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Value of Realtor Designations

I'm enrolled in a GRI 300 class at the end of this month and will finally add a designation to my Realtor title. I say "finally", but I've only been a Realtor for 2 years. It was my goal from the very beginning of my real estate career to earn the GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) and the ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designations as quickly as possible.

I know there are a lot of opinions out there as to the value of designations. The main reason I decided to take advantage of these classes was for the education. I felt woefully unprepared to assist clients with life-altering, real estate decisions after first getting my license. The education requirements for new licensees are, IMHO, far from adequate and I'm happy to say that in Washington we will be seeing some changes in the near future.

But back to designations.... Which ones do you think offer the best educational opportunities and really give you great tools to be better agents? Am I on the right track with the GRI and ABR? I have also heard that the CRS is fantastic and I'm interested in the Women's Council of Realtors, too. Those that have earned one or more of these abbreviations after your name...has it made a difference? And is it because people really respond to the letters, or do you think you are better at your job because of the additional education...or both?

Posted by Shannon Drew, Hometown Realty, Yakima WA on 04/21/2008 09:19 PM

Comments (5)

realtor, gri, abr, crs, womens council of realtors

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5 Comments on Value of Realtor Designations

APR

2008

I am in the process of getting my GRI designation also. I have already completed the first course and will be taking the 2nd, or 3rd, this summer. I agree with you in that it really does give a whole lot more information and allows you to better assist your clients.

Our licensing bureau says that you can become a broker once you have completed the GRI designation, however, often those people don't pass the exam because they are ill prepared to take the exam, so we take broker licensing classes. But, just because you are a broker doesn't mean you have all the answers. I am still learning, knowledge is an endless persuit and I don't know everything even though I'm a broker. Continue with your designations. The designation doesn't make you a good realtor, it's how you utilize the information you've been given that makes you a great realtor!!

Hi Shannon, I recently posted a similar post but did not get very many answers. I am also going for my GRI and will have it completed by this November. I also believe that the additional education I receive makes me more valuable to my clients. I do not think it will gain me more business. I am doing this for knowledge first and foremost to benefit ultimately my client. Good luck to you!

I am in the the process of CRS.

The classes I have taken have been wonderful.

Linda

APR

2008

I agree and I was rather upset when I got my GRI in Oregon and found out later that I couldn't use it toward my continuing education requirements in Washington.

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