Fifteen realtors have joined the ranks of Florida Realtors' Board Certified Professionals for 2024. The newly certified members include Cathy Alley, Michele Bailey, Hollie Billero Buldo, Cindy Birge, Eddie Blanco, Sandra Fernandez, Benjamin Gilbert, Erin Halstead, Patti E. Ketcham, Gonzalo Mejia, Catherine "Cookie" Miller, Charles Sowers, Tula Tucker, Sue Vasquez and Mary Anne Windes.
An advisory group on industry professionalism led to the development of the Board Certified Professional program. With numerous new licensees entering the profession annually, certification was deemed necessary to honor those at the peak of their profession and create a benchmark for new Realtors. In its inaugural year in 2023, twenty Realtors earned this endorsement.
"Taking the time and effort to increase professionalism is not only the right thing to do; it strengthens the value of being a Realtor and a member of our local, state and national organizations," said Arvin. "As one of the largest professions in our state, we need to promote Realtor members that work at the highest levels of professionalism – and we accomplish this with the Florida Realtors Board Certified Professional program."
Realtor members had to demonstrate proficiency in four key areas: knowledge of contractual details in real estate transactions; education; community service; and supporting homeownership through advocacy efforts.
For more information about the program, visit Florida Realtors' member website. The next application period will open in January 2025.