of the industry into the future.

The impact of volunteer leadership shapes and molds how a REALTOR® personally conducts their business.  Also, volunteer leadership opportunities serve as a platform for assisting the overall needs of the regional, state, and national associations of REALTORS®.

In addition to helping the areas where we live and work through local volunteer leaders, the Cape Fear REALTORS® have professionals who are making an impact at the state level. Tony Harrington, who served as President of CFR for 2020, is a great example of how professional development can lead to stronger engagement with the association enhancing business relationships.

A participant in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Leadership Academy and a member of NAR’s board of directors, Tony is the president-elect for the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® (NCR) for 2023. Due to the efforts of NCR to promote economic development, he was appointed to serve as a commissioner on the executive committee for the Southeastern Economic Development Commission and the NC Foreign Trade Promotion Council.

It’s easy to see that the future is paved by the talents and resources of those REALTORS® who are currently serving in volunteer leadership positions.  And it’s worth pointing out that associations work to impact the business of REALTORS® by ensuring easy access to premier educational programs and courses, often at a reduced cost.  These professional development opportunities establish a standard of practice among all REALTORS®.  Cape Fear REALTORS works hard to ensure that these educational opportunities are relevant to the unique needs of the current business environment.

To connect with a local REALTOR® or learn more about volunteer leadership opportunities, visit CapeFear.REALTOR or call 910-762-7400. 

Ea Ruth is the 2022 president of Cape Fear REALTORS®, an organization with nearly 3,500 members who serve as the region’s Voice of Real Estate. Cape Fear REALTORS®, through advocacy, education, and community involvement, support efforts to protect the rights of property owners, promote the availability of housing, and provide resources to guarantee every individual has the right to share in the “American Dream.”  For further information on this topic and the association, please visit www.capefear.realtor or contact the Cape Fear REALTORS® at 910-762-7400.