One of our ACRE enrollees, Bonnie Cox, signed up months ago for ACRE but due to trying to finish ECO Broker and other things, has not yet taken her exam. She posted the following on another list-serv and I promised, in the way of giving her additional incentive to finally finish her exam and join us, that I would post this to the Exchange, and she wouldn't be able to see it until she passed her exam and joined us.

Actually, her post is good food for thought for all of us, especially after yesterday's call. Please note my response at the end and then hers.

One of my investors gave me a referral for another investor who is unfamiliar with Richmond. He is from out of state and intends to buy and sell a minimum of 10 fixer-uppers per year.

I had a great phone interview with him where he explained that being unfamiliar with the specific neighborhoods, he needed help determining the best offer price and estimated subsequent value of the property after he finished his rehab/renovation. After the work was done, he would want me to resell these for him.

One of the many aspects of consulting that I love is that it truly is whatever works for you and the client. Not being boxed in by the commission structure is so empowering!

I'm in the process of developing a specific plan for him that includes what services I'll provide, how I will be paid for the analysis of present day value, estimated resale value, and marketing the property when work is complete. Because he is from out of state, he may opt for a commission based listing but he and I are still working that process out.

This is an awesome opportunity to fine tune my consulting program with investors and will be an ongoing source of income and subsequent referrals from him as well.

 Unlike real estate sales, as a consultant, your work with clients and prospects is not limited to just assisting people who are buying or selling a home. Certainly assisting active buyers and sellers will continue to be the majority of your work and with the options that you can now offer, you'll win more buyers and listings than ever.

But the bonus of being an ACRE is the additional income opportunities that you have assisting consumers that aren't buying or selling or, not buying or selling NOW. Think of the range of clients that ACREs are now working with (and getting paid for!) Investors, homeowners, for sale by owners, the mortgage industry... if it has to do with real estate decisions, you can now get paid.

BUT, instead of people making the decision to buy or sell and then contacting an agent, you can become their teammate from the beginning helping to guide them in making the decision.