ABR Core Course, Accredited Buyer Representative VIEW TESTIMONIAL

ABR Electives: Real Estate Marketing Reboot, Successful Buyer Representation in New Home Sales, Successful Buyer Representation in Relocation, Buyers by Generation 

PSA, Pricing Strategy Advisor: Pricing Strategies: Mastering the CMA (Melanie is co-author and lead instructor)

Green Day 1: The Resource-Efficient Home – Retrofits, Remodels, Renovations, and New Home Construction

Green Day 2: Why All Clients are Green and How to Represent Them

CRB, Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager Courses: Business Planning for Maximum Results, Position Your Business for Profit, Real Estate is Risky Business, Sales Leadership that Drives Performance, Show Me the Money: Compensation Planninng (Melanie wrote this session)

RENE, Real Estate Negotiation Expert

RSPS, Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist, Home Sweet Home (Melanie was editor of the latest rewrite & named “RSPS of 2012”)

SFR, Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certification

SRES, Seniors Real Estate Specialist

SRS, Sellers Representative Specialist

A big challenge for agents today is contending with the “values” consumers get from AVMs (Automated Valuation Models). Buyers and sellers believe this information is correct, but professionals know the flaws. Even lenders are using AVMs and CU® (Collateral Underwriter) to second-guess appraisers. Agents must be able to explain to consumers why a value from a local REALTOR® is more reliable than an online value. We will also discuss how using RPR® (REALTORS® Property Resource) can help! 1.5-3 hours

VIEW TRAILER This AQB-approved course is designed for real estate agents and appraisers to review fundamental construction methods, both old and new, in residential real estate. We will cover construction, from site preparation to completion. Major components of a house are identified, including building materials and mechanical systems. Further, the course reveals ‘red flags’ that are discernible to agents and appraisers when inspecting a home for a listing, sale or valuation. Finally, the course describes how physical and functional issues in houses affect value. 7 hours; Offered in cooperation with Hondros Learning
Note: other shorter courses on construction are available

Are you a biased appraiser? Are you possibly a biased appraiser who doesn’t recognize your own bias? In this session, we’ll discuss your requirements under Fannie Mae and USPAP to not let bias be a part of your appraisal practice.

You'll come away from this session being able to:

• List the words and phrases you should never use
• Evaluate a property based on the facts
• Identify shifts in the markets

Also available: Bias in Appraisals: What Agents & Appraisers Need to Know; 1-3 hours

Expanding on the 2020 implicit-bias training video, the National Association of REALTORS® has launched “Bias Override.” The program helps real estate professionals learn tactics to interrupt stereotypical thinking so they can provide equal professional service to every prospect or client. Participants will examine their ideas about people from various identity groups, explore the assumptions they may not know they’re making, and learn how to be more comfortable working across lines of difference. “Bias Override” engages participants in building new habits of equitable behavior, helps REALTORS® overcome barriers to working with clients of diverse backgrounds and avoid fair housing pitfalls. 3-4 hours

Expanding on the 2020 implicit-bias training video, the National Association of REALTORS® has launched “Bias Override.” The program helps real estate professionals learn tactics to interrupt stereotypical thinking so they can provide equal professional service to every prospect or client. Participants will examine their ideas about people from various identity groups, explore the assumptions they may not know they’re making, and learn how to be more comfortable working across lines of difference. “Bias Override” engages participants in building new habits of equitable behavior, helps REALTORS® overcome barriers to working with clients of diverse backgrounds and avoid fair housing pitfalls. 3-4 hours

Big data algorithms do predictive modeling, estimate value, detect market patterns and more. Professionals industry-wide are using big data—from property valuation using AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) to selling the leads generated by the listing back to the listing agent. Increasingly, computer models are using data to enhance or disrupt real estate. We’ll discuss big data’s pros and cons, issues with its use and the agent or appraiser’s role in protecting consumers while obeying the law. 1-3+ hours

A busy market means it's essential for you as an agent to replenish your listing inventory. You must do something to keep your marketing department open by proactively getting more listings. This session provides a game plan for conquering your day and staying focused on your goals, which will ultimately help serve the consumer at a higher level. You'll find out how to increase your productivity by running your business by design, not by default. 1 hour

VIEW SAMPLE This session delves into the challenges faced by both appraisers and agents when pricing and valuating stigmatized properties. Students will learn disclosure laws, how stigma can affect the price of a home and the six common types of stigmatized properties. You will also learn about iconic stigmatized properties, as well as techniques and best practices for making adjustments when dealing with these types of properties. 2-3 hours

Do builders create housing trends, or do they follow consumers? In this fast-paced session, we will discuss trends in real estate construction and remodeling. The aging of the Baby Boomer population, coupled with advanced technology, is changing both new construction and modifications to existing housing. The pent-up demand for new construction indicates there will be increased building of new homes in virtually every market. The desire for aging Americans to remain in their own homes means that builders, agents and others in the industry will be challenged to find housing where people can age in place. Agents need to understand the demands of consumers, as well as how to demonstrate the benefits of universal design, coupled with technology, to consumers. 1-1.5 hours

A demanding world and the stresses of the real estate industry can leave you mentally, emotionally, and physically depleted. How much of your emotional wellbeing is affected by people who abuse or misuse the time you give them? Buy back your life by managing your time, investing in self-care, and determining the access level people and situations have earned with you. A top producing agent and broker since age 18, Pam Ermen has dealt with the disruption of major trauma and the stressors of a complex, busy life. She’ll share strategies to cope, shift paradigms, recover, and move you - or someone you love – through life’s challenges.1-2 hours

Ashton has successfully taken his grandparents' family business in his marketplace from 9% market share to 20% market share in just 3 years as a partner in the company. See the changes his company has made along with the mindset behind building the brokerage of the future. 45 minutes-1 hour

Ashton shares how to discover your core values and align them with your branding and the legacy you want to leave in the marketplace. 45 minutes-1 hour

Are you ready for a simplified, effective business planning process to increase your agents’ production, focus, and effectiveness while decreasing the time to make those things happen? Be the coach and mentor you’ve always wanted to be and put the responsibility for performance and monthly follow-through where it belongs – with your Sales Force! Learn how you can push your sales force to new production levels and increased profitability.. Eliminate the mediocrity production plateau!1-2 hours

VIEW TRAILER  A Complete Content Marketing Crash Course for Sales and Investment Professionals  Cold calling, door knocking, endless (and expensive) mailing lists...there's a better way to generate actual leads! A real, robust content marketing plan can help you create a real estate business that is consistently bringing you new leads and new clients. Find out how to create a multi-platform approach that draws warm leads to you, gets them excited to meet you, and has them ready to work before that first appointment. 1-2 hours

I just left the best CE class about building influencer status and branding. I could not be more thrilled with getting myself out of bed super early this morning and attending that class because it was totally worth it! Abhi Golhar, the instructor, was amazing. He was super funny and I got a cool little Boomerang with him, too!” – Bobbi Jo Astorga, PARKS, Nashville, TN

VIEW TRAILER It’s time to create the business plan that catapults you to success! The BOOM Team will break it all down--Goal Setting, Business Planning, and Time/Task Management--then build it back up with the systems to make it all run so you can dominate your business! 1-2 hours

One of the BEST we have had! Great course and awesome information. Glad I signed up for it. Lots of excitement from instructors.” – Great Falls Webinar Attendee

I loved The Boom Team's energy. They made the two hours fun and it flew by. I feel like I have the tools to build a solid business plan. I especially liked the info they gave during the Sphere portion and also the talk about blocking time.” – Minnesota REALTORS® Attendee

VIEW TRAILER KEYNOTE or SESSION The first step to running a successful business is figuring out what your client needs and how best to give it to them. In this session, you will delve into the minds of your clients. Successful businesses meet clients’ needs better than their competitors. Most real estate professionals do not recognize what their clients really want and therefore lose repeat customers they could be developing. Don’t let the opportunity to stand out in your industry pass you by. 2-3 hours; Broker/Manager Version Available

VIEW TRAILER Build a strong and flourishing real estate business ready for any market. This session shows you how to position your business for success using systems to keep you both accountable and time efficient. You'll learn ways to make your goals measurable--and how to stay focused and motivated when things don’t go as projected. Advertising tips and tricks to maximize your message and money round out the session. Get on the path to a solid, growing real estate business created for your future. 1-2 hours; Broker/Manager Version Available

Helping clients purchase a property is a huge responsibility. A professionally run business helps you create a business of value and, more importantly, helps you think and act with predictable order and competence to serve your clients well. Defined, efficient systems to manage finances and lead generation prepare you to deliver desirable services and exceptional communication. Join Monica Neubauer as she provides you with the structure to help you own and run your own business as a real estate professional. 1, 2 hours; +Workshop, 4 hours

Only Available Virtually Most real estate professionals don’t have a written business plan. Of those who do, most plan backward, making marketing their first step. Learn why marketing should actually be the last step in an effective business plan. This approach saves time and money. Get all the tools necessary to build a business plan that is predictable, sustainable and profitable. 1-3 hours

VIEW TRAILER Have you ever been second-guessed by a client? Never again! This session will help you improve your relationships with buyers and help them to commit. You will learn techniques to help you massively increase your warm leads without high-pressure tactics and always be respected and listened to by your clients. Our focus will be on best practices to earn customers for life. Earn your client's trust and become an elite buyer's agent. 2-4 hours

Explore ways to add value to a transaction or create value in another niche! Better assist consumers by knowing how to identify the highest and best use; determining whether a proposed improvement will result in increasing or decreasing returns; evaluating whether a property should be rehabbed, remodeled or torn down; crunching the numbers on income-producing properties to determine the return and analyzing the effect of a 1031 Exchange versus a straight sale on a property. 4-7 hours; Alternate Title: Consult Your Way to More Income

Get a demo or tour of Canva the most popular marketing design program that can help you build your own marketing materials (business cards, flyers, postcards, brochures, social media posts, cover photos, animations, videos, and more) very easily yourself. Then get step-by-step instructions & assistance on how to use Canva, so by the end of the session, you can be your own designer!
Key Takeaways:
1. Identify how to use Canva to create online and offline marketing materials.
2. Identify how to use Canva to create videos to promote yourself, your properties, etc.
3. List tools and sources to create copyright-safe marketing materials
2-4 Hours

VIEW TRAILER Only Available Virtually Real estate professionals always want more salable listings, but most don’t see the obvious opportunity that exists in working the expired listing market and the for sale by owner market. And, if they do see the opportunity, they choose not to work it. Understanding, systems and strategies all contribute to the confidence necessary to capitalize on these opportunities.  We do what we do because we are best equipped to help sellers sell their homes.
FAQ’s:

• Do expired listings and For Sale by Owners offer opportunities for all agents? Yes
• Can an agent really capture the expired and/or For Sale by Owner market? Yes
• Is there a positive approach for expireds/FSBO’s that creates hope and respect? Yes
• Can sellers of expired listings learn to trust again? Yes
• Is the return on investment worthwhile? Absolutely
• Can every agent: new, seasoned, shy or outgoing capture these markets? Yes
• Is there a system to follow? Yes
• Do FSBO’s really eat their young? NO!

1-3 hours

She was, as usual, awesome! Always very informative, relative, and relatable. That mixed in with her great personality is always a win." – Patricia O'Herrick, Vice President, Sr. Leadership Team, Director of Education

Believe it or not, someday you may want to transition out of real estate! Maybe you’ll be looking for more freedom and flexibility to pursue other goals, or perhaps you’ll simply be ready to retire. But how can you keep making money from this business you’ve worked so hard to build? Is it possible to make a smooth, profitable transition with residual income and referral fees? Yes, but you must start now! In this course, you will learn multiple ways to sell, transition, or retire – simple, doable strategies that work (there are more options than you may realize!) and can make your long-term vision a reality. The good news? Tackling small tasks every day will create a rewarding exit strategy. 1-3 hours

A revolution in culture and industry is happening at an exponential level. Technology is influencing every aspect of life and bringing a barrage of new ideas and concepts to the real estate industry. Change is a fast-moving train with no signs of slowing down, threatening to impact your effectiveness and profitability if you are complacent. Join Monica Neubauer as she shows you how successful professionals recognize real estate as a relationship business where people help people. She’ll help you develop a proactive attitude of growth and adaptability to balance “real-time” living with the research, education, and social media for your evolving business model. 1 hour

VIEW TRAILER From making contract modifications and convincing sellers to accept cryptocurrency as payment, to dealing with escrows, commissions, and more, we will look at the nuts and bolts of closing a real estate transaction in cryptocurrency. Our current system never envisioned crypto as a way to do deals, so there are all sorts of problems that need to be resolved on the fly. You will learn about real challenges and their solutions from agents who have closed some of the largest crypto real estate deals in the country. If you want to be a player in the crypto space, the best way to start is by learning from the folks that have already done it. Attendees should have a basic understanding of cryptocurrency; 1-3 hours

VIEW TRAILER What is so special about real estate? You would be shocked at how poorly many real estate professionals understand their amazing product. This session is a sample of the information in the two-day session and is very popular with those that want to up their real estate “game.” It teaches you how to truly talk about real estate and know exactly what makes it such a wonderful opportunity for your clients. 2-3 hours

VIEW SAMPLE As real estate licensees, we work for our clients, but we work with other agents, and the interactions we have with our colleagues can impact our clients’ experience, for better or for worse. In this session, we will explore building better relationships with other agents with the intent to leverage associations to our clients’ advantage ... and to our own professional benefit and for the betterment of our industry as a whole. 1-3 hours

Only Available Virtually Find out how you can coach your agents to thrive in a low inventory market by pursuing listings and creating an opportunity-rich environment. In this information-packed session, you’ll get a simple 2-step database organizational system and an easily implementable 5-step “Top of Mind” process you can teach your agents. We’ll discuss how to guide your agents into purposeful, consistent actions that will make a difference in their client pipeline. We’ll even explore unconventional concepts along with shareable dialogues your agents can employ with clients to expand the possibilities within the home purchase and sales process. 1-2 hours

The powerhouse couple of Ethics and Fair Housing come together in this information-packed course. This session is designed to meet the REALTOR® Code of Ethics’ mandate through a lively review and discussion of ethical dilemmas, arbitration and mediation dispute resolution methods, and the latest in changes to the Code. Through the lens of situations and processes REALTORS® experience every day, we’ll also review Fair Housing law, HUD guidelines with respect to advertising compliance and identify best professional practices in the industry. As a bonus, we’ll even discuss proactive safety practices licensees should take when engaging with any consumer or client. 3-4 hours

All of the evaluations were very positive – 5’s across the board (on a 1 – 5 scale). We had a lot of comments on her fun personality, her level of experience and knowledge and engagement with the class. All of that is even better considering one of the classes met the NAR ethics requirements!” - Emily Archer MBA, Director of Education, Boise Regional REALTORS®

VIEW TRAILER Commercial real estate is very different from residential, especially in the paperwork. In this session we will take a close look at the LOI, commercial contract, optional clauses, and the closing process as well as a few extra things you may likely run into from lenders. Knowing your contract is the key. In this session, you will learn the ins and outs of your contract and how to explain it to your customer. Prepare to be your client’s best asset from start to finish. 1-3 hours

Investors care about the numbers and for many agents the numbers are the very thing that trips them up. In this class we teach agents how to use “the numbers” to make the case for their product, and for themselves as a knowledgeable professional. In this class agents will learn how to do cap rates, TVM (time value of money) calculations, internal rates of return, and net present values with confidence. Agents will leave this class with much greater confidence in their ability to quantify the investment value of their product. 3-4 hours

This class builds on the analysis skills taught in Commercial Investment Analysis 1 and brings into the equation the use of one of the most powerful tools in real estate: Debt. The ability to if and to what extent debt can improve the performance of the investors capital is something every serious real estate professional needs to be able to do. In this class agents will learn everything from cash on cash returns to internal rates of return with debt service and how the tax benefits can affect those returns. 3-4 hours

Grow your business with this easy and cost-effective marketing platform. One of the most challenging aspects of business success for most real estate professionals is marketing. We know we SHOULD be doing it, and the marketing industry tells us that our business will fail without it. But what do you do when you don’t have the time, the skill set, or the money to hire someone else to do it for you? The answer: CONTENT MARKETING. This session will explain exactly WHAT content marketing is, WHY it is so effective, and HOW you can start using it today. The results of content marketing will blow you away and it won’t cost you any money! 1-2 hours

You only have a few seconds to make a sales impression. Learn tried and true scripts and dialogues to make you more effective with every client opportunity. 45 minutes-1 hour

For Boards and Associations  One of the biggest challenges facing associations is proving the value of membership, especially to the next generation of REALTORS®. Education, formerly a cornerstone of association services, has lost its luster. Topics that were once all the rage (social media, technology, video) no longer carry the buzz they once did since they are second nature to young professionals and new members. We’ll discuss how to use the resources at your disposal to abandon the status quo and revamp your educational offerings to engage the next generation in new and innovative ways, bringing the value of association membership to the forefront. 1 hour

The most successful negotiators get the best outcomes for clients by thinking outside the box. This session pushes you out of your comfort zone to think differently. We’ll explore the impacts of perception versus reality on the transaction and how emotional intelligence affects the negotiation process. You’ll walk away with fresh, new approaches and innovative options for even the most difficult negotiation. Maura is a graduate of the Harvard Negotiation Institute at Harvard Law. 1-3 hours; Session + Workshop Available; 3 hour class includes self-assessment(s), small group discussion and case studies—as time and format allow

Make sure you are up to date with the latest market dynamics. Learn how to relay the expertise you provide to help your buyers and sellers successfully navigate the complexities of a real estate transaction. Discover easy-to-implement systems that will ensure you are providing your clients with the highest level of skill and service. From financing rules and regulations to low inventory and competitive market dynamics; empower yourself and your consumer by using dialogue, clear direction, and an ability to know and show how you are the real estate professional in this ever-changing market. 1-3 hours

VIEW TRAILER Is yours the “It Team” to be on? Team culture could quite possibly be the number one key to recruiting and retention...how’s yours? How can you create a memorable team culture to aid in high level recruiting and retention? Let’s talk about how to attract and keep the right people to make your business fun and profitable. The BOOM Team brings applicable examples and helps breakdown how to build a Team right! 1 hour; Broker/Manager Version Available

VIEW TRAILER The Nordstrom department store is legendary for exemplary customer service: from the earliest beginnings of Nordstrom, a sign hung from the ceiling that read, “If We Sell You Well, Tell Others. If Not, Tell Us.” Known for putting customer over company, Nordstrom salespeople are empowered to always make it right for the customer. As an agent, Nordstrom’s business philosophies can help you craft your own unique customer service proposition. By taking a page out of the Nordstrom book, from practical translation of the Nordstrom way into customer relationships, to incorporating the Nordstrom beliefs into our personal values system, we can revolutionize our businesses and our industry. 1-3 hours

With the proliferation of wire transfer fraud, listing scams, and other digital schemes, the real estate industry has been a major target for hackers and fraudsters. They realize real estate professionals are involved in large transactions and gather valuable information--often without the training or resources to do so securely. In this session, you'll find out how to assess your cybersecurity weaknesses, implement easy low tech solutions, and navigate several laws and NAR policies. Ensure your safety in this perilous digital world!
Key Takeaways:
• Relate how the real estate industry has become a target for hackers and fraudulent digital schemes
• Identify how to protect your clients from cyber threats targeting the real estate industry
• Demonstrate how to be compliant with the state and federal laws and NAR policies
Alternate Title: How Technology Can Ruin Your Real Estate Business 1-8 hours

Ashton built his business online with buyers but now has a steady stream of listings he handles each year. In 2013, Ashton personally took over 110 listings with the majority of them coming from repeat customers or customer referrals. Ashton will discuss the tactics he uses to keep in communication with his sphere of influence and will explain how you can preserve the vital relationships you need for your business. 45 minutes-1 hour

"Agile, flexible, adaptable." 2020 proved to be a year in which these words were used to describe real estate professionals. As the nation reacted to a worldwide pandemic, real estate agents responded to state and local orders that changed how real estate transactions are handled, including the use of technologies and tools that enable agents to work remotely and limit contact with others. Unfortunately, not all these tools and technologies protect the data entrusted to real estate professionals. This session reviews best practices for data security and assesses the safety features of some of today’s most popular apps and platforms.

After Attending This Session You’ll Be Able To:

• Describe at least 3 techniques to reduce risk involving the use of a personal computer or laptop
• Explain how phishing, spear phishing and social engineering schemes obtain sensitive information and how you can avoid these schemes
• Describe systems to reduce risks associated with using video and electronic communications.
• List at least 3 ways to work more securely on-line
• Explain the importance of proper disposal of electronic devices to protect the personally identifiable information

1-2 hours

VIEW TRAILER Your ability to speak about current market conditions is critical to building credibility and developing long-term, loyal customers. In this session, we address the market as it stands today. We'll discuss inflation's effect on the market and what that means for home buyers and investors. We'll examine how real estate's tremendous strength as a hedge against inflation and wealth builder works in today's market. You’ll walk away being able to explain to your clients in dollars and cents terms how real estate can protect them and their hard earned money. 1-3 hours

VIEW TRAILER It's Time to Close More & Lose Less  Deals die in many ways that are not your fault. In this session, you will look at potential Deal Killing issues with titles, appraisals, inspections, mortgages and even other agents. You will learn the tools to minimize the number of deals lost due to an outside influence. You will understand how to resuscitate and ultimately close deals that would otherwise die. The immediate result is healthier deals and happier customers. 2-4 hours

What goes into real estate? Dirt, bricks and other building materials, all placed on a site. What are the truths and myths about real estate? In this course, we’ll explore how to value land and buildings using appropriate techniques for both, with particular emphasis on developing a cost approach. We’ll review construction techniques and red flags, as well as identify sources of physical, functional and economic depreciation. Finally, we’ll explore some of the myths about real estate and real estate valuation. 3-7 hours

VIEW TRAILER Distressed sales are never easy.: someone or something is usually in distress. In this session, you'll learn how to work these deals without YOU becoming the one in distress. While the volume of distressed sales tends to rise and fall with the market, they never really go away. These properties aren't just foreclosures and short sales. They can be the result of divorces, estates, or other situations. Learn skills to make your deal more likely to close-and you are less likely to need medication.1-4 hours

What’s the Fed got to do with it? Lots! Economic forces impact real estate in many ways. We’ll discuss the history of economic trends and housing in the United States and give students the tools necessary to look at economic trends in order to be prepared for their effect on the housing market. This course is designed to help appraisers put economic trends in perspective within their market. 2–4 hours

Today's changing market has successful REALTORS developing new skillsets, including a mastery of their marketplace’s economic factors and indicators. Consumers experience information overload along with the media’s overlaying of national factors on local markets. Researching and delivering relevant, dependable market data can be the difference between a listing sitting or selling … or a buyer making a move. Discover the Top 6 Economic Factors affecting your marketplace and current online resources-then how to use this in buyer and seller presentations.

Takeaways Include:

• Identify the Top 6 Economic indicators defining the present market’s performance and direction and how these factors impact today’s buying and selling decisions.
• List easily accessible free online resources that provide relevant and valuable market data.
• Describe the difference between a “market in transition” and a “market in retraction” and how specific strategies apply to each.

1-3 hours