Your Thoughts on Certifications / Designations?

Tammy, congratulations to you for taking the time to learn.  I've found that every one of my designations has opened new doors and opportunities as well as provided me with knowledge and skills that I otherwise might not have been exposed to.  

I believe the knowledge from all the classes I have taken certainly helps me be a better agent.  As for putting the little string of letters behind my name, pfft, I just don't do it.

Hi, Tammy...I think the GRI is one of the best designations you can get, and there's no yearly renewal fee. I honestly learned so much in the process of getting my GRI. 

When it comes to the consumer, though, I don't know how much they care. I do know there are agents that won't consider referring to another agent with a certain designation...so those letters after your name can mean something to other agent. 

I look at as a learning experience for myself. I'm all about education and I don't mind taking classes. I love the classes where there are a lot of stories and everyone is engaged with what's going on. I learn a lot that way. 

Tammy ~  Congratulations on taking on the challenge. It take's time and dedication to complete classes. I have to agree, the public doesn't have an understanding of what the designations mean. The value is in your expertise. I have a few, I can't say they directly brought me business. 

I am not sure how to figure whether my designations have made me more. The GRI is my most coveted one!

Tammy, I think for the most part, people don't know what the designations mean, but I have had people call in and ask for an agent with a certain designation.

Hi Tammy Adams ,  Just think of a Doctor or Dentist, without a designation after his name.  It would probably make you think twice about using that person.  The same goes for Real Estate.  You would be surprised at the people that check to see if you have any designations.  They may not know what they are, but the more you have, the more impressed they become.

Tammy the GRI course is an excellent course for agents. I have highly recommened it for years. I would also suggest to begin working on your CRS which I think is one of the most valuable 'initials' an agent can accomplish. The general public may not know what a GRI or CRS means but trust me, when thinking about referring clients to an agent I look for the ones that have gone above and beyond to elevate themselves and become experts.

Tammy Adams , it's always good to be educated and that's what these courses teach us. No wonder it makes us better person and real estate agents - and no wonder, that helps to earn more.

Tammy,

I am totally with you!

Took my Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) course years back and it has definitely more than paid for itself, I'll leave it at that.

Hi Tammy Adams I agree with you on designations. GRI is one that I do want to get as well.

Congratulations Tammy, those letters are not nearly as important as the knowledge and skills gained while earning the letters.

Tammy, the pros who can refer business take note and the general public gets the benefits of your knowledge even if they have no clue about alphabet soup! Enjoy your day!

My rule of thumb. If the "education" has a yearly renewal fee, it's junk. Find yourself a high quality coach. I use Mike Ferry, if you are with KW MAPS coaching is top notch as well.

Good morning Tammy. Many years ago when I was a Realtor, I had every imaginable designation that was available at that time. I wish I could say that brought me additional business. Loved the education, that is what brought me business.

Hi Tammy! I got my GRI designation early in my career too. I thought it was very helpful due to the diversity of classes offered to complete the designation. I also have an SFR. I was not at all impressed with the training. I could have done a better job. I have another designation outside of NAR. I am a Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) and I completed my training through the Senior Real Estate Institute. The training and the prep for real life work was amazing.

I believe that those letters have no sense for my clients, unless I specifically explain them in my presentation that I received some special training. Yet, I'm planning to get more certifications. I find learning new skills very beneficial fo me personally.