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Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Degrees and/or all sorts of training cannot guarantee professionalism.

Jun 25, 2016 09:26 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,977
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

No

Jun 25, 2016 12:15 PM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I don't think a college degree makes anyone more professional. It might help them know more, but that doesn't equate into a different way of conducting themselves.

Jun 25, 2016 08:31 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

No. There are people who a professional who lack a degree and plenty of college grads that will never be true professionals. Work ethic makes a big difference, plus the willingness to continue learning and to behave professionally under all circumstances.

Jun 25, 2016 12:43 PM
Rainmaker
695,753
Nicholas Crane
Woodland Companies - Cadott, WI
Managing & Appraising Forest Land

good question.  my gut reaction is yes but in writing only.  college teaches you many things about business and becoming a professional.  yet i have met plenty of college grads that are anything but professional.  a degree can only go so far after that it is a choice to be professional. 

Jun 25, 2016 10:38 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Neither a college degree nor the Nobel Prize can guarantee a sales agent will be more professional.  Being professional has many levels and is totally dependent on the individual.   Knowledge is just one aspect and, as far as I know, nothing in the college cirriculum teaches practical skills for being successful as an agent.  It can, however, be beneficial in teaching Business Management skills.  Afterall, managing a small business is what an agent is doing... from day 1 ! 

Jun 25, 2016 10:11 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I think it will always depend on the individual.

Jun 25, 2016 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

No it depends on the individual person.

Jun 25, 2016 10:38 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Professionalism comes from within.

Jun 25, 2016 02:53 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Probably not.

When I was thinking about dropping out of college in my freshman year, my boss explained to me that the degree does not make you a better employee/professional, but having the commitment to get the degree does speak volumes to future employers.

I went back, finished my degree, and then went and got another.

Jun 25, 2016 02:32 PM
Rainer
187,002
Raj Taj
RE/MAX - Lake Bluff, IL
Drive By Blessings!

It may, but there's no guarantee. Doesn't matter how big ones D...D..Degree is, it's on how well one uses it.

Jun 25, 2016 01:59 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It depends. Education is powerful but I have also met some PhD's that couldn't carry a conversation and seemed like total idiots.

Jun 25, 2016 12:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I don't think so. A person can act extremely professional whether they have a college degree or not.

Jun 25, 2016 12:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Not in my opinion.  You can learn, but can you perform? Being professional also means personality. comunication and even projecting a professional attitude.  A College Degree may not teach you all that.

Jun 25, 2016 11:25 AM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

A person can draw from a higher learning experience in any profession, but common sense, experience, and people skills cannot be taught in any institution. A true professional is someone who understands what they are doing, can explain it, and can do it in a way that evokes trust and integrity, with tangible measures of success, whether they went to college or not.

Jun 25, 2016 11:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Nope, but it does sound good if you have MBA on your card:) Yet, it will not guarantee a good service. I met agents with only high school diploma who are wildly successful in sales. 

Jun 25, 2016 08:59 AM
Rainmaker
206,062
Sandy Williams
eXp Realty, sandy@sandywilliams.com - Sarasota, FL

No.  Business school either goes through you or you go through business school.  Degrees give you experience of time management, opens your mind  for learning and teaches you how to be poor for at least four years.  All are life experiences that hopefully one carries into their life, and provides the mindset for compassion.  Sales is about listening to people, developing relationships and coming from contribution.  A degree can mature someone, however, it really comes down to that individual. 

Jun 26, 2016 12:27 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

No, it does not.

This is an example of a surrogate endpoint, and effort to connect a action with an unrelated outcome.

But, it is a common chorus sang by those elitists in the real estate business who plead "Raise the barrier to entry' so there will be less competition and fewer who are upsetting the status quo.

A better question which is actually more relative, is does receiving Honorable paper after military service make one a better professional.

Those in the business know a lot of the real estate business has to do with doing stuff you don't like doing.

A BS in animal husbandry or honorable discharge? I know where I would put my money.

Jun 25, 2016 10:25 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Depends where it's purchased

Jun 25, 2016 09:17 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Not necessarily but higher education is certainly beneficial.

Jun 25, 2016 08:59 PM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Depends on the individual - I think life experiences and role models will help more than college in and of itself 

Jun 25, 2016 12:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Many good answers to your question. Put ditto marks under Nicholas Crane and Carol Williams 

Jun 25, 2016 12:24 PM
Rainer
97,816
Carol Wilson
Your $imple Home - Toronto, ON

The degree doesn't make you anything.  Getting the degree (especially if you worked and achieved A grades) usually provides skills and work ethic that contribute to one's success as a professional.

The credentials may improve the appearance of being professional, but as you know, it's not what you've got, it's what you do with it.  So which professionals do you admire?  Think about why and work hard to gain and use those skills.  This will not only help you be professional, it will help you like yourself...priceless.

Jun 25, 2016 12:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,090,872
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

Not necessarily.

 

Jun 25, 2016 09:56 AM
Rainmaker
1,435,300
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

No,

 But I think people that are in should stay without one but I think for the future you should have one!

Jun 25, 2016 09:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

No.

Jun 25, 2016 09:04 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     I don't think so. 

Jun 25, 2016 08:58 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

No, not to me!  I've known people with Masters who have no common sense and are only book-smart.  Being professional to me means having a Code of Ethics, both in work and in your life.  Be a person of your word, and that is professional!

Jun 26, 2016 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Maybe years ago but not now.

Jun 26, 2016 04:49 AM
Rainer
19,291
Jackie Mazurowski
CENTURY 21 Myers Realty - Auburndale, FL
Polk County Gold Realtors

I highly disagree.

Jun 25, 2016 11:38 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I wouldn't think so. I think being professional is an individual choice whether or not you have a college degree. 

Jun 25, 2016 10:58 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

no..... simple answer..... 

Jun 25, 2016 09:29 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

No, that is just chaaracter.

Jun 26, 2016 03:54 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Not more professional but smarter

Jun 26, 2016 10:31 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Reputation and track record are really important.  And having said that -

Actualy, I can't think of another "profession" that does not require an advanced degree.  Here in DC, most agents do have a degree, and many have MBA's and law degrees, or they are retired Foreign Service Officers, which generally requires an advanced degree.  If I were choosing a Realtor to work with, I would rank educational background right up there.

Jun 26, 2016 07:42 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

No.  

Jun 26, 2016 04:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

It depends.  On the individual.   On the degree.  On the definition of professional.  

Jun 26, 2016 03:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

No.  I know very professional people without a college degree in several fields.  Some guy named "Bill Gates" did allright for himself without a degree.

 

Now out here there is talk about requiring a degree for a Broker's license and degrees do substitute for experience.

Jun 26, 2016 03:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

No. There are so many individuals that were outstanding in their careers and became famous.

Jun 26, 2016 03:23 AM
Rainmaker
4,160,899
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

It depends on the degree. Good question!

Jun 26, 2016 02:39 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

We are always looking of ways to raise our personal stock. This be one of them. Remember: Its what you do with what you have & not just having it

Jun 26, 2016 01:32 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Nothing will make a person more intelligent if they fail to listen.

Jun 26, 2016 12:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

No, I don't believe it does. There are many so called professionals who don't know much of anything.

Jun 25, 2016 11:18 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It depends.

Jun 25, 2016 10:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

No IMHO. 

It's like saying wearing orange nail polish will make you sell more homes.

Jun 25, 2016 10:06 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

No to your question (the way you asked it ).

Jun 25, 2016 09:41 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

yes and smarter

Jun 25, 2016 12:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I am in west coast. Rarely do I see realtors who are not college grads. Silicon Valley ~70% have mba, jd, phd degrees. Almost all have professional credentials like cpa, crs etc. Most can get high tech wages but want the independence life style.  

Having said of college education, one top agent told me he did not finish high school often asked me to look over his writings.  But he is an exception.

Those with CCIM requires lots of courses in finance, accounting, w/o it is harder to get the credential and be a commercial caliper dealing with accountants and corp lawyers.  

Jun 25, 2016 11:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

Great question.  Totally intriguing.  I say yes.  

Jun 25, 2016 10:18 AM