As we address these issues, we will look at existing laws, possible solutions or proven existing solutions and how to enforce or implement these.  We must also examine the social, economic and environmental benefits of real estate, including housing.

We will examine the importance of partnering with other social organizations such as Belize Audubon Society (BAS) that share the same values and vision for safeguarding our community by safeguarding our environment (April 20, 2008/ BNAR Preamble to COE) and why lobbying for responsible planning and policies that will benefit our citizens and future generations is a mandate for all of us.  Notwithstanding, you will also learn the value of and activate an enthusiastic approach to join the ranks of those that are committed as agents of change for the better as we support these policies and ensure their effectiveness with our full participation.

This past weekend, the Belize Audubon Society held its first historic membership convention. It was a two day event starting with a gathering on Saturday, April 26th, and on Sunday, 27th, BAS members enjoyed the opportunity to connect with nature. 

Two boats carried some very excited adults, youths and children, many for the first time, to an adventure of a lifetime to visit two of the Lighthouse Reef atolls, protected areas managed by BAS.  These included Half Moon Caye that is the home of a littoral forest and the Booby Birds and the famous Blue Hole where many courageously snorkeled for under an hour. I mention this because it was designed to inform our members of the importance of education that is necessary to assist us to know and appreciate the beauty and resources of our environment and why and how we should become actively involved in its sustainment.   

One major incident that we were privileged to witness firsthand, is the ongoing challenge BAS and the government face in preserving our marine resources in order to protect and preserve the ongoing reproduction of marine life to feed our present and future generations. A small boat and its two passengers trespassed into the restricted area of the reserve to dive for conch, unaware that some passengers on the private vessel we travelled included not only members of BAS, but the park rangers responsible for that area and other BAS officials. 

The intruders were instructed to turn over their gears and the conch they had in their possession of which one was a juvenile.  They were further instructed to appear at the court the following morning to be charged.  These were seasoned and known fishermen who knew the risk they were taking.  The fishermen are the ones that complain that there are not enough marine food supplies but they continuously fail to understand why certain marine areas must be protected to ensure that they do eventually have sufficient supply of marine food resources.  When they attempt to circumvent the very laws that will protect their very livelihood, they hurt themselves and the very future of their sons’ grandchildren income base.

Perhaps this account will help our readers to appreciate more why the concern for the clearing of land within a protected area is also a major concern of both BAS and the responsible REALTOR® as both are mandated to protect the environment and monitor sustainable developments to ensure the survival of our future generation.  It is also my sincere desire that as I continue to encourage and expose the opportunities in real estate education that is available, that the reader will use and share this information with others.

Business Specialties – Part II

ALC, Accredited Land Consultant

ALCs are the recognized experts in land brokerage transactions of five specialized types: (1) farms and ranches; (2) undeveloped tracts of land; (3) transitional and development land; (4) subdivision and wholesaling of lots; and (5) site selection and assemblage of land parcels. Acquire valuable skills through educational offerings leading to the ALC designation.

CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member®

CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes more than 7,500 designees and an equal number of candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe and South America. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources.

CPM, CERTIFIED PROPERTY MANAGER®

Acquire valuable real estate management skills through educational offerings leading to the CPM® designation. CPM® members have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial.

CRE, Counselor of Real Estate

The Counselor of Real Estate – or CRE – is a member of The Counselors of Real Estate, an international group of recognized professionals who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,100 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE designation. Membership is by invitation only.

GAA, General Accredited Appraiser

Certified general appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the GAA designation. The GAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Residential Accredited Appraiser

Certified residential appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the RAA designation. The RAA designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

GRI Graduate REALTOR Institute

Members involved in residential real estate who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRI designation.

 SIOR, Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®

Individuals certified with the SIOR designation are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage. SIOR's network includes more than 2,800 members in 480 cities in 20 countries on six continents. The Society's mandatory recertification requirement assures clients of the designee's excellence in the fast changing commercial brokerage field.

SRES®, Senior Real Estate Specialist

The SRES® Designation program trains REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Includes first year membership in SRES Council and its umbrella of services.   (This is a fairly new addition to the real estate business specialties.)

Product Overview

For most senior adults, the homes that they live in are their largest asset and account for most of their net worth. Completion of the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) Designation Course is an essential step for REALTORS® in understanding the distinct real estate goals, concerns, and needs of seniors today. This course looks at key differences in housing options, from age-restricted communities to age-in-place design to assisted living; applications of the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA); the ins and outs of reverse mortgages; the use of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions; and developing a team of senior specialists, including estate planners, reverse mortgage lenders, clutter and staging specialists, and more. Students who complete this course and score at least 80% on the exam will become members with the SRES Council. Please note that in order to be eligible for membership with the SRES Council, students MUST maintain membership with the National Association of REALTORS® or, for students outside of the U.S., maintain membership with one of the NAR`s cooperating associations, ( such as BNAR/ Belize National Association of REALTORS® ) including the Canadian Real Estate Association. 

PMN, Performance Management Network

The Performance Management Network (PMN) is a new REALTOR® designation that’s built from the ground up to bring you the real-world skills, the know-how and the tools that will keep your business on top of a lightning-fast market. This designation is unique to the REALTOR® family designations, focusing on the idea that in order to enhance your business, you must enhance yourself. The curriculum is driven by the following topics: negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning & systems, personal performance management and cultural differences in buying and selling.

ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative

With over 40,000 members, REBAC is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Over 30,000 ABR® designees have completed the REBAC course, passed the test and provided documentation of buyer agency experience.

ABRM, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager

Geared to real estate firm brokers, owners and managers that have or wish to incorporate buyer representation into their daily practice, designees have taken and passed both the ABR® and ABRMSM course and provided documentation of past management experience. 

You now have in your possession for future reference sixteen of the twenty one real estate business specialties that will assist the customer to make informed decisions when choosing the right agent to handle your transaction, or for the reader/ agent that takes his real estate profession seriously and wishes to specialize in one or more of these specialized areas or the reader that is contemplating entering the real estate profession.  Remember, this is a profession that the retiree can also consider as an alternative income base and to continue to be productive in the community.

 I encourage you to send in your questions, views, concerns and suggested topics for   discussion to P.O .Box 434, Belize City or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Yvonne E. Meighan Hartshorn, JP, CIPS, CRB, CRS, GRI, TRC, Resort / Commercial/Land/ Buyer Representation /Development/ Consultant/ Licensed Real Estate Broker/REALTOR® Chief Founder / President Emeritus of Belize National Association of REALTORS®; CEO of JAYS Enter. Ltd, and affiliates: Alpha & Omega (Belize/Miami) International Realty & Consultants, Alpha Real Estate Institute, Alpha Title Research Institute.