GRI designation

I would always recommend getting designations that fit your line of work.

AHS if working with homes that need staging

CNS if specializing in a neighborhood

ASR if working with sellers

ABR if working with buyers

Each will assit and focus you on particular areas that will help expand your business and/or knowledge of the industry.

Best time to take them is once a year ... plan for it and set it as a goal for personal development.

Bruce,

Get the GRI! I got mine 31 years ago. Never regretted it, I've use those basic lessons everyday since.

As an on line lender I feel much better when an unknown REALTOR® proudly displays his GRI. The CRS didn't exist when I was selling homes, but I highly recommend it.

My two biggest regret from all the years with the NAR was that I had an opportunity to get the CCIM and didn't, and my AFLIM*. All those letters say something about your desire to be the bestREALTOR® you can be, that is reassuring to the consumer and the other professionals you work with.

* I think I see if anyone remembers that honor, I only knew one man with it.

Bill

William J Archambault Jr

The Real Estate Investment Institute

First National Mortgage Sources

Bruce,

While I can't put a dollar value on designations, I do think that they convey a message of more credibility. My feeling is that you have to do continuing education anyway, why not earn a designation. Some of the GRI course material may coutnt as continuing ed. Also, the designations tend to build upon one another. For instance if you have a GRI or ABR you can skip some of the classes for CRS. You might want to check on all the requirements for GRI. I started in the business with Coldwell Banker. They have a "fast start" program that counts toward GRI Credits. I think there are other things that count as well.

Good luck.

By gaining those designations, you are educating yourself which is much more valuable to your clients than having  a letter by your name.  Education is key and getting your GRI is an important part of that.

I think having the GRI has expressed to my clients that I am well informed and educated.  I don't think it holds the same weight as the ABR,ASR or other designations which show your clients that you are a specialist in their needs....

I'm working on that next :-)

As I look back at my transactions, it's hard to say what dollar amount actually came from having this designation. I can say that the knowledge acquired from having it has certainly helped my transactions. It's allowed me to be a better agent to my clients. The training is well worth it and since you have to get education credits any ways, why not put them towards something. Although most may not care, there are some agents who seek out referrals with designations and people who use this to pick their agent.  You have nothing to lose by obtaining it. Good Luck!!!

Bruce- I took 2 GRI courses, the one on technology was invaluable. I implimented many new ideas from that class.   The other one was so boring an agent next to me fell asleep- cannopt remember which it was.  So I totally agree with Allen- get the designations that apply to your particular needs. I took the CHMS Certified HOme Marketing Specialist which included staging now I offer this value added service for my listings. Another thought take classes you are generally interested because if you do not use the info it is a waste.

Bruce:  I'm sorry I can't answer your question.  Maybe the value is not so much in dollars but in sharpening your skills.  I don't know but I've completed GRI 1 and I can't begin to tell people how beneficial it was to helping me become a better Realtor.  I can't wait for the other two courses and plan to finish both of them next year.  I'm sure that if these courses make us better Realtors, then it ultimately has to lead to more money somewhere in the equation.

I don't know the answer to the question but I will be completing GRI in 2008, hopefully.  I can say that after completing GRI 1, that it definitely has made me a better Realtor which in turn has to equate to more business at some point.  My thing is, I'm not sure just how much the general public knows or even understands what all the designations mean.  For me, the value this course offers in terms of teaching me about real estate far outweighs having GRI follow my name.  Wishing you the best.

Thank you for the post.  This is a question that my colleagues and have often. We all work for a large company that has great training.  We have had several national speakers or associates like, Wickman, Casto and Buffini.  Not to mention all the classes our cooperate team holds for us.  Some of us have started the GRI classes, but they don't seem that much more educational than the classes we have already had in house.  Also, does the general public really understand the designation and what it means to them or is it just up to us to communicate in presentation?

Bruce 

The things I learned at the GRI course were very valuable for my business. Getting additional education is always a good way, not just to increase your knowledge, but also to set yourself apart professionally.

Sandy

I agree with Donna.  Did my sales increase after I got my GRI?  Yes.  Did my sales increase in correlation with what I learned?  I believe they did.  GRI is designed for newer agents.  It does delve into topics that make a newer agent think.  I can see a more experienced agent not getting the most out of the class, but they can always contribute and add to the topic.  I actually use my GRI designation quite often.  Probably one of the more useful designations out there. 

I also have corporate training and classes offered by my company headquarters.  While I do learn from these classes, nothing can replace the networking that goes on in GRI. 

The general public does not undrestand any of the designations until you explain it to them.  But, if it puts me a step ahead of the guy I'm competing against, I will use them to their fullest extent! 

I'm in agreement with previous posts-the GRI designation is one way to set yourself apart from your competition.  It also shows that one is commited to the profession  since it is an investment of time and money.  

 Lastly, taking the courses is a great way to network with agents out of the area, a source of potential cross-referral business.

Personally, if I'm referring a client who is moving out of the area, I will look for an agent who has at a minimum a website & designations. 

The GRI indicates to my clients and fellow Realtors that I have invested the time and have gained the knowledge of probably the most respected designation out there.  I've been told by other Realtors that they felt more comfortable in accepting my clients offer because of my GRI designation they knew I was a professional.  I've had the designation for almost 8 years and I continue to use the information I learned.

I think hat GRI is one of the most important designation courses and should be a requirement with in the first 2 years of lisencure. It would broaden the industry with fully informed and more educated agents.