Before I got in to this business, I had NO idea what all those letters meant after a Realtor's name. As a matter of fact, even when I entered the business, I had no idea. I figured it represented education, achievement, success etc but didn't know much more than that. So, here's information on one of them!

I recently earned my GRI - it's a Realtor designation that means Graduate of the Realtor Institue and is a 90 clock hour series of classes and exams. One of my goals this year was to earn both my ABR and my GRI - and I did it! (ABR stands for Accredited Buyers Representative). You see, I think of real estate like a big beautiful tree - the stronger and more firm your roots, the more you able to grow. I equate "roots" to education, knowledge, and experience. For my clients, "roots" may mean a variety of things - opportunity, foundation, family, home-business, HOME OWNERSHIP, land that is THEIRS...Together, my clients and I, and my family and I, grow the Emily M Cross Real Estate Tree. Each one of you has added a branch, a flower, a leaf, or a root. Each class I've taken and conversation I've had has added something to my "tree." It's one reason I LOVE the blog! It's an avenue for idea sharing, experience sharing, knowledge sharing and it's a place where people can feel comfortable expressing themselves...Next year, my goal is to obtain my CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), the most prestigious of all Realtor designations. In the mean time, I will continue to educate myself on the growing nuances of real estate. If you have anything to offer - please do! -Emily "Helping Others Put Down Roots...For Life."