If you are a newly licensed Realtor, you have probably wondered what all the letters mean besides some of the agents names.  It means that this is a Real Estate professional who has devoted themselves to improve their skills, and has gone the extra mile when it comes to education.  They not only attend classes to maintain their licenses, but have gotten more education to make themselves more knowledgeable in the field of Real Estate.

Why is this important for a new licensee?  Having a designation like CRS, or GRI can really jump start your career.  It shows that you care about the field itself and not just the commission check.  It sets you apart from the crowd.  I am currently working toward my first designation, the CRS. 

Here are just a few of the more common designations and what they mean.

ABR  Accredited Buyers Representative.  As you can guess, it is a professional who can provide exceptional service to buyers.  It requires a 12 hour course and a minimum of 5 transactions within the previous 18 months. These have to be documented transactions, and the ABR is awarded by the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council.

ALC  This is the Accredited Land Consultant.  This is provided by the Realtors Land Institute.  If you are a Realtor dealing with subdivisions, and urban development,investment land, farms, etc. this one would be good for you.  This one can be earned within a two year period and involves service to the institute, experience, and testing.

CRP  Certified Relocation Professional.  This is one that would be very helpful for the new agent.  It is awarded to the Employee Relocation council.  With this designation you can register with relocation companies and you could possibly receive referrals.  When people relocate because of their job, usually a relocation company is involved.  The relocation company will call a qualified agent to handle the sale of their home.  If you work in an office and one of these relocation companies calls for an agent, you may get the referral over a lesser qualified agent.  You will need to have two years of experience of successfully working with people who are relocating before you can take the exam. 

CRS  The Certified Residential Specialist. This is awarded by the Residential Sales Council.  When I first arrived in my office my broker told me to "get my CRS".  As I've gone along, I've seen just how important this one is, and that is why I am working to be a CRS member.  There is a strong focus on technology ,marketing and finance.  There is a very strong referral network for those who have earned the CRS designation.  If you notice, all of the really successful agents have these three letters by their name.  At least here they do. This year in June, the are offering a six day education program in Las Vegas.  I am planning to be there...

GRI  Graduate, Realtor Institute This can only be achieved by finishing a 92 hour course, and is only available to Realtors. 

 This is only a few of the designations out there.  These are just the ones that are common in MY area.  I'm sure there will be those who will add theirs, and that is fine.  Please do so and let us know how it has helped your Real Estate career.