The founder of The Bird Dog Program, Kristine Zelazo — better known throughout the industry as The Short Sale Gal — has obtained two new real estate designations. In addition to being a licensed real estate broker, a licensed REALTOR® and holding half a dozen other designations, Kristine is now a certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert, RENE, and a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). These two designations will provide Kristine with the ability to provide her program members with greater guidance, insight and assistance.
What is a Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE)?
The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) designation is awarded to real estate professionals who complete a comprehensive course, in addition to meeting experience-related criteria.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) describes the RENE credential as “…the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.”
In order to be eligible to receive this designation, Realtors like Kristine must fulfill a number of different criteria. The course covers a number of areas, including:
- How to hone and refine your skills in real estate negotiation;
- Techniques for overcoming roadblocks, conflicts and other behind-the-scenes issues that may arise during a real estate negotiation;
- Understanding the different personality types and how these personality traits impact the negotiation process; and
- Techniques for handling situations involving parties who hold conflicting interests and varying objectives while attempting a real estate deal negotiation.
Negotiation skills are particularly essential for individuals who deal in real estate investing, including short sales, wholesaling, REOs and other distressed properties. Real estate investors are far more likely to encounter a negotiation scenario since it’s a business transaction and the involved parties rank financials as a primary consideration. With a traditional home sale, you’re less likely to encounter this type of scenario since buying a home is a very emotional decision. Buyers are generally more willing to compromise when emotional factors are involved.
What is a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)?
Kristine also recently attended courses to secure her designation as a Seller Representative Specialist. Like the RENE certification, this credential required the completion of a comprehensive, standardized course, in combination with meeting the set experience-based requirements. The National Association of Realtors describes the SRS designation as “…the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.”
The National Association of Realtors describes the SRS designation as “…the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.”
As a new Seller Representative Specialists, Kristine was required to prove her abilities and skills in a number of areas, including the following:
- Real estate professionals must demonstrate their ability to effectively convey their value package to potential sellers;
- Certified parties must prove they know how to apply the techniques, tools and strategies required to help guide sellers during a real estate transaction;
- REALTORS® must demonstrate a full understanding of the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, along with the applicable laws that are involved when representing a seller in a real estate transaction.
In addition to her new RENE and SRS credentials, Kristine holds a number of additional real estate certifications and designations too, including:
- Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) Designation;
- Short Sales and Foreclosure (SFR) Certification;
- Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) Certification;
- Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) Designation;
- Internet Marketing Certification (ePRO); and
- Real Estate Owned (Bank Owned) Properties Certified (REO-Certified).
Ready to Get Started in Real Estate Investing With The Bird Dog Program?
If you’re getting started in real estate, consider working with a real estate investing mentor like The Short Sale Gal, Kristine Zelazo. Getting started in real estate investing can be somewhat challenging, but when done right, you can stand to make significant profits. You’ll have lots of advantages in this regard when you enter into a joint venture and work with a real estate investing and short sale expert like Kristine Zelazo.
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions in The Bird Dog Program FAQ.
Based in Florida, Kristine works with bird dogs, investigators, buyers and sellers. She is an experienced negotiator. So if you’re an investor seeking to get started involved as a bird dog, want to start buying short sales and need a great mentor or wish to pursue a short sale transaction for the sale of your property, turn to Kristine Zelazo, the Short Sale Gal!
Click here to learn more about The Bird Dog Program, click here or call Kristine at 800.664.0616, x802.