Technology and Training at IBR

We constantly strive to keep our agents on the leading edge of real estate technology and industry innovations. For this purpose we have created a two-pronged training system that focuses on technology and business practices The influx of new agents to IBR and the exponential growth of real estate technology and market change means that something is always happening at the IBR Training Department. Many of the courses offered qualify for Minnesota continuing education credits.

Technical Training

The technical training component is headed up by Aaron Blackman. Aaron is a REALTOR/GRI and has been active in the industry since 1993. We are proud of Aaron’s mastery of current technologies. We also know that he is not “standing still,” but is continuously exploring emerging technologies. Aaron holds the prestigious designation of Microsoft Certified Professional. He has also been instrumental in nationwide training programs for MLS and Agent Productivity software. His input as a member of the 2005 Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors Technology and MLS Systems Committee is undoubtedly responsible for some of the MLS revisions and improvements that we now benefit from.

Aaron conducts courses to help new agents navigate their way through the Northstar Matrix MLS system, including the My Matrix, contact management, search features, and CMAs, as well as tax and statistics functions. In addition, agents are trained on the setup and use of free, personal websites provided by IBR. Attendees will also gain understanding of the website’s listing management and syndication systems. Aaron also conducts trainning courses for information management systems, zip forms, Toolkit CMA, Announce My Move, and some of the under-utilized features of the Showing Solutions feedback system. Aaron is also developing a webinar program to make training programs more accessible to agents, especially those outside of the metro area.

Corporate Training

Under the direction of Becky Masterman, our corporate training program has honed the business skills and real estate practices of new and veteran agents alike. We consider ourselves fortunate to have a trainer with solid analytical skills. For over a decade, prior to her real estate career, Rebecca was involved in scienctific research. The analytical skills gained as a scientist certainly played a large part in her success as a long-time real estate investor. Rebecca began her real estate career in 2001, and earned her Broker, GRI, and ePro designations. IBR is proud to note that Rebecca was selected as a Super Real Estate Agent by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine Business Monthly in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Becky Masterman’s programs include buyer’s agent basics, seller strategies, and contingent sales. In addition, Rebecca instructs a three hour course that will ensure your skill at writing a purchase agreement and all commonly used addenda. Constant form revisions mean that agents from all eperience levels will benefit from this class. “Hands-on” experience is a critical component of this class, and students benefit from guided practice as they construct documents based on real-life scenarios. New agents have found that the class “fills in the gaps” from their basic pre-license training. Veteran agents gain an understanding of the ever-changing purchase agreement forms and the nuanced verbiage they contain.

Rebecca is also an experienced business coach, and can help you with setting goals, organization, customer service skills, and business planning.