Cheryl Murakami Earns e-Pro Certification

Cheryl Murakami of Re/Max Tahoe Realty Today has successfully completed the National Association of Realtors e-Pro educational curriculum. This certification program is designed to provide real estate professional with the tools and expertise needed to assist technology savvy consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

According to the Internet & American Life Project report from February 15 – April 6, 2006, Internet penetration among adults in the U.S. has hit an all-time high showing fully 73% of American are online. The Internet has become increasingly important to users in their everyday lives. 88% of online Americans say the Internet plays a role in their daily routines.

Technology has infiltrated every aspect of real estate. “The Internet has become a very important part of the home buying process and it is here to stay”, says Murakami.

Trends and patterns develop over time that can help real estate professionals chart the direction of their business. The Internet gives practitioners tools for securing more listings and demonstrates to the seller a strategy that provides a high level of property marketing and transaction management via the Internet.

The Internet has become a crucial source of information. As customers increasingly rely on the Internet for initial home searches, the advantage goes to real estate professionals with strong brand identities and a powerful online presence. Re/Max is a forward thinking real estate company dedicated to excellence in real estate, enabling associates to utilize cutting-edge technology and instantaneously access the RE/MAX worldwide network. It is estimated that more than 7 out of every 10 homebuyers search the Internet for property information before contacting a real estate professional. Meeting the demand and expectations of our clients is our main focus. Having a strong online presence and a thorough knowledge of the technology is part of providing our clients with the information to make more informed buying or selling decisions. Access to information leads to a greater appreciation of the services real estate professionals provide and greater satisfaction with the home buying or selling experience – which is our goal.

It is clear that the Internet is becoming the primary source of information for the home buying and selling public. 4 out of 5 Internet buyers used an agent in the home buying process demonstrating that information from the Internet has complemented – not diminished – the role of the real estate professional. E-Pro certified real estate professionals possess the knowledge and skills to provide innovative online real estate services to the consumer.

Cheryl Murakami is an e-Pro certified real estate professional with Re/Max Tahoe Realty Today, an Association of Energy and Environmental certified EcoBroker and 2006 President Elect of the South Tahoe Association of Realtors®.