Real Estate Designations. What real estate designations do you need to be succssful?

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Real Estate Designations. What real estate designations do you need to be successful?  Over the years there are many new real estate designations that have been introduced, and I personally think a lot of them were overkill.  Some aren't.  For one thing if you are licensed to sell real estate by the state there are no higher levels of recognition under state law than being actively licensed.  I do make exceptions for several NAR designations such as the Certified Residential Specialist CRS, because performance is built into the designation.  I really prefer to give out referrals only to agents that have a CRS designation.  I also feel that an Accredited Buyers Representative ABR is most helpful in that it focuses on performance and responsibilities in working and representing our buyer clients.  E-Pros raised the level of expected technological proficiency of agents in best representing their clients in a growing technology laden age.  It does help us do our jobs better.  So what about the newer designations?  Are they necessary, or just a ploy to create other streams of income?  Do I really need a designation to work with seniors?  Do I have to be a specialist to work with a senior?  What about resort properties, and second homes?  Do you really need a designation to be considered capable and proficient?  If so where will it end?  Will we need designations for staging, minorities, listing properties, doing CMA's, and selling or listing luxury homes?  Will other areas at sometime require you have to have a designation to offer your services?  Would it suffice that past experiences on closed homes and sales works, or is it a must that you possess a certificate that gives you that ability based upon a certificate?  I am a big believer in doers!  Those that can, do!  What are your thoughts?  What REALTOR designations do you possess?

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71 Comments on Real Estate Designations. What real estate designations do you need to be succssful?

I have ABR, GRI, CRS and CSP.  I have found the most benefit from CRS.  They have great classes and more agents seem to respect that designation when giving referrals.

04/25/2008 09:51 PM by Lisa Friedman Central New Jersey Real Estate (RE/MAX Pinnacle Realtors)


Jim, thus far I have none, but I have been trying to get my ABR.  Every class I register for gets cancelled.  I definitely want to work on my CRS, and I know I will love the E-Pro.  Since I'm having trouble getting my ABR, I may sign up for the E-Pro next. 

Bottom line, those are the only ones I personally feel are necessary.  Since I believe all of them require an annual fee, I also have to wonder if it's all fluff.

04/25/2008 09:56 PM by Christine Howlett - Lake County Ohio Real Estate (Howard Hanna Smythe Cramer)


Jim - my GRI classes had the most beneficial information and education. I'm going to go for my CRS this year because it's the most respected it seems. I don't think any designation does any good unless you take care of your client and know how to do your job.

04/25/2008 10:09 PM by Linda Scanlan (The Real Estate Referral Company)


Jim, I have the CRS and GRI designations.  I am currently working on my e-Pro.

04/25/2008 10:11 PM by Omaha Real Estate -- David Matney, CRS,GRI (Alliance Real Estate)


Lisa Friedman Central New Jersey Real Estate  CRS has played a big part in Ellen's career!  It ilso was a prime source of referral checks!

04/25/2008 10:13 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Linda Scanlan  When you get CRS, you have arrived!  The MBA of NAR designations!

04/25/2008 10:16 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Omaha Real Estate -- David Matney, CRS,GRI   I was in the E-Pro forst 50, but due to an error my name was not recorded! I am in hte first 500 and have the Designation E-Pro 500.

04/25/2008 10:17 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Jim - I have a CBR (Certified Buyers Representative and an SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) Designation.  In our area, we have to take continued education so I always take classes for needed credit and if I can get a designation, so much the better.  Right now, I'm studying for an e-pro designation which I strongly believe will help me tremendously in this tech-driven industry.  I'm a firm believer that knowledge is power and I will always learn something new when I take a class no matter what it is. 

04/25/2008 10:23 PM by Rosalinda Morgan, "The Rose Lady", Broker-Brookville, New York Real Estate (Century 21-Laffey Associates)


Rosalinda Morgan, "The Rose Lady", Broker-Brookville, New York Real Estate  I think a lot of the designations is a great self esteem thing!  We are investing in oursleves so others may benefit !

04/25/2008 10:37 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


I chose to go with CRS only. It has a higher threshold to achieve, so I know the others with the designation have had to work to get it. And it is excellent education. Love those courses!

04/25/2008 11:16 PM by Sarah Nopp, REALTOR(R), CRS. RE/MAX Four Seasons, Olympia WA (RE/MAX Four Seasons)


It is interesting that the issue of designations is popping up time from time on AR. Recently Eric Kodner discussed it in his blog...

 

04/25/2008 11:32 PM by Jon Zolsky (FunCoast Realty LLC)


Sarah Nopp, REALTOR(R), CRS. RE/MAX Four Seasons, Olympia WA   Since we are a husband and wife team we do not have any redundancy in designations other than ABR.  CRS is the best.

04/25/2008 11:53 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


I agree Jim. My best quality referrals are from other CRS agents. And that is a decent percentage of my yearly business!

04/26/2008 12:59 AM by Sarah Nopp, REALTOR(R), CRS. RE/MAX Four Seasons, Olympia WA (RE/MAX Four Seasons)


After you work hard to acheive a CRS, I think you realize that those who have done the same are the cream of the crop in their knowledge and commitment levels.  I also agree that referrals from me are also to CRS designees first, then if one is not available I will at least look for someone that is learning-based as evidenced by other training-oriented designations, ABR, GRI, etc.  My $0.02, Steve

04/26/2008 07:11 AM by Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate))


Jim, you certainly don't need any of these designations to be successful.  I've always found with each designation that the process of getting it and attending the classes and learning is more beneficial than the act of having the designation itself.  I've always come away from each designation course learning something (at least one thing) that can help me in my business better serve my clients and make more money for myself.

I personally have the ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI, and SRES designations.  More importantly, I recently obtained my Broker's License which in my opinion trumps all of that. 

04/26/2008 07:11 AM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


Really great info...This helps me decide on which certs. to get.  Thanks for the helpfull post.

04/26/2008 07:17 AM by Brad Taylor, REALTOR® for Toledo, Ohio (DiSalle Real Estate Co.)


Jim,

Great post...well deserving the feature...how about title insurance designations such as Fran Gaspari, N.A.S.T.I....Non Affiliated Servicer of Title Insurance!!! :) Thanks,   Fran 

04/26/2008 03:13 PM by Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.)


Jim...

I used to have a whole bunch of those fancy little pins with initials on them...

But I discovered the Consumer doesn't give a crap what designations we have :)

I am just playing around with you. I feel like mouthing off today :)

Get a Broker's license and follow that up with the GRI :)

P.S. Don't tell anyone I said that. I am supposed to be a dumb blonde :)

TLW...ROAR!

04/26/2008 03:28 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)


Hey...

Brian Block beat me to the punch...

Okay. It's back to 'duh-dumb' I go :)

TLW...ROAR!

04/26/2008 03:29 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)


I have my VA Brokers license and my CRS which seems to be enough for me.  I wonder how many of the designations are in some ways redundant.  I mean if I have my CRS do I really need my ABR?

04/26/2008 04:09 PM by Cindy Jones-Offering Real Estate Service for the 21st Century in Northern VA (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World)


So far I have my e-Pro and I recently got my broker license.  Next I would like to work on my GRI as well as other state licenses.  Since I have been in the business only ONE client has every asked me about designations. 

04/26/2008 04:20 PM by Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Agent, Kimberly Grant (Exit Leon Crawford Realty)


This was a great post with great comments.  I've been considering several designations and loved the input from those who have "been there, done that."  Thanks to all....

04/26/2008 04:28 PM by Greg Steffens (Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty)


Jim, I agree with several others, that most consumers have no clue what any of them mean.

I do have my ABR, and found it very educational. I was a newer agent, I think less than 2 years, when I got that. I have my CRS, and LOVED each and every class I took. I learned so much. I can't imagine any other designation holding my interest, class wise.  I would like to get the E PRO and the SRES.  I am working on my GRI now, but have a hard time staying awake through some of the course material. Several of the courses have been great, but the last one was awful. I'm sure some depends on the instructor, but as you know, each CRS instructor is truly gifted, I think. Great post!

04/26/2008 05:39 PM by Huntsville, Alabama Real Estate Agent Elizabeth Ramsey Cooper (Remax Huntsville/Madison)


ABR, ePro, GRI, CRS...Brokers....and Im working on my abrm and crb.  The main thing about designations is the habit of learning. Im not a big fan of GRI because it teaches agents traditional real estate stuff that I dont necessarily believe in...but I have my agents take it for the knowledge.  Its all about constantly learning.  Thats the main thing.

04/26/2008 05:41 PM by Kahuna Rainmaking with Utah Dave and Utah Real Estate (Robison & Company Real Estate)


To some it may be more about prestige but I've found that a lot of these 'designations' give back. You learn things and meet a lot of people that may help you in the future. 

04/26/2008 05:43 PM by Alan Robinson (PTE REAL ESTATE GROUP)


I used to carry several but I found 1) the clients didn't have a clue what the alphabet soup behind my name meant and 2) all the initials in the world don't mean jack if you don't make it a priority to protect and promote your clients best interests.  Now, education is always a good thing... the designations themselves I can live without.  I'm a licensed broker and that's worked well for me thus far.

04/26/2008 06:07 PM by Fairbanks Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS - 907.699.6024 - )


I hadn't really looked at CRS but it seems like I should. I was planning to get GRI and ABR. My husband seems to have taken an interest in recreational land and will probably pursue something along those lines when he gets his license...next week.

04/26/2008 07:07 PM by The E Team - Toni & Jay Ellis Houston Residential Rental Specialist (REALM Professionals)


How about becoming a CHRS?  Certified Home Redemption Specialist- helping distressed homeowners with their foreclosure and credit issues?  This is unique in the field and a GREAT way to EXPAND your business and position yourself as the #1 Real Estate Professional in your marketplace!  Do Good by Doing Good!

 

http://www.homeredemptioninstitute.com 

04/26/2008 07:12 PM by Laura Schuster (Home Redemption Institute)


I'm holding out for the E-mazing designation.  If I take the E-Pro, it will be just to get the dessie... I think I have the stuff down.  I would like to get my GRI.  But, I think a lot of the dessies are for income streams. 

04/26/2008 07:36 PM by Lane Bailey - The REALTOR for Car People (Century 21 Network Realty)


Jim:

I've obtained my GRI, and I recently read that there is something like only 2% of either Georgia REALTORS or Atlanta REALTORS have that designation, can't remember which. It was alot of work (as many hours as getting your license) and I really learned techniques that have moved my business forward. I think the GRI program in Georgia is awesome!

And, to keep on track, I have obtained my Broker's License. Next, I would like to get the CRS to help me in my work with Sellers. And I think the ePro would help me in my business. I don't really "quote" the designations....I look at them on some agent cards, and even I don't know what they all mean, so what is the consumer thinking?

04/26/2008 09:12 PM by The Thom And Ray Team


"The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's...Wife!   I agree, but they mean a lot to me if I am referring to someone I do not know personally!

04/26/2008 09:14 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Cindy Jones-Offering Real Estate Service for the 21st Century in Northern VA  Cindy I agree wiht you even though I am an ABR!  The ABR was great at the beginning of the Internet!  However, no one calls up anymore ans says "I need a buyers agent!"  It just does not happen anymore!

04/26/2008 09:16 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


I have ABR, CRS, and e-PRO.  I started the GRI but I have never finished it.  I really love the CRS classes.  They are the best training and I have learned and implemented several ideas from the CRS courses to increase my business.

04/26/2008 09:18 PM by Nashville Tennessee Area Real Estate Rhonda Burgess (Realty World Southern Living)


Dave "Utah Dave" Robison - Utah Real Estate  You are so right!  I recently finished all my CE classes fo brokers license renewal both in GA and VA, and have just completed a series on Foreclosures.  Knowledge is so beneficial.

04/26/2008 09:23 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Alan Robinson  Well said!  We can never learn enough to serve our clients needs.

04/26/2008 09:25 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Laura Schuster  Thanks for sharing.  I have not heard about that one.  Sounds good!

04/26/2008 09:30 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Lane Bailey - The REALTOR for Car People  You are so correct.  They have to be for streams of income.  Designations need to be about substance!

04/26/2008 09:31 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Thom Abbott   The consumers do not know what to think.  Like someone else shared..."Alphabet soup!"

04/26/2008 09:32 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Thanks, Jim!  I hope you'll check it out!  There is no "standard" in the "foreclosure rescue" industry.  Yes, I "invented" it!  Someone had to to help separate out the "good guys" from the "bad guys"!  To learn more, including a HUGE article that was written about the topic and clients I've helped, please visit my "About Us" page at:

 http://homeredemptioninstitute.com/about.html

 

Laura 

04/26/2008 09:45 PM by Laura Schuster (Home Redemption Institute)


There are so many people in business that have backgrounds that make them good realtors that I am not inclined to give a lot of weight to designations -- I look at the person and the experience even more.   I think the public has no clue.  I think the A-Zdesignations -- don't tell me much about the person. 

04/26/2008 10:04 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


I have recently gotten my e pro designation.  Instead of pursuing another designation right now I have decided to get my Tennessee broker's license then I will get my CRS.  I believe in the importance of continuing education.  If my am learning, I will be earning!

04/26/2008 11:00 PM by Kathy Fisher Lexington's ePRO RE/MAX Realtor (RE/MAX Unlimited)


Jim,

It took me a while because I was busy but I'm glad to have gotten one of the hardest distinction CRS and look forward to getting a few others in the future.

04/27/2008 06:58 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)


I agree designations are important but why did you only list the 17 NAR designations. I heard there are over 70 designations in total. Most comprehensive list I have seen is posted at http://REDesignations.com

Aren't many of the designations you have not listed such as Home Staging, Luxury Homes, EcoBrokers, Negotiations, Quality Services, etc. also good one to help you gain skills.

Has anyone taken any of the other designations?

 

04/27/2008 10:58 AM by Susan B.


My husband votes for a self-designation of AANG ( all around Nice Guy).

04/27/2008 12:18 PM by Prest Realty


There are so many designations and abbreviations, it's hard to keep up with them. The military loves abbreviations as well!

04/27/2008 02:23 PM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)


I'm getting ready to do my first designations as I've just never had the time to do. Thanks...I think CRS is the way to go!

04/27/2008 02:39 PM by LaNita Cates (REMAX of Joliet)


Jim, Thanks for posting this topic .  The average person really doesn't know what all those letters mean.  I have heard the expression alphabet soup many times.  It's great to have some designations, but when it gets to be 10 added behind the name, it looks ridiculous to the average person.   

It seems to mean more in terms of investors and other REALTORS®.   

04/27/2008 04:12 PM by Karen Gentry>>Charlottesville, Virginia Real Estate Professional (RE/MAX Excellence-Charlottesville VA)


B R O K E R... everybody knows what those letters mean. 

04/27/2008 04:31 PM by Amanda Hall--Realtor, Fort Worth Texas (Hall Team Homes)


Thanks Jim for this great post. I have been wondering which one I should get first and this has really helped.

04/27/2008 05:30 PM by Patty Ledford-Your N. Ga. Mountain Agent -The Ledford Team-Blue Ridge, Ga. (EXIT Realty Mountain Properties)


I have been working towards a couple designations - CRS and ABR, have the e-PRO designation, but looking into others. Designations may not be understood by buyers & sellers, but gives great credentials in regards to networking with other real estate professionals.  - Carla

04/27/2008 07:56 PM by Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (Full Time REALTOR in Ohio)


Thanks all for the great comments.  I am traveling and cannot answer all!

04/27/2008 09:39 PM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


I hold the CRS ABR and GRI designation.  I really should get the SRES designation.......at my age, I need to know how to handle myself!  LOL!

04/27/2008 10:16 PM by Kay Van Kampen, Broker, Springfield Missouri Real Estate (RE/MAX Solutions)


Kay Van Kampen, Broker, Springfield Missouri Real Estate   LOL!  Too funny!  CRS is such a great designation, I do not think that many others can compare.

04/28/2008 06:20 AM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


Jim,

I noticed that you site only NAR designations and have made a statement about other designations that may or may not have a practicum portion to earn their designation.  Simple truth is several designations require that agents complete a certain level of sales or other real estate practical criteria; ASR (Accredited Seller Representative), CNS (Certified Neighborhood Specialist), ALHS (Accredited Luxury Home Specialist) QSC (Quality Service Certification) to name a few.

Finally, NAR code of ethics section 12:13 under Standards of Practice: The obligation to present a true picture in advertising, marketing, and representation allows REALTORS to use and display only professional designations, certifications, and other credentials to which they are legitimately entitled.

Nowhere above does it say NAR only designations ... in fact this has been changed from the past which did have such wording, but since NAR has a financial position in each of these it was too self-serving.

04/28/2008 10:29 AM by Allen Wright CNS, AHS, REPS (RealtyU)


Jim - I have an ABR &  GRI both of which I earned my first year in the business because my Broker advised this was the best way to "learn" how to build a career in Real Estate.  He was correct.  I found that the ABR was very helpful but the GRI really was the best for learning the ropes!  I always advise new agents to get their GRI immediately.

I love your blogs.

Kathy Carson - RE/MAX 1st Olympic, Lynchburg, VA 

 

04/28/2008 10:47 AM by Kathy Carson


Hi Jim.  Thanks for your great post!  I'm just getting into the biz, and lately I have been thinking about which designations to go for first.  After reading your posting and everyone's responses, I'm currently leaning towards going for my CRS first.

04/28/2008 10:48 AM by Tiffany Wilson (Shorewood Realtors)


Great info in this post and comments. I'd like to get my e-Pro and am now looking into CRS.

04/28/2008 11:45 AM by Ravinder Pilson - Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate in Santa Clarita, CA (Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate)


Jim, not real big on the designations but, I do think all licensees should be required to get their brokers licences. 

04/28/2008 12:28 PM by Rod Rich - Atlanta- Associate Broker (RE/MAX of Buckhead @ Brookhaven)


Jim, I solely believe in the education of these credentials. The credentials will not motivate a client to use you for your services just because you have a bunch of initials behind your name. Take for example my MBA. I learn and experience many skills due this formal education but as of this date not one of my clients have express they called me because of it. I have close business on the books directly related to my AR efforts. I do hold the e-PRO.

04/28/2008 12:40 PM by Frank Rubi Louisiana Real Estate-Homes for Sale (Specialized Real Estate Services, Inc.)


To All, I am traveling and cannot answer you individually.  It is not about the designations, it is about demonstrating your experience to the benefit of others.

04/29/2008 07:52 AM by Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta)


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Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO
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