Earning the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation takes hard work, commitment, and a lot of time and effort. When you’ve completed your education requirements, passed the ALC Exam, and are ready to submit your application and portfolio, pay attention to these red flags and recommendations. Avoid these missteps and follow these best practices and you’ll be on your way to creating a compelling application and portfolio that saves you time and gets attention.

ALC Application Red Flags

1. The wrong forms are submitted. Always check the RLI website for the most current forms. Broker offices sometimes print and distribute forms to agents but don’t remember to check for updates.
2. Poor grammar
3. Incorrect spelling. This includes using the correct name of our association REALTORS Land Institute. Past applicants have used names like “Rural Land Institute” or “Land Real Estate Association”.
4. Incomplete information. The committee wants to see at least one paragraph on each question on the Transaction Narrative Form.
5. Not reading the rules. The transactions submitted don’t meet the stated Volume Requirements. Read them carefully and watch this webinar if you are unclear about any rules.
6. Claiming 100% credit for a transaction, then using “we” or “us” when describing the sale in the Transaction Narrative Form. If “we” refers to help from a marketing team, but you were responsible for the sale, say that in the application. Otherwise, the committee will come back with questions that could be avoided.
7. Your broker didn’t sign your Transaction Narrative Form.

ALC Application Top Tips

1. Consistency: Make sure transactions and percentages on your Transaction Narrative Form match the Volume Requirements Spreadsheet. This is one of the biggest red flags that gets raised during committee review.
2. Care: Have someone review your work before it comes to the ALC Committee. Review not only the application but supporting documents like closing statements or contracts that you might submit.
3. Conciseness: Keep requested descriptions of properties short. It doesn’t require a dissertation. A simple description of the property will do. Some examples: “Woody, hilly land ideal for hunting” or “Irrigated farmland utilized for row crops”.
4. Personality: The essay is your place to shine and show us who you are. Tell us why you want the designation, what you hope to do with it. If you have stories of going above and beyond with clients in the transaction, share them. ALCs are known for being the elite in land. We love to hear those stories!
5. Professionalism: Your application is a professional representation of you and your work – make it something you are proud of! Additionally, send us a professional resume and headshot. We’ll use your photo to promote you once you earn your ALC so make sure it’s the one you want the world to see.

If you’re ready to be among the most experienced, most trusted professionals in land real estate, learn more about how to earn your Accredited Land Consultant designation.

For a full overview of the application and portfolio process, watch this webinar recording.