Disagree, Pick the agents first. I have nevere had time to do the designations but will put myself up against all those that do have the letters. I average 40-50 sales per year for the last 10 years. I work hard at it and read a lot to keep up with trends and especially the local market where I work. I know the area and know the homes and the pitfalls they may have. You are wrong on this one. I have a college degree and what does that mean?

I am not disagreeing with you! This a bit of a discussion. I do not have a lot designations either. Having or not having a designation has never kept me from getting listing or a buyer sold.  However, we do a lot of referral business.  If we go the other way, and do not use some benchmarkwe lose big time.  Been there done that - No checks nada!  CRS as a first choice on the other side...we get paid.

Hey Jim, I think designations are certainly a way to find an affiliation, but for me it's not the be all to end all.  If I know someone in an area and they are good, it doesn't matter if they have designations or not.  I want the consumer I'm referring to have an outstanding experience, after all my name is attached to it. 

This is a good reason why we are enjoying Active Rain so much.  Here we have a voice and can network with other like professionals.  I feel I have gotten to know so many people much better than I would from opening a "hard copy roster." 

We used to have to attend conventions to get to know other CRS's etc. Now we socialize online and get to know others.  IMHO this is a better way.

kk

Not disagreeing at all.  But sometimes you refer to an area where you know no one.  Like I said, I use it as a benchmark.  One of many! I have 2 designations ABR and E-Pro 500.  I do not feel I need more.  But I would bet you most agents do not do business the way the both of us do.  We have been doing it for many years.  Many agents will never connect online.  Put it this way, 1.35 Million Realtors how many are AR members? Not many. How many go online to their company Intranet sites to share an look for a referral source?  The actual percentages are almost insignificant.

I have my GRI, E-Pro and Broker license.  I have been thinking about taking CRS classes although they don't seem to be readily accessible. If you have any additional information on how to go about getting the designation I would love to hear about it.

http://www.crs.com/File/PDF/designation_requirements.pdf

I agree with Jim - and with you, Kristal. If I know an agent that I respect, then designations don't matter. Often, though, we are referring to an area where we don't know an agent, and in those cases, I do sort first by designation, and sort first by those designations such as CRS (or CIPS) where transactions are required in addition to coursework. Then I'll check their website (no website? Oops, crossed off the list, just as they are if they don't have an e-mail address), and lastly the phone call. 

Thanks!  I agree with you. Another thing that most agents overlook is a referral source for incoming business.  Since the web accounts for over 85% of all homebuyers looking online, why would the referral of a client from Realtor -to- Realtor be any different?  Where is the most likely place that a person may look for a CRS?  The Internet! Ellen is a CRS in Atlanta, we receive at least 3 or 4 deals a year from online agents with one affiliation looking for another member in a different area.  The first one up..wins!  Atlanta CRS  it is that easy.  Real estate is easy if you see the big picture.  I try to keep an open mind, and pick out the items that make my day easier.

Seems like 2 sides to the story here.  In my opinion the designations certainly can't hurt you. I'm not saying go out and get all the fancy letters after your name, but the knowledge that you gain from the courses will carry over into your day to day business. Once you have it....advertise it!

A strong majority of clients don't have a clue about these designations so for them it doesn't matter. It sounds like they only really mean anything among the professionals. As far as that is concerned I haven't found many professionals who strive for them. Many collegues who have been successful in the biz for years don't ever plan to get their designations. I guess it's like the IT industry and the MCSE cert. Many of the people who have them don't know much more about IT than watching the green light blink on the back of a server. They went to a class, took the test and got their paper. I don't mean to offend anyone because I respect those who seek more education. Advanced education helps out the profession a great deal. I just wonder if some get their designations for the wrong reason. I think there has to be a better way to find qualified people to refer to than by the designations.

Darren, thanks! I agree with your points.  The exception to the rule is CRS ties itself to performance and school which is really the best way to do it.  Some designations can be what I call eyewash or "Dumbo's Feathers!"  Hey, if it gives someone a boost to their ego and confidence to have an edge in their own mind on an appointment... go for it.  It doesn't rock my boat.   In real estate, where there is an 80% turnover every two years...lets face it..there is a lot of BS.  Persons telling us what they did, and can do...and a lot of lies in between.  So if you had a real referral out of state for lets say an $700,000 property who would you give it to?  Will really any agent do? I still say a CRS is where I would start my search.  We just closed a California referral  yesterday, and received a 5K check, ans yes it was from a CRS.

Jim I always respect your opinions and enjoy reading your blogs, but I am not totally with you here.  I know many "Designation Queens", that can barely write a contract.  When I used to work for the "Big Broker", most of the time it was the "rich bored housewife REALTOR" who would have the time for GRI week in Savannah or have the time to sit through many of the silly classes.  I spent that time converting leads and making $$$.  If you benefit from CRS, I would have to say I think thats awesome and more power to you!  Great Post As usual!

My wife is a CRS.  So not only do we get incoming referrals, we also benefit very well from out bound referrals in real estate.  Thre is a difference in my books of throwing away a lead or a referral, and placing it in the right hands and making it work!  Our designations do not overlap.  GRI, ABR, and E-Pro sorry folks thaty have never generated anything.  CRS has! ABR has worked well with us when we work with buyers.  Most agents have no formal training in buyer agency!  None, Nada! If I give out a lead locally for a buyer, I prefer to give it to someone that has an ABR designation!