Alphabet Soup....What do all those letters mean, anyway. Part II

Ok, so here we are - ready to continue!    It was rather late the other night when I was finally able to enter my post.  (guess that is when some of the technical difficulties started)

Where we left off.   I was giving some insight into the alphabet soup that follows some of our names.   Yes, we Realtors know they are designations - we know they require extra education and related sales experience in some cases.  But, the general public might not realize.   

In Part I we covered:  

The Big R (Realtor)    ,   MLS (Multiple Listing Service), 

ALC (Accredited Land Consultant)

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Now, onto Part II:

SRES = Seniors Real Estate Specialist.     I know about this one!  This is the designation that I recently had the honor of earning.  All about the special needs of the mature client.   Yes, I took the course - Yes, I passed the exam - Yes, I earned the designation -Yes, I learned some things, but, personally, I don't feel completely ready to represent myself as an SRES yet.  I still have stuff to learn.  I've got my resource notebook started - I've met with some attorneys that specialize in elder law, finance/estate planning.....I've met with a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association  (I didn't even know there was such a thing),  I'm learning more and more everyday to help my mature clients.  I've been to visit several of the areas assisted living communities, etc. (still a few more to visit)  There has always been a special place in my heart for our mature citizens - and when I saw this designation, I knew it was for me.   Well, a few more appointments to learn even more, and then maybe I will feel ‘ready'.  I'm excited to use what I have learned, so I can better assist my clients of EVERY AGE!!   Boomers and beyond...   (that is my new tagline - - how do you like it?)  NOT EVERY REALTOR IS A SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST!    To find a SRES in your area: www.seniorsrealestate.com

ABR = Accredited Buyers Representative.       With this being a buyers market....the extra education and experience required to earn this designation certainly have paid off for many.  The additional education on all aspects of buyer representation and the experience required to earn this designation are not easy.   I know a few ABR's...some work with buyers exclusively, and others assist both buyer and seller clients.  NOT ALL REALTORS ARE ACCREDITED BUYERS REPRESENTATIVES.     These people have taken it a step or two further J.  My hats off to you!  To find an Accredited Buyers Rep in your area - visit :  http://www.rebac.net/MembershipDirectorySearch.aspx  (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council)

CRS = Certified Residential Specialist.    These guys rock!  (now - remember, I'm from Jersey, so when I say ‘guys' - it means ‘y'all', lol)  The Realtors who earn this designation have completed ADVANCED training in listing AND selling, and have met rigorous sales production requirement.  NOT EVERY REALTOR IS A CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST. To find a CRS in your area - visit:  http://www.crs.com/Find_A_CRS  (Council of Residential Specialists)

Well, I guess I will need to do a Part III!    

I hope this information helps the buyer/seller public out there.   We work hard to earn these designations to better serve you - OUR CLIENTS!

Goodnight y'all.