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CRS Initials are just initials-They don't mean anything

Okay, they do mean something....read on....

The CRS Designation is there not just to tell clients that you have credentials, but more to tell other agents that you have experience, and value education.

I don't believe that more education always makes better agents, but I do believe less education makes less qualified agents.

We have all seen the agents who just try to get every initial possible behind their name. What does this tell me? That they can sit through a class and pay their money every year.

What I like to see in an agent that I would refer business to is the CRS designation, and evidence on CRS Member connect that they are continuing to take CRS classes, even though they already have their designation. This shows me they didn't get it just to have the initials behind their name, but also to improve their skills and abilities to have a better business, and to better help their clients.

Before sending a referral to an agent because they are a CRS, check Member connect to see if they still take classes. It shows all CRS classes taken in the last 3 years.

Initials are just initials. Stay in School!

Posted by Adam Bogle, CRS, Southern Oregon... The Most Recognized Realtor in the Universe on 02/18/2008 11:53 AM

Comments (37)

crs designations

Post is included in group: CRS - Advantages
Post is included in group: Certified Residential Specialists

37 Comments on CRS Initials are just initials-They don't mean anything

FEB

2008

I'm still mad that they lowered the bar to receive the designation. That cheapened its power, in my opinion.

Nice headline. As for member connect, my future planned time/money is going into CCIM and not repeating CRS classes so your suggestion of checking member connect before sending a CRS referral is a little short sighted. Other then that.... right on!

The value of these designations is purely for the agent - and by extension the customer. The surveys show they rank almost last as a reason buyers/sellers choose an agent.

I agree with you Leigh about the bar...That is why I believe that continuing to take classes is a criteria that I look for.

I still believe in the designation as a concept....but want to make sure it is more than just initials.

Paul,

I completely understans what you are saying about CCIM. I do look at other factors, but continued quality classes is certainly one of them, such as those you get with CCIM.

In defense of my arguement though, I know classes like the Technology class continue to be updated, and change as the years go on.

And if one took the investment class 15 years ago, I'm sure there is a lot of information that would be good to have a refresher course on.

Good luck with the time/money for your CCIM.

Adam- I agree that I did not like it when they lowered the bar. Back in the old days, you had to have 75 transactions in 5 years, and if you were a team you only got 1/2 credit so I had to have about 115 transactions to qualify. Yikes! But you are right, we need to keep current.

Ashland oregon agent

Having CRS after your name meant something. Now everyone can take a 1 day class and get initials. What happened to eduction it took me a while to get the GRI and then the CRS and you had to have the GRI before you could. I have taken the listing class three times and the tech. class twice. I believe there are always things you can pick up. Being a CRS means something, like you go the extra step to be a better Realtor

FEB

2008

Most of the people that I know that earned their CRS designation are constantly taking educational courses and in fact retaking CRS classes over again and again. As Sue Jackowski said in the last comment there are always things that you can pick up. Acknowledgement is also due the majority of the agents that have their CRS. Maybe some people are professional students but for the most part I feel that CRS designees are the first to share their knowledge with other Realtors. Lets dwell on the good that comes out of the classes. There will always be someone that figures out how to make things easier. I am just proud to be a Certified Residential Specialist and happy that others are moving forward and educating themselves.

FEB

2008

Cheryl,

I too know many CRS's who continue to educate themselves. Conversly, I also know agents with their CRS designation that I never see at ANY continuing education class.

And I'm definiely proud to be a Certified Residential Specialist.

FEB

2008

Adam, Love the skirt!!

I am a proud CRS. I found my bsiness go up 80% each time I attended a class. The classes were far more useful than our state's GRI.

I use the CRS.com online directory and there you can find out what classes anyone has taken.

Having been active in the State Chapter, I have seen the CRS working at the national level.

Nothing has bought me more benefit that getting involved. Getting to know people, leadership training,

I would recommend it to any one.

Adam, Congrats I just gave you a featured article for this.

FEB

2008

Thanks Guy

I don't think I mentioned that I am involved with my state chapter in Oregon as a District Vice President.

Thanks for the props.

And if you really like the "skirt" you should look at my online store.

You too can get some Agent In a Kilt gear.

www.cafepress.com/agentinakilt

MAR

2008

Just thought you would like to know that the Council is constantly changing and improving the courses. If you took one of the classes years ago it has changed and worth taking again. As you know the real estate business has constantly been changing and the technology of yesterday is not the same today. The same is true of marketing and financing. Again it is worth repeating, now that the world is internet savvy agents are looking online to see how up to date you are before they send the referral your way.

Getting the designation is only the first step to the benefits. Being involved with your local state chapter is the best networking out there. When agents get to know you personally, they trust you and referrals start coming your way.

Joanne,

Very well said....that was the point I was trying to make. Just missing the sarcasm.

Thank you for putting it so well...I look forward to seeing your blogs in the near future.

MAR

2008

Good post, Adam. I agree that I would look for a CRS before referring business, but not necessarily addition CRS classes. After my CRS, I went on to get my Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. I'm not sure that shows up as additional CRS training.

Rich-

You are right-The SRES designation is not additional CRS training. It is separate altogether and only recently has been recognized by NAR. It requires an annual fee to keep it but to my knowledge doesn't do much else for you. I have had it for years but do not find it of much value except to tell clients you have special training.

I find the CRS is a true organization with many benefits, one of which is the continuing educational courses to increase the professionalism of real estate. I can't say I have ever gotten any referrals from SRES but I have many from CRS.

MAR

2008

I agree about the education..I was a great Realtor(R) before so I haven't seen any benefit so far except having a few more letters after my name...we shall see later. I have taken more classes over the last few years than when I was actually in school:)

MAR

2008

Well they lowered the bar BEFORE I received my designation, but I still chose the old method of qualifying, that of having the larger amount of experience as I agree with most of you that this will cheapen the value of CRS. I and you have worked VERY hard to achieve this level of success and experience and it is a shame that the bar was lowered, which will increase the number of agents that can acheive this goal and be put on a plane with those who have more experience but only two less CRS classes. Can anyone tell me WHY this was done? More revenue for the national association perhaps?

APR

2008

I am very proud to be a CRS, it places you above the rest of the agents that do not care to keep improving themselves in this business.

Maritza C. Jorge, PA ABR, CRS, GRI, TRC, CLHMS

APR

2008

I am a CRS and a CRB. I do check both membership lists before giving a referral. The reason is simply because we do have more quality education than the majority of the realtors in the nation. I haven't taken more CRS classes yet because I have been working on other designations first. I have 17 years real estate experience and I continue my education constantly. The classes I took to obtain my CRS were truly my best education classes to date except for the CRB classes. They run close together with quality. I agree with the rest of you. We need to maintain high standards for these designations.

Becky Respess, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI

Broker/Associate

APR

2008

I am proud of my CRS, I also have a BS, and a CSP

APR

2008

I, too am one of those that took CRS courses after they changed the requirements, and likewise did the old transaction level of 75 in 5 years to stay with the old standard. Also found the CRS 2 day courses to be of real value and the course material has been more valuable than others. GRI in Georgia has a very good program of instruction and having completed this before doing CRS instruction has been the way to go. I found CRS to be more beneficial to development of better business practice and professionalism and would recommend it to those that are wanting to move upwards in this great field!

MAY

2008

I have been in this business for 20 years but just finished my CRS this month. I had not done it because of all the expense involved. Taking a 2 day course from where I live requires not only the expense of the course but 2 nights in a hotel as the closest classes were 125 miles away.

I do not regret it for one moment and I have not even been in long enough to start getting any referrals. I told the other agents in my office that these classes are so different in the fact they don't just tell you what you need to do, they teach you how to do it. They are the nuts and bolts classes that all REALTORS should have if they want to take their business to the next level.

MAY

2008

I think that by lowering the barrier for entry they cheapened the designation, it was a journey to get your designation, a lot of classes and knowledge. now a bunch of one day classes or online and its yours for a few $$$ per year.

I believe that in order to keep your CRS you ahould have to go to classes, no classes no designation.

SEP

2008

Adam,

Exceptional post as to the value of CRS and why you should continue to get educated. I truly believe that those members holding a CRS care a little more about the quality of the service they provide and the knowledge that that have. As with anything there will always be a few bad apples, that's why member connect is a good initial source of review for an agents commitment. I also look at the agents involvement in their profession whither it's at the MLS or association level, or as you and I do... District VP's for CRS. passion for what we do and commitment, it's a great combination.

Congrats on the feature.

SEP

2008

Hi Adam-

You make a great point, and I want to add to it. (I earned my designation the hard way, that was trough class time, GRI, # of transactions and Realtor involvement in local & state committee work)

Having the designation is a mark of achievement. Keeping our skills sharp and effective often comes in attending a class or teaching a class. I have had the good fortune of being a moderator and panelists at the last 3 CRS Sell-A-Brations and will moderate in Feb 09 in San Francisco. What I have learned as a teacher, broker-owner & top agent, is that some people attend class for learning sake, some learn to take action, and some are just bored! I know a lot of smart designated folks who have not been successful in the business so be careful in choosing a referral agent based on what classes they've taken. Look at the bigger picture and note the overall accomplishments. Be carefull too, you might just meet an up & coming star who has not gotten the designation yet!

Thanks for sharing & greetings from Paradise.

OCT

2008

Thanks for the information. You are right --just to have initials means nothing but following up to see how recent classes were taken will keep you in the loop

OCT

2008

As part of my listing presentation, I explained the value of my CRS designation and the value of it to their transaction. I have clients that were relocating out of the area, but already had recommendations from family and friends for their next realtor. Upon the closing of their home, they asked me if I would be willing to help them find a CRS agent in their area because they didn't get warm and fuzzies from the agent they spoke with. They've had a wonderful experience with Jerilyn Rindfleisch, CRS and have called me to thank me for the referral. I'd say that my clients believe those initials mean something after 2 positive experiences with CRS agents in an uncertain and frustrating market.

Proud to be a CRS,

Michele Reneau, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI ~ Charleston SC Relocation Expert

OCT

2008

Great Post, I am trying to decide which designation to do next. Thanks for helping me make up my mind

OCT

2008

Adam,

It might not be as hard and they lowered the standard but it's not as easy as taking a few online classes and a few $$$$. I have my ABR and GRI which were good designations, especially my GRI. I'm in the process of getting my CRS as a CRS Candidate. I just took my CRS 206 course in Columbus, OHIO on October 13 and 14th taught my CRS President Michael Selvaggio. The Class was so much more intense and made the classes I took for my ABR & GRI pale in comparison. In fact what I learned in his class has far exceeded any class that I have taken and I've been a Realtor for seventeen (17) years. What was great was that there were numerous CRS members there retaking the class, some for the third time. In fact, even when I attain my CRS I'm going to take all the classes that I haven't taken and continue to take them in the future. I think that picking a CRS that continues to take the CRS courses, are active in their local & state CRS, are active Board members in their local and state boards is very important. I'm very active at my local board and I am also an OAR director representing my board at the state level. I'm already paying my CRS dues and State CRS dues even-tho I'm only a candidate and can't use the Designation, logo and other benefits until I obtain the designation. I don't feel as though when I do reach my goal and attain the CRS designation that I haven't deserved it. Thanks for the post.

Tony Deluke, ABR, GRI

OCT

2008

I frequently look for CRS agents when I look for those to send referrals to. Some have been better agents than others, and I have been curious to see if you could check on current education, so that is a good tip. I don't think though, that the letters CRS are just initials. They are a starting point for agents who are committed to educating themselves to look for other agents who are also committed to learning. It is still the most difficult designation to get. We need to start with what we have in common. And I am always happy to chat with a CRS. I know they are committed to learning and being an asset to their industry. I know I can learn things from them. Thanks!

Monica Neubauer

Two important things regarding the CRS.

First when you are looking for an agent for a referral go to www.CRS.com and when you find an agent take a look at the most recent courses they have taken. The council keeps track of all courses taken and completed, in addition to attendance to SellaBration. It is not just getting the designation but staying on the cutting edge of the market and educating yourself. This way you can pick the best, most knowledgeable person for your referral.

Additionally, if you really want to learn the best referral techniques consider taking the revised referral course that is being offered in San Francisco at the annual SellaBration convention from Feb 5-7. Not just client referrals but agent to agent referrals.

NOV

2008

Hi, I was very happy to have found this site. I agree with all the comments and was most upset when the ABR designation came into being. The ease at which one can obtan an ABR designation is sad, Their PR is incredible. However, realtors that have extended education, make our jobs and lives a little easier! I believe that the CRS National needs to do more in the way of PR. We are the PHD'S of Residential Real Estate! It is an absolute pleasure when the other side of a transaction is a CRS. Best of Luck to all in this time of Foreclosures; this too shall pass. Joyce Scheinman, jsc21@email.com

DEC

2008

Adam, you're so right! But at least (you hope) that since they made the commitment they have the savvy.

By the way, do those kilts come in a 36 long?

MAR

Excellent! I agree wholeheartedly!

APR

I have received calls from buyers because I was the only local agent with the CRS designation. The things I learned by taking the classes has definately made me a better Realtor with a competitive edge.

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