The Ghana Association of Real Estate Brokers (GAR) in partnership with the GHL Bank, has officially launched the Ghana Real Estate Brokers Association in Accra.

The association, which was established more than a year ago before its official launch, already has about 200 members comprising estate brokers, property consultants and real estate agencies.

GAR’s main objective is to equip brokers with real estate knowledge and best practices in a move to raise the profile of members and the industry as a whole. It also seeks to partner with traditional rent agents to streamline activities in the sector.

GAR’s President, Madam Hana Atiase, underscoring the process for prospective members and for being a member of the association said “relevant training on real estate management are some benefits that members would derive.”

GAR’s upcoming training for prospective members, include MLS training, basic real estate concepts, ownership and interests, taxation and assessment, brokerage relationship laws and practices, real estate financing, property management, basic real estate investment, real estate association rules code of ethics, agency safety and real estate mathematics.

“After the completion of the training, a standardized test will be taken followed by certification as member of the association. This offers the opportunity to members to enhance personal development, cultivate partnerships and participate in endless networking opportunities,” Madam Atiase said.

GHL Bank’s Executive Director of Business, Mr. Kojo Addo Kufuor, explained that GAR and the GHL partnership has become necessary in order to offer clients the best possible value and experience.

“This initiative stems from the fact that industry players have realized the need to self-regulate themselves in order for clients to have confidence in the real estate sector,” he said.

GAR’s code of ethics and standards of operating, Kufuour said, will introduce some level of sanity into the industry.

The Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Samuel Atta Akyea, said GAR though being managed privately, its activities will ultimately have positive effects on the country’s real estate sector.