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Realtor's Alphabet Soup

By Susan BeVille

Real Estate Sales Representative with Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty

February 24, 2009 02:55 AM

GRI, CRS, SRES, CIPS, PMN, ABR, CRB, CCIM, EPRO, SIOR, TRC -

These are just some of the letters that we place after our names by earning the designations. We as Realtors know what all these letters mean, but do our buyers and sellers know? I would say that most do not have a clue. And, that my friends, is our fault!

I place a high standard on these letters. The education that allows us to use these letters after our name allows us to do a better job for our buyers and sellers. We learn new marketing strategies, how to be a better negotiator, the latest technology, how to price homes correctly in a shifted market, and so much more.

Everytime I give out a referral, I look for a Realtor who has the designations because I know that person has the same high standard of education that I have and will do a better job for the customer.

We need to not only have a high standard for these designations amongst our peers, but we need to educate our customers on what these letters mean to them,

Love to hear your comments.

Susan BeVille, GRI, SRES, EPRO, PMN

Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty

Ocala, FL

Susan@SusanBeVille.com

(352) 804-0297

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Sanna Thomas

My thought as well. I have posted a description of my designations on my site. Also the code of Ethics. We need to show how Realtors are different than a sales person.

Feb 24, 2009 03:10 AM

David Width Jr.

Little Egg Harbor, NJ

I do agree with you Sanna that education is key. However I do not believe in all the yearly costs these designations want you to cover. I attend many education seminars, conventions, etc. that do not give you a designation at the end that are also very helpful, informative, and allow me to expand my business. Everyone I speak with informs me that they don't really recieve any direct business from these investments. I do not shun these designations and I believe to each his own, and I congratulate each and every person on they're accomplishment.

Feb 24, 2009 03:55 AM

tom bryceland

Hi Susan,

I was wondering if you might explain what the letters after your name represent. I see other Realtors responding but I as a buyer / seller am not aware of there meanings.

Is Sun Valley really as dead as it appears?

Tommy B

Feb 24, 2009 06:27 AM

Susan BeVille

Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL

Hi David,

Yes, I have also taken many valuable education classes that are not designation classes. And I also agree that the fees can get expensive, but it is also a great way to expand your referral network.

Thank you for commenting.

Susan

Feb 24, 2009 07:42 AM

Hi Sanna,

thanks for commenting. A great idea to post on our websites.

Feb 24, 2009 07:44 AM

Hi Tom,

Nice to hear from you.

GRI - Graduate of the Realtor Institute - The GRI symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.

e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism.

SRES-Seniors Real Estate Specialist - The real estate professional who earns the SRES designation is trained to understand the special needs of our senior citizens and is knowledgable on the laws, CC& R's, amenities, and fees that go along with the planned unit devlopment (PUD) 55 communities.

PMN - Performance Management Network - Professional performance training courses for this designation include:

Harnessing the Power: Skills Based Performance Management"
teaches professionals to manage their time effectively, to build credibility and develop a personal vision. This course will show you how to eliminate the obstacles that conspire to prevent you from getting to that next level, in your business and in your life.

"The Business of Your Business: People, Planning, Money & Management"
This course teachs you how to think about the business of your business. People, planning, money and management are the principles that will allow you to take your business to the next level.

"Networking and Referral Systems"
Between networking and referrals are the relationships we build and manage. The goal of this course is to provide the information and tools needed to make the transition from a salesperson making cold calls to a professional, knowledgeable consultant with a steady stream of advocates and referrals.

"Effective Negotiating for Real Estate Professionals"
This course teaches how to consistently secure the best outcomes for your clients and communicate effectively under pressure.

So you see, those Realtors that are committed to earn these designations are better equipped to serve the needs of their customers.

The market conditions do remain slow. There are a lot of short sales and foreclosures in Sun Valley as well as other areas of the county.

Feb 24, 2009 08:14 AM

Paul Buckley

Suppose Im getting cynical in my old age but I tend to agree with David to a degree. I do think that the letters designate an education that very much improves the professional, in realty or any field of study. My field is Engineer and tho it differs from RE, I took pride in having the letter designation "PE" after my name. However, per Davids comments, after not paying the fees I cannot use the letters. Im not sure it means a less capable, less professional etc individual but thats the system. I do know Susan is an outstanding realtor and whatever the letters mean after her name, she is a true professional.

Feb 24, 2009 11:10 AM

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your kind words. Hope that all is going well with you.

Feb 25, 2009 07:26 AM

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