The Importance of Continuing Education

As a real estate agent, your success depends on your dedication, work ethic, and your ability to adapt to change. Real estate is a rapidly evolving, shifting market sector, which is why it’s vital that you take advantage of each opportunity to keep abreast of change as swiftly as it occurs. 

Change: The Only Constant

Irrespective of when you first obtained your real estate license, eventually the laws, rules, and strategies you were taught may change. They may evolve, be done away with, or have entirely new ones added. Enrolling in continuing education for real estate agents will help you stay current with industry standards and regulations, learn about legislative changes that will impact your work, and give you a competitive edge over your peers who are not as dedicated to their education.

State Law Requires Some Continuing Education 

In Tennessee, affiliate brokers are required to complete 16 continuing education hours per 24-month renewal cycle. Failure to comply with this minimum standard will result in fines or suspension of your license. 

Of course, it’s advantageous to complete as many relevant continuing education courses as you can—provided you aren’t detracting from the balance of your work. 

TREC Courses and the Code of Ethics Course

As you know, every realtor in Tennessee must take a Code of Ethics course to maintain their license. However, this course does not replace any of the required 16 hours. Instead, the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, or TREC, will offer a required course that counts for 6 of these hours. 

In addition to this core 6-hour module, you’ll be able to choose 10 hours of elective courses. These courses must be approved by TREC, but that is the only restriction of which you’ll want to be aware. 

Consider Taking Distance Learning Courses 

In the not-too-distant past, real estate agents were required to attend in-person seminars and lectures anytime they wanted to take a continuing education course. Fortunately, you have other options today.

Both online and home study (traditional correspondence-style) courses may make it far easier and more convenient for you to complete your continuing education hours. You can study on your own schedule, take classes at a time that works for you, and avoid wasting time commuting to and from your classes.  

Furthermore, you can study anywhere. If you have a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with you—and you definitely do—you are fully equipped to work on your education. If you’re waiting for a client, filling 30 minutes between appointments, or putting your feet up after your children are put to bed, you can whittle away at your hourly requirements.

Explore New Career Paths

As much as you may enjoy the market niche you’re in now, part of remaining agile consists of keeping your eye on new pockets of the market as they emerge. Currently, green housing, sustainable housing, and carbon-neutral construction are all on the rise. By pivoting to include these properties in your focus, you can continue to expand your prospects over time. 

Boost Your Credibility Within the Industry 

In a field as competitive as real estate, it’s a good idea to boost your credibility whenever you can. As you complete your continuing education electives, update your credentials across the board—both online, and wherever they exist physically. 

When buyers and sellers are searching for new real estate agents, they are likely going to compare credentials between agents. Your choice of elective credits can serve as an effective tool to match you to clients who fit within your target niche. 

Refine Your Marketing Tactics

Marketing yourself is a huge part of your career. The struggle to do so effectively arises as a result of the seemingly yearly revolutions that occur within digital marketing. Continuing education courses will help you navigate these changes. If you choose a live course, whether in-person or online, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from other agents who are expert self-marketers, so listen closely to their tips!

Staying Current on Tennessee Laws

Cannabis is entirely illegal in Tennessee; only industrial hemp cultivation is permitted. However, cannabis is increasingly being legalized in other states. It’s likely that you’ll field questions from prospective buyers who are moving from one of these legal states if you haven’t already. Complications like these can feel like they can tank a transaction, so discussing them can be incredibly stressful.

Continuing education is an excellent way to learn more about the best ways to deal with sensitive topical issues like this. Search for electives that provide forums to discuss sticky topics like these, and don’t be shy about raising your concerns.

Expand Your Network

Instead of thinking of your continuing education requirements as a dreaded means to an end, get creative about extracting every potential benefit. For example, live courses will give you a prime opportunity to network with other Tennessee brokers. Your professional network should be a central part of your referral flow. Take note of the specialties of your classmates and be sure to communicate your own. Refer clients who are outside of your niche to those with whom you wish to exchange referrals, and you’ll begin to see returns on your efforts before long.

Ask Your Mentor

Your mentor will have recommendations for specific electives you’ll most benefit from, so reach out for advice before it’s time to select a course. Your time is precious, so it’s worth focusing on classes that can keep your career moving forward.