Program aims to elevate top real estate agents

RISMedia Inc. has begun a qualification program for real-estate agents designed to help consumers better vet the agents they hire to buy or sell a home.

Dubbed the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, the qualification is reserved for agents who have been in business at least three years; are either in the top 10 in production in their market area, or have sales volume more than $1 million; have a record of community service; use multiple channels to distribute consumer materials; and fulfill continuing education.

“During the subprime crisis ”¦ borrowers were taking out mortgages they could ill afford much less understand,” said John Featherston, CEO of RISMedia, which is based in Norwalk. “The Top 5 in Real Estate Network is designed to meet this critical need for education and help consumers identify the most professional real estate agents.”

Information on the program can be found at ww.top5inrealestate.com.