Rapattoni Corporation announced today that it is bulk buying e-PRO courses and awarding free scholarships to RealtorsŪ.

The e-PRO program, which is provided by San Diego, California-based InternetCrusade, is the only National Association of RealtorsŪ-approved Internet certification program. A self-paced, online educational course, e-PRO trains RealtorsŪ to effectively use technology tools such as the Internet and e-mail, and become connected to the online real estate industry in a way that benefits their business and their clients. After completing the curriculum, RealtorsŪ achieve e-PRO certification status and earn the "e-PRO" professional designation.

Saul Klein, president of InternetCrusade, stated, "Everyone benefits when RealtorsŪ are better prepared to work in an online world, and we appreciate the commitment Andy Rapattoni and his company have made to training the RealtorŪ in the field."

"E-PRO's goals line up perfectly with ours as an Internet MLS provider," said Paula Allen, public relations manager for Rapattoni. "We've incorporated many advanced Internet features in our Rapattoni MLS software, such as e-mailing listings and IDX smart-framing, but made them as easy to use as clicking an 'E-mail' button or copying a hyperlink. Our goal is to bring the best tools technology can provide to our users, in a way that they can readily take advantage of them."

Scholarships will be awarded in a variety of ways. Rapattoni will hold drawings at upcoming conventions, including the CMLS meetings in October and NAR's 2002 REALTORSŪ Conference & Expo in November. The company also plans to provide scholarships to its MLS customers which they can award to a member of their choosing, and to offer a scholarship drawing at onsite training sessions when a new MLS is installed.

Andy Rapattoni, president of Rapattoni Corporation, said, "The Internet is becoming the most important tool for the modern RealtorŪ, and NAR's e-PRO program gives RealtorsŪ the knowledge to use it and a designation to give the public confidence."

The e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is sponsored by the National Association of REALTORSŪ and is specifically designed to help real estate professionals thrive in the competitive world of online real estate. The e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of its innovative design, RealtorsŪ are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help RealtorsŪ stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models. For more information, visit http://www.epronar.com.

Rapattoni MLS is an Internet-based multiple listing system for use by real estate associations and regional multiple listing services. Rapattoni Corporation can license its software for use on a customer's site, or provide complete services including hosting the Internet site, agent training and a toll-free call center for agent support.

Rapattoni Corporation has been serving the real estate industry since 1970. Its real estate association customers represent more than 80% of the membership of the National Association of REALTORSŪ. Rapattoni's offices are located in Simi Valley, California. The company's Web site is http://www.rapattoni.com.

Published: August 23, 2002

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