All Realtors are required to have the same basic training, but we can also choose to have different specialty skills and certifications. Below are mine:
Buiding Science Specialist
As a nationally certified BPI Building Analyst®, I am trained and certified as an energy efficiency & weatherization expert for existing homes. There are only about 10 real estate agents in the United States who have attained this specialty credential. My intensive field and lab training focuses on a science-based, whole-house approach to identifying and fixing energy performance and comfort problems. I can both quantitatively and qualitatively assess a home's energy performance levels as well as advise clients about how to improve the health, safety, durability, and comfort of a dwelling.
Certified Negotiation Expert
I'm trained and certified in the specific real estate negotiation techniques, approaches, and skills that achieve the best possible outcomes for my clients. My tactics may change depending on my clients goals, the market situtation, and the progress of the transaction; however, I am always committed to positive, straight-forward negotiations that are respectful to all parties. I thoroughly enjoy negotiating on behalf of my clients and take seriously the job of advocating for them.
Knowing how to assess, respond to, and respect the people with whom I’m negotiating makes all the difference in ensuring my clients’ best interests are well represented during a transaction. I am known and liked in our local real estate community by other agents and firms because of how I can strongly represent my clients’ goals without ever undercutting or being nasty to the other side of the deal or their clients.
Green Real Estate Designation
I am trained and was certified as an EcoBroker. I originally sought this certification to help my real estate clients identify and take advantage of energy efficientcy rebates and programs and identify environmentally sustainable designs. The training helped me distinguish between different nationally recognized green home features and certifications such as Energy Star, LEED, Green Built, and EarthCraft.
However, I have now purposefully allowed this EcoBroker certification to lapse. In the world of "green services," I find that the EcoBroker real estate designation is considered "light green" (read: broad-based knowledge, easily attainable credential, rather simplistic/online training, focused somewhat on up-selling products, sometimes advances green-washing). In contrast, my Building Analyst credenital is definitely considered "dark green" (read: specific science-based training, difficult to obtain credential, requires hands-on testing as well as demonstrations of skills, little or no focus on up-selling products, and little or no green-washing.) My goal is to provide the best information and experience possible, so I find my Building Science training to be far superior and more beneficial to clients.
· Developing, Using & Defending Adjustments (Appraiser Class - April 2013)
· 2013 New Contract Forms Update (Feb 2013)
· 2012 Ethics: Principles & Practices (April 2012)
· 2012 New Contract Forms Update (Feb 2012)
· Designated Auction Person for AuctionFirst NC - License #8116 (March 2011)
· 2011 Offer to Purchase & Contract Mandatory Training (Nov 2010)
· 2011 New Contract Forms Update (Dec 2010)
· Keller Williams Realty Agent Leadership Council / Board of Directors (KW Chapel Hill Office 2008 & 2009)
· Licensed Real Estate Agent NC #251383 (2006)
· M.S. in Counseling Psychotherapy (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
· National Certified Counselor & Licensed Addiction Counselor
· M.A. in Alternative Education (University of Kentucky)
· B.S. in Psychology & Anthropology (Washington & Lee University)
· In previous professions, I have been a personal & group therapist, program supervisor, and educator in various public, private, and nonprofit agencies