Real estate agents in St. Augustine and St. Johns counties in Florida recently completed a mediation program to help them improve service for clients. The mediation training program was presented to members of the Board of Realtors and was conducted by an experienced Realtor who is one of three co-trainers from the National Association of Realtors Mediation Training program.

The training provides local and state associations with a framework for mediation programs and to teach a process that allows for effective dispute resolution. Realtors are encouraged to embrace mediation and promote it to clients as the best tool for resolving real estate disputes.

During the course of the training program, real estate agents learn the benefits of mediation, including:

• Privacy
• Control
• Confidentiality
• Working with a mediator familiar with the real estate process

A complete understanding of the mediation process makes it easier for agents to encourage clients to pursue mediation. The training program also makes it possible for agents to participate in and facilitate mediation sessions. Once the training program is complete, all participants are eligible to be recognized by their local board as mediators.

Agents from throughout the area participated in the training, including those that are members of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, the Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee, the New Smyrna Beach Board of Realtors, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the West Volusia Association of Realtors, the Bay County Association of Realtors, the Realtor Association of Greater Ft. Meyers & the Beach, and the Amelia Island-Nassau County Association of Realtors.