Why Use an Accredited Land Consultant?

When it comes time to buy or sell a property, having the best in the business representation is invaluable. Using an Accredited Land Consultant guarantees clients that they are represented by the most knowledgeable, experienced, well-connected, and trustworthy land professionals in the country.

What is in ALC?
An Accredited Land Consultant, or ALC, is a land real estate broker or agent who has completed a rigorous Land University (LANDU) Education Program through the REALTORS® Land Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. All ALCs have met a high level of experience and transaction volume requirements ensuring their expertise when it comes to conducting and closing real estate deals. On top of having a proven and unparalleled level of expertise and experience, ALCs are required to adhere to the ALC Code of Conduct, which assures high ethical standards, in order to maintain their elite status as an ALC and ensure their clients best interest take priority.

Expertise
ALCs understand the value of being the expert on all matters pertaining to a client’s transaction. Land transactions, in particular, require specialized knowledge and familiarity with the industry to competently ensure the client’s best interests are met.  From understanding the various legal aspects of a transaction to applying knowledge of soil types, investment analysis, timberland valuation, recreational or agricultural land management, acquiring land for residential development, and more, ALCs are certified to have the expertise needed to represent their clients.

Experience
As the old saying goes, “there is no teacher like experience.” Which is why to become an ALC, applicants must submit a resume that demonstrates a minimum of two years of experience in land sales or brokerage or a minimum of three years of comparable real estate experience. They must also prove experience in at least five closed land transactions totaling $10,000,000, or a total of twenty-five separate land transactions.

Networking
One key to success that many clients overlook is having a broker or agent that is well connected with other brokers / agents across the country. Whether it is to tap their pool of buyers seeking to purchase a property or to gain additional insights into best practices or specialized knowledge, having a large network of other highly qualified ALCs and best in the business land brokers through the REALTORS® Land Institute is invaluable.

Ethical Integrity
Accredited Land Consultants are honorable land professionals who recognize the importance of land to life. ALCs share in the responsibility to conduct themselves with high morals following the ALC Code of Conduct and the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®.

1. Protect and promote the best interest of clients
2. Display high moral and professional standards
3. Avoid exaggeration and misrepresentation of relevant facts
4. Treat all with honesty and respect
5. Stay current in industry knowledge and trends
6. Enhance the integrity and professionalism of the industry
7. Cooperate with fellow real estate professionals
8. Follow local, state, and national laws regarding disclosure
9. Will not condone or participate in discriminatory practices
10. Support, understand, and champion RLI policies

The ALC Designation gives clients and their brokers the confidence to competently buy and sell land. To find an Accredited Land Consultant, visit rliland.com/find-a-land-consultant. For more information on becoming an ALC, visit rliland.com/accredited-land-consultant-designation.

About the Author: Jessa Friedrich, MBA, is the Marketing Manager for the REALTORS® Land Institute. She has an Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing as well as her MBA in Marketing with a specialization in Social Media.