Hey Karen,

For the general public, I would venture to say that 90% of the public has no idea what those abreviation stand for or their significance. People look for a popular well qualified realtor who knows the market area. They could care less about all the extra letters after the realtors name.

From an educated standpoint, it does show that the realtor has taken additional coursework and qualified for higher designations.

It is like Mortgage Brokers and Loan Officers ..... Most of the public has no idea of the difference.

Sean Allen
The Mortgage Professionals

Hi Karen,

I took the ABR class last spring and need 3 more sales to complete the requirements.  On Drummond Island Michigan, the market is practically non-existent.  19 agents and 15 sales this year, I had one!

I wonder myself if the general public knows or cares about those letters that I will proudly display when earned.  The ABR class was the first one I promised myself to take after getting my license.  I wanted to help first time buyers here on Drummond Is. 

I think that anyone's claim to fame is, they have had years of experience and are very knowledgeable of their market.  That is my goal.  For now being new I have some time to pursue the designations.

Karen - I agree with Sean.  It only means something to the rest of the realtors that we deal with.  I am sure it helps in referrals, but other than that it is a lot of time and money that can be better spent prospecting for more listings.

Hi Karen,

Our designations help in referrals of course.  The general public may not be aware what they stand for but they are savvy enough to know that our designations signify professionalism, experience, knowledge, and our commitment to our profession. 

Catherine

Hi Karen, I think they are important because they demonstrate a comittment to the industry and a desire to be the best. Whether the public understands it or not, industry professionals do. And that can be very important in helping you stand out from another agent for referrals or if in a multiple offer situation.

-Colleen

Sean, Colleen, Vivienne, Catherine, Dale  There is certainly an element of truth in all of your comments.  In my case, I believe I have a responsibility to educate the public on the importance of designations.

I have a pre-listing presentation on CD that I deliver to a prospects home a day or two before my appointment to make a presentation.  My CD PowerPoint presentation itemizes all of the reasons my designations are an important part of my ability to maximize my service.  Additionally, I list all the reasons why my firm is the best qualified to market their home.

By the time I arrive at their home for the listing presentation they have a pretty good idea of the kind of agent I am and I can spend my time discussing the market and my "Action Plan" to sell their home.  I am convinced my approach convinces them of the value that should be placed on my designations and broker's license.

Hi Karen, ok, I'm going to take a beating on this one.. the general public has an excuse that they don't know, but frankly, it doesn't influence me my opinion much. I will say that I will hold a broker in higher respect at first,. but actions speak louder than anything. I see (and have dealt with) brokers that deal unethically. Others are newbies, but they really work with you on the deal and I have to respect that.

That being said, after taking the brokers course it really opened my eyes to a larger picture and gave me a few bullets for my arsenal and a broader understanding of what my broker must deal with.

 I must say that your post will influence my thinking, and I may start giving more people with designations a little more credit upfront. Like I said, in the end, their actions and willingness to work professionally will impact my perspective the most.

I don't really get a big reaction from agents when i mention that i'm a certified appraiser, when in fact, I got my B.S. in Science in a shorter time frame and effort than my appr cert.  I've learned more about the mechanics, stipulations on mortgages and other things from appraising than from sales. Not saying you need it, but some folks in my part of the country are clueless. Then again, we were appreciating at 20%+ for two years and everyone and their grandma got licensed in Florida. This may be a big difference in why you may not see it the same I do.

still, I respect the fact that you raise awareness to your clients and consumer. Hi-5 to that! :)
see you around :)

Nick,  I don't disagree with you - there are unethical brokers, agents with designations that can't get out of their own way, etc.  That is true in any business or profession.  However, there is a greater chance a licensee with all of the credentials will be a better real estate practitioner.  Yes, everybody and his grandmother get a license when the market is hot and really do more long range harm than folks realize.  Newcomers planning to make a career of our business are most certainly welcome and mentored by me,  Karen

Many people don't know what they stand for other than one agent has done more than the those without the initials.

Karen, yes I believe it is important.  I have my brokers Lic., SRES and PMN but I did it more for the education then for my clients.  I loved every class I took and the material I learned is priceless. 

Melonie

David  That is why I explain the difference

Melonie  The reason is not as important as the end product - education and qualification,  Karen

Titles are just ego strokes.  The important part is getting the knowledge to help the client. Personally, I think folks are NAR just think of the abbreviations for us to pay money.

Scott,  Title or no title, continued education is valuable.  All the title does is let people know you have advanced yourself

I have mixed feelings about professional designations.  Unfortunately, they mean little, if anything, to consumers - in fact, they intimidate more people than they impress, in my opinion.  (Please, no hate mail - it's just my opinion.)  On the other hand, other agents respect them.   I have no hesitation recommending the courses to anyone who wants to be a true professional, regardless of whether they intend to display any designations they earn.

Margaret - Your opinion is welcome - I don't do "hate mail" LOL, Karen