Gene Urban -- The Urban Team

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One element that is often overlooked is the licencing requirements to become a real estate agents. If we, as an industry, are going to garner more trust and respect it seems imperative to up the standards to become an agent. In Arizona, there is no requirement for a GED, agents are not mentored, and the schooling is a mere 91 hours. If we look at our State requirements for becoming a nail technician or massage therapist we see they require a GED, the schooling includes supervised training and the overall course is in excess of 600 hours. A licenced home inspector has nearly 20 times the educational requirements of a real estate licensee. We need to address the quality, education and skill needed to become a trusted and qualified real estate agent. Our knowledge of real estate law, market conditions/analysis, negotiations, CMA's and much more play an important part in creating and expanding the public trust. I would ask all of us to push the "powers that be" to significantly increase the requirements to become a real estate agent/Realtor. Our determination to be a more qualified industry will lead to more trust and market confidence. Gene Urban The Urban Team at Realty Executives 602-234-5777 www.UrbanTeamAZ.com www.UrbanLifeBlog.com

It seems clear, by the number of subsidiary holdings, LandAmerica chose a business model that emphasized leveraged growth. This is simply another example of gluttony gone bad. I hope they do not find a bailout option and suffer the consequences of poor business management. What ever happened to sustainable growth policy combined with careful cash management? Can you imagine how viable they would be today if they had been prudent verses reckless during the crazies of 2003-2006? Gene Urban The Urban Team at Realty Executives 602-234-5777 www.UrbanTeamAZ.com www.UrbanLifeBlog.com

My brother and I were recruited by many brokers and we chose Realty Executives. In the Arizona market this firm dominates and excels. John Foltz, our DB and President, is a forward thinking man with great insight and optimism. The firm provides an excellent opportunity to build a real estate practice that is both strong and eventually marketable. As most know, our founder, Dale Rector, invented the 100% commission plan. We have great marketing, training and a core group of agents who are the top in the Greater Phoenix market. Gene Urban The Urban Team at Realty Executives 602-234-5777 www.UrbanTeamAZ.com www.UrbanLifeBlog.com