By: Guest Author, Specialty Programs Education Manager, Cailin Richardson

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin

How do you invest in yourself? In real estate, our lives revolve around our business. Often, we give ourselves, our time, and our attention to others without realizing it. Before we know it, there’s nothing left. In order to take care of others in life and business, we need to take time for ourselves. Self-love and appreciation are key to a balanced life.

There are different ways to fill yourself up, like reading a new book, giving yourself time to take a break, have a mental health day and enjoying a hobby or fun activity by yourself. You could also take a class and learn something new. Invest in knowledge to set yourself apart and become a better YOU.

This year, Virginia REALTORS^® invites YOU to take part in the REALTOR^® Institute (GRI). This is the premier designation for REALTORS^®. In Virginia, our program includes 60 hours of coursework (8 classroom courses and 2 online courses) covering the foundational topics to run a successful real estate business. Are you ready to begin a new journey? Learn more about the GRI and classes HERE.

To get your started, check out our two online courses. Click on this LINK to access RI 509: Mastering the Art of Negotiation and RI 510: Beneath the Surface.

• Become a master negotiator and learn from the best in RI 509: Mastering Real Estate Negotiations. Join Jackie Leavenworth as she walks you through the steps to understanding your own style and how to use it to close the deal.
• Learn about the structure of a home with Barry Stranz and gain confidence in your knowledge of the product: a house. This course will teach you the basics of house construction, so you can answer questions and know when to defer to qualified experts. Be the source of the source for your clients in RI 510: Beneath the Surface.