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

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?

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?

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

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

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!

 

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.

 

 

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.

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.

 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Excellent!  I agree wholeheartedly!

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.