Custom Builders and Remodelers Build Buyer Trust through Learn-Build :: Chicagoland Real Estate Forum

Custom Builders and Remodelers Build Buyer Trust through Learn-Build

In a booming real estate market, home builders built speculative homes with no significant fear of not recouping their investment in a reasonable amount of time. Times have changed, and building specs isn’t as easy or as profitable as it once was. The result? Builders focus on presales and, suddenly, everyone is a custom builder. But when buyers are investing the time and money to work with you on a home from the beginning, they’re judging you against a different yardstick. They can no longer see, touch or tour the home to evaluate its quality. They must visualize it, and they must trust you when you say you will build it well. With remodeling jobs, trust is even more important. In the case of a new build, buyers will have the opportunity for a final walk-through before closing, and they can list any contingencies in a legally binding contract. With a remodel, buyers literally have to live with challenges until settlements can be made, and they’ll look for a remodeler who will allow them to avoid the hassle.

How can builders and remodelers differentiate themselves and build trust with clients before the foundation is poured or the first wall is torn out? Through continuing education and certifications offered through the Illinois Regional Education Board and Learn-Build. Think about it. If you had the choice of having your car repaired by a “Master Mechanic” or the garage that just opened down the street, which would you more likely trust to do the job right the first time? Several certifications offered through Learn-Build will tell potential clients that you have been educated in proper construction methods and in responsible business management – a major factor in building trust. The most esteemed designations are the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) and the Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR). The GMR program is scheduled to roll out in February 2009, and like the GMB program, it will offer advanced, in-depth instruction geared for experienced professionals. The Certified Graduate programs for associate, builder and remodeler (CGA, CGB and CGR) provide preliminary learning opportunities. The CGA classes are taught by builders and remodelers who share from years of experience. The CGB and CGR classes focus on business management skills for professionally managed companies.

In addition to training components, these certifications require participants to adhere to a code of ethics. If you share this code with your clients, it will reassure them that you hold yourself to standards of conduct and quality that your competitors may not promise. Earning these designations requires having a pre-determined level of experience in the industry. Courses can generally be completed within one year. When you’re ready to stand out from the crowd and show your commitment to your clients, check out Learn-Build today. Courses are filling up, and your potential customers may already be looking for someone they can trust.