A: Open Door allows all agents, brokers, investors, asset managers, vendors, servicers, non-profits, etc., that are involved in the REO industry (residential and commercial) to join an organization that is a centralized conduit for:

• Inclusion in four (4) national directories; three (3) for asset managers; one for consumers.
• A discounted rate for relevant, standardized training through Real Estate Educate and their partners.
  
• A discount to REO Expo 2010, a conference that offers members an opportunity to interface, learn and participate.
• A paid subscription to REO Insider, for up-to-the-minute industry information (includes bi-weekly e-mail newsletter).
• Participation at GoHomebuyer.com, a leading consumer education site.
• A unique online community that can help members learn from each other, and build relationships
  
• An invitation to attend members-only webinars.
• Meaningful networking opportunities throughout the year.
• Access to many service providers, including contact, performance and recommendation information
• Discounted advertising opportunities in REO Insider.

Q: Is this a new organization?
A: The Open Door Institute is new; however, the main players involved are not new to REO in particular, or real estate in general. These industry professionals have joined forces to fill a need: this industry needs an organization that covers and supports all involved in the industry, particularly agents and investors.

Read more about who we are.

The consortium of companies supporting the Open Door Institute joined together to create a centralized organization that is open to all. They recognize the need to:

• Train to one standard,
• Use the latest technology to communicate, and
• Facilitate open networking.

Real Estate is both a national and international business opportunity. It also embraces retail, REO and commercial aspects. All these niches, and the vendors that perform services for this industry, need to have a common platform in which to participate and work.

Q: Who else is involved?
A: We have an Advisory Committee, formed from two distinct industry segments:

• A 10-member Advisory Committee composed of two (2) members from each of five (5) industry segments: broker/agent, title, preservation and maintenance, legal and city
• At-large Advisory Committee representing various lender/servicers, government, asset managers, as selected by the Executive Committee.

Q: What are the different levels of membership?
A: We have several membership tiers, at both the Individual and Corporate level available.  Please see our membership page for more information.

Q: How will you keep me informed and educated?
A: You will have many options, and it is up to you to determine how involved you’d like to be, and how you would like to receive your information and education. 

Our current offerings include on-line Real Estate Educate and Default School training, a free REO Insider subscription, REO Insider bi-weekly e-mail newsletter, and REO Expo 2010 – a live industry conference with live Real Estate Educate training classes, webinars, and even invitations for smaller regional gatherings for training, lunches or dinners.

Q: What training certifications does Real Estate Educate and its partners offer through the Open Door Institute?
A: There are several certifications available, consisting of both on-line and live training. Please note that a member must complete each of the courses listed in a section to achieve certification. 

Please see our training page for all the details.

Q: Is this organization trying to compete with existing trade organizations and REO networks like REOMAC, the NRBA, and others?
A: Not really. We are an open resource network for a substantially broader audience of real estate professionals, for one thing. We also operate under a principle of inclusiveness, which tends to lead to an entirely different set of value propositions for our members.

Members of the Open Door may be active members in standing with other organizations. In fact, we recommend it and our member community is constantly discussing which industry groups are worth the time and effort to join.

Q: Who can I call or contact for more information?
A: We have several methods of contact, including our contact page.

• Toll-free Number: 866-229-1294
• Other Number: 636-336-0363
• Live person available Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm CST.
• You may leave a message for a return call after hours.
• E-mail us: info@OpenDoorInstitute.com