There is a new real estate designation, the LGBT Real Estate Specialist (LGBTRES). The designation, given only to sales associates and brokers who complete the related training and certification and become members of The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, signifies expertise in understanding the needs of LGBT clients and counseling them through the major financial and life changes involved in buying and selling a home. The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) announced a partnership with Realogy Corporation (NYSE: H), the world's largest real estate franchisor. As part of the three-year agreement, Realogy and its companies are the Exclusive Program Founders for the unprecedented real estate certification. The certification training for LGBTRES candidates includes a half-day live lecture course or an online track, which the candidate must pass to receive their certification. The training, designed to help agents and brokers gain sensitivity to and understanding of the LGBT market, will be offered to Realogy's affiliated sales associates and brokers at a substantially discounted rate of $75. The NGLCC will begin delivery of the training in the fourth quarter of 2006, and, in 2007, will certify LGBTRES trainers in Realogy's major markets to make the certification available to a wider audience.
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