Some people think all they need to succeed in the land industry is a love of land and a few years of experience under their belt. Both of these are great to have, but once you start working, you’ll be faced with questions that even some of the most seasoned professionals might not know how to answer. Would you know what to say if a client asked:

• In what ways do soil types affect land use?
• Can I use a tax-deferred 1031 exchange to my advantage?
• How can I gain community support for land use projects?
• What kind of returns can I expect from this property over the next ten years?
• What are the tax results of my land real estate investment?
• What is the highest and best use of this property?
• What is the most efficient way to title real estate assets for a future wealth transfer?
• What does the current US property rights system guarantee a landowner?

Gaining expertise through professional development and continuing education prepares agents to answer the tough questions before a client even asks them. But that’s not all. There are a lot of benefits that come from pursuing land education.

The REALTORS® Land Institute is the gold standard when it comes to land education. No other provider offers as wide of a selection or as in-depth of courses as RLI’s LANDU Education Program. Here are the top four ways a LANDU Education can help you every day in your business to more confidently conduct transactions and close more deals as a land agent:

1: Expertise From The Best

If you look at RLI’s Instructor Center, you’ll see over thirty instructors with countless years of experience between them. You’ll truly be learning from the best in the business. These teachers have been handpicked and approved by RLI based on of their knowledge and expertise in their field of specialization.

2: Learn Your Way, At Your Pace

When you work with RLI, you choose the way you want to learn. There are online classes for folks on the go, independent study courses for those who to choose the pace they learn at, or traditional classroom classes for people who want to learn and network at the same time. If you want to get the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation quickly, you’re in luck. RLI’s 2018 LANDU Education Week is June 2-10 in Arlington, TX. Complete all of the course credits required to earn your ALC Designation in one place, including the three required courses and three elective courses which ensure attendees meet the ALC Education Requirements upon completion.

3: Stay Trendy

We aren’t talking about hitting the closest Cabela’s to check out their clothing line or buying the latest Yeti accessory (although they are trendy!). The land real estate industry and the technology tools available to agents are constantly changing, making it crucial to stay updated on the latest trends so you have the strategies and knowledge needed to adapt. RLI offers Hot Topic Webinars throughout the year to make sure agents can stay ahead of the curve. Many of which are free for members to attend.

4: Increase Your Client Base and Referral Network

Getting the ALC Designation is a great way draw more and get referred more clients. Having the ALC shows your clients and other agents that you have the expertise and experience needed to successfully conduct land transactions. Plus, as part of a nation-wide network of ALCs, there is no shortage of referrals happening.

Even without earning the ALC, RLI’s Find a Land Consultant tool, which is an online public directory of RLI Members, is a popular way for potential clients to find you. In fact, if you Google ‘find a land consultant’, the very first thing that pops up is RLI’s Find a Land Consultant search tool. Even Google knows RLI Members are the best in the business!

To wrap up, there are more benefits to land education than just getting a gold pin or three letters after your name – although we highly encourage you to take advantage of their added power as well. You can expand your client base and referral network and learn from the best in the business about the latest need-to-know information for land agents all in a way that’s customized to meet your needs.

This guest post is courtesy of the REALTORS® Land Institute. For more information, visit www.rliland.com.