On Friday afternoon, I got my exercise, as did CRS Realtors across the country, by lugging home from my office the new 2008 CRS Membership Referral Directory.
This behemoth 3,263 page directory lists all the agents throughout the country and around the world who have obtained the coveted Certified Residential Specialist designation.
Out of curiosity, I put this thing on a scale. It weighs in at a hefty 8 pounds! By comparison, my Verizon Yellow Pages for Northern Virginia which lists many Realtors, but also plumbers, pizza delivery shops, cobblers, and beauticians, weighs in at a comparably lighter load of 5.0 pounds.
Here's the tale of the tape for the battle royale for referrals between the CRS Directory and Active Rain:
| | CRS Membership Directory | Active Rain |
| # of members | Approx. 49,000 | Over 58,000 |
| Weight | 8.0 pounds | 5.8 pounds (my laptop) |
| How to choose a referral agent | A picture | A personality |
| Where I appear | Page 2,824 | #2 in Virginia |
| Cost | CRS dues -- $120/year | Free |
The CRS directory may serve as a source of advertising revenue for the CRS council whose classes teach us that print advertising is on its way out and internet advertising is the way to go.
However as a tool for finding agent referrals, I have a feeling that this massive tome will find its way to the shelves and drawers of many a Realtor who prefers a more progressive and effective way of finding agents around the country to whom they'll refer their clients.
The winner of this round by 1st round knockout: Active Rain!
Mmmmm. I can't find my name in the MD Roster. I must have forgotten to pay my dues. I wonder if I'll survive??