NAR offers new online auction course

WASHINGTON – Sept. 11, 2008 – The National Association of Realtors and the National Auctioneers Association have developed a new online course for Realtors, called “Introduction to Real Estate Auction.”

“Realtors add value to the real estate transaction with their expertise in managing complex real estate transactions, and auctions are no exception,” says NAR President Dick Gaylord. “More real estate is sold by auction every year, and Realtors are there to help both buyers and sellers navigate the auction process successfully.”

Real estate auctions are gaining popularity among buyers and sellers in many U.S. markets. NAR reports that the residential real estate auction sector alone generated about $17 billion last year – up 5.3 percent from 2006.

Although a listing sold at auction can typically sell within 9-12 minutes, the process of buying or selling a home through this method can be complex. The “Introduction to Real Estate Auction” course helps Realtors provide auction services to their clients, and includes information on identifying potential properties for auction, marketing properties for auction, and partnering with auction firms. The course is also an approved elective for the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation, which is conferred by NAR’s Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC).

Realtors® can register for the online course at www.REALTOR.org/REALTORUniversity. NAR has more than 300 hours of online training through REALTOR University, including continuing education, professional development, and designation and certification courses.

© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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