Most property transactions are complex procedures, requiring the knowledge and expertise of a real estate professional. There may come a time when you need the assistance of a real estate professional who is specially trained in a specific aspect of the business.

Many people are surprised to learn how many of our members specialize in real estate services other than home sales. We would like our community to be aware of what specializations are available, so when special real estate needs arise, such as investment, property management, or counseling, they can choose a real estate professional who best will meet these needs.

Early in its history, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recognized a need for specialists to better serve the public and to assist other members in serving their clients with specific interests. Like all association members, those Realtors involved in specializations subscribe to the association's strict Code of Ethics, in addition to the standards and ethical practices set by each of the NAR's seven affiliated organizations in which they may hold membership.

Through membership in NAR's affiliated institutes, societies and councils, members devote themselves to continuous study of the most recent trends in their respective fields. The affiliates award specialty designations that recognize a member's advanced education and experiences in a particular discipline. Courses offered through the affiliates keep members abreast of developments in their specialized fields and better able to address industry issues.

The following are brief summaries of a few of NAR's affiliated institutes, societies, and councils:

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[naviga:li]The Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute (CIREI) was established in 1990. CIREI

enhances the professional competence of those engaged in commercial-investment real estate and offers the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), established in 1933 to advance professionalism in property management, awards the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation to property and asset managers who meet its standards of experience, education and ethical conduct.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Members of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) specialize in such areas as subdivision development, real estate marketing, foreign investment, urban and investment land, farms and ranches, commercial and development properties and residential sales.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), established in 1941 for individuals specializing in all phases of industrial and office real estate activity, is an international organization offering educational courses in marketing industrial and office properties.[/naviga:li]

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Affiliates provide one more avenue of education to Realtors to assist them in anticipating and addressing trends and issues in the real estate industry, thus enabling them to serve the public in the highest professional manner possible.

Visit our web site at easternctrealtors.com to find professional Realtor services, your next home, and get connected to local resources for home buying or selling.