On several of my past posts on professional behavior I brought up designations.  A majority of responses agreed in the wisdom of getting them.  There were also more than a couple of folks, some brand new and some seasoned veterans who disagreed with the need to get them.

I thought I would write about my personal experience with the two designations I have starting with the lesser one the GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute).  Later this month I will right about the two I am working on.

When I get back into the business I made as part of my business plan that a percentage of my budget of time and money would go towards professional development.  I decided almost immediately that in my first three years I would have a goal of getting the GRI designation, the CRS designation and as close to my third anniversary as possible my broker's license.  I made a goal of getting my license to teach pre-licensing and continuing education at some future time and felt it important to get all the training and credentials I could.

Back to the GRI designation. 

I selected this designation first for a few of reasons:

1. Once you earn it you do not have to join an organization pay any annual fees and it is for life.
2. It gives you a broad range of basics in real estate.
3. It had no requirements of time in the business or number of transactions to start.

It would take a minimum of a year to complete, so I wanted to start on it as soon as possible.

The first class or two were OK at best.  By the 3^rd and 4^th I came to realize this was going to be an endurance test.  One class was so bad, that about 50 of the 100 students did not return from lunch.  I and several others that stuck it out complained to the Association of Realtors, that this was not a good use of our time and money.

To their credit the quality of the classes seemed to improve. (a monitor from the Association of Realtors took attendance to be sure no one bailed out) A few of the classes them were quite excellent.  Two of the classes were taught by the attorney from the Board of Realtors.  He was really good at teaching us about the most common things that get agents in trouble ad how to avoid them.  Even if someone is not trying for their GRI, I recommend they take those classes.

One of my favorites was a class taught by a major commercial broker who taught real estate investment.  The timing for me was perfect the week before I took a similar CRS class with an instructor from Arkansas and this one allowed me to analyze local properties utilizing the skills taught in both classes. 

Another class that I thought was both educational and entertaining was the class on property management.  The instructor is an extremely well known property manager who owns either the largest or one of the largest property management companies in the state.  In the end he reinforced my original decision to sell them and not manage them. About 20 years ago I did some property management and still remember some of the hassles with bad tenants.  I don't miss it.

I almost forgot the class on new construction.  The instructor was in the development business for many years with a major developer.  He was able to give us a perspective from their side of the fence.

So today I have my GRI designation.  If you were to ask me should you get it this is what my response would be.  If you are new to real estate I would say absolutely yes.  Even though some of the classes were too basic for me, for most new agents they would be helpful.  It also gives you a well rounded view of the business and gives much needed skills.  If you have been in the business a long time, you may look at other designations and training.  GRI at least the classes I took were probably a little too basic.  I would still recommend a couple of the classes, especially the ones taught by attorneys, if that is who is teaching in your area.

Also see my post: My CRS Designation It is about my experience with the CRS designation. 

In the July I will be working on my ABR and e-PRO.  I will write about my experiences with those courses at that time.