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Does too many designations look strange?

By LaNita Cates

Real Estate Agent with REMAX of Joliet

December 25, 2007 07:23 AM

I am thinking about going for the GRI designation. I've been told by realtor friends NOT to go overboard with designations because it looks strange and that our clients don't know what they mean anyway and could care less. I've seen some realtors that have so many behind their name and it does look sorta strange... what do you think? One or two designations and stop?

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Matt Kofsky

Transaction Realty 500 Reno, Nv. - Reno, NV

Go for it. The more knowledge and expertise you have the better.

Dec 25, 2007 07:29 AM

June Stark

Elite Realty-Luxury Homes & Condos On & Off the Strip - Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas Condos & Luxury Homes Expert

Hi LaNita - It is the education behind the designation that really counts for you & your clients. As a relatively new agent - I think the designation will add credibility and I am sure you will learn quite a bit. Knowledge will give you the extra edge you will need in this challenging market.

Collecting designations for the sake of having any array of logos under your name is not the goal.

Good Luck & Continued Success in 2008!

June Stark

Dec 25, 2007 07:32 AM

Sean Allen

International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL

International Financing Solutions

Hey LaNita,

Continuing education is always beneficial and I would strongly recommend it, but that doesn't neccesarily mean that you need to put all those desigations after your name. Most of the public have no idea what all the abreviations mean.

Sean Allen

Dec 25, 2007 07:33 AM

Patricia Aulson

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES Verani Realty NH Real Estate - Exeter, NH

Realtor - Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Yes, continuing education is good for everyone anytime to learn and catch up on new rules & regs among other things. I agree with Seal Allen & Pilar Lorenzo about the public usually doesn't know or care about the letters after a name.

Patricia Aulson/Hampton NH Real Estate

Dec 25, 2007 07:36 AM

LaNita Cates

REMAX of Joliet - Joliet, IL

That is true. I could put one designation on my marketing but not any others I might get. I tend to agree that our public could care less but educating myself is the most important thing.

Dec 25, 2007 07:41 AM

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN

RS Mortgage Consulting - Indianapolis, IN

I would keep going, you always have a reverse side on your Business card for your designations LOL, No, really keep going, you don't have to have all those designations on your card, or on your wall, education is what it is all about, good luck and have a successful 08.

Dec 25, 2007 07:41 AM

Lisa Hill

Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach Real Estate

I'd be curious to see what results a survey of the general public would show. I always wonder if they even know what the designations mean.

Dec 25, 2007 08:01 AM

LaNita Cates

REMAX of Joliet - Joliet, IL

Hi Lisa,

That's what I'm thinking. I've never had one buyer ask me about anything like that. I think just educating yourself is the best thing. Thanks for your opinion and I think a survey would be interesting too!

Dec 25, 2007 08:04 AM

Hank Roeters

Platinum Partners Realtors - Darien, IL

When it comes to designations it doesn't matter what the clients know, or don't know, about them. The important thing is what we learn while getting them.

Dec 25, 2007 08:25 AM

Jeff Kessler

Austin Homes, Realtors www.OwnAustin.com - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

That is a great designation. I got my GRI in the first year. I suppose if your have 6 or so that could look wierd, but you don't have to use them in all your advertising. You could split them up, such as ABR for your buyers would work.

Dec 25, 2007 08:35 AM