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What is your thoughts on Designations?

By The All Pro Team

Real Estate Sales Representative with EXIT Realty Leaders

October 08, 2007 12:48 PM

I am one of 20 agents in my county to have the SRES and the only agent in my county who has their PMN. All though when I am looking to send a referral I always try to find an agent that has designations because I feel like those agents have done more training then agents who don't have any.

My question to all of you is this: Does it matter to you if they have earned any designations? And if so which ones mean more to you?

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Robert Huntsinger

Empire Realty - Upland, CA

Empire Realty Upland, CA - Full Service at a Discount

I am a SRES and tout that I am when working with that segment. I think the GRI and CRS designations are the best, GRI due to the additional training and CRS due to the validation of transactions.

Take care!

Oct 08, 2007 12:55 PM

Don Stern

Realty Executives South Louisiana - Baton Rouge, LA

Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate

While the designations may mean something to other realtors, my unscientific survey of the public is that they are generally unaware of them. That said, I'm a firm believer in acquiring additional education and becoming as proficient as you can at your chosen profession.

Oct 08, 2007 01:16 PM

The All Pro Team

EXIT Realty Leaders - Crystal River, FL

Robert, Thanks I am also working with quite a few clients in the Senior dept. I am looking to get another designation but almost everyone in my area has their GRI so I think I will go for my CRS.

Don you are right the general public does not know what they are or what they stand for But I always try to explain it to them. Thanks for you input!

Oct 08, 2007 01:39 PM

Vicky Poe

Good Ole Rocky Top - Crossville, TN

Realtor/ Auctioneer

I have ABR, GRI and ePro. I am working on CRS. I don't know if the designation is as important as what you learn getting the desiginations. The knowledge helps me with my job every day. The better agent I am brings more closings that puts more money in my pocket.

Oct 08, 2007 01:47 PM

Rich Jacobson

Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA

Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Get your Broker's license. That's really the only designation that the general public values or understands. Aside from that, designations are really for 'us.' The most meaningful is the CRS, followed by the GRI. But depending on how long you've been a real estate agent, I would recommend getting your Broker's license.

Oct 08, 2007 01:50 PM

Robert Whitelaw

Whitelaw & Sons Real Estate Services - Morgan Hill, CA

Broker, CEO, Realtor , ePro

The public does not know or care about designations. I have never.. ever.. had anyone ask me if I was a realtor, CRS, etc. The ONLY use any of these things really has is for you to bring it up during a listing preso, or when your getting someone to sign the buyer broker agreement.

In support of a previous comment, the single most powerful thing I did was get my brokers license. The general public seems to "Get" that easier than the other alpha bet soup designations.

Oct 08, 2007 02:07 PM

The All Pro Team

EXIT Realty Leaders - Crystal River, FL

Vicky, Rich and Robert~ Thanks for your feedback! I did get my brokers license but was trying to figure out which designation to get next. I do agree that it is more for the education than to impress clients. Thanks again

Oct 09, 2007 01:25 AM

Billnulls Blog Florida Realty Professional

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL

AHWD

Absolutely! Designations mean that they are taking the time to learn new material and want to stay on the cutting edge of this business! GRI, e-pro, diversity training, eco-broker and broker training I would say are the most important. Many designations really mean nothing to those outside the industry, but when I refer a client, I also look at designations!

Oct 09, 2007 08:44 AM

The All Pro Team

EXIT Realty Leaders - Crystal River, FL

Bill and Barbara Jo, thanks for your feedback. I also have my AHWD, just forgot to mention that one!

Oct 09, 2007 11:59 AM

Mike Klijanowicz

Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD

Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

I think that designations are just what they are DESIGNATIONS! Some agents don't need to have designations to become top producers and others do! Even though I don't currently have any, I am considering obtaining a few of them: EPRO and SRES (since our society overall is aging fast and my wife works for a retirement community!)

Oct 10, 2007 04:45 AM

The All Pro Team

EXIT Realty Leaders - Crystal River, FL

Michael, Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. I guess having them will never hurt you, but not having any may. Depends on the client.

Oct 10, 2007 06:01 AM

Eric Kodner

Wayzata Lakes Realty: Eric Kodner Sells Twin Cities Homes - Minnetonka, MN

Wayzata Lakes Realty: Twin Cities, Madeline Island

We send out around a dozen referrals a year and we always look for designations before we choose an agent. The CRS referral network has been one of the best referral resources I've ever used.

If an agent won't pursue any supplemental education other than CE, what does that tell you about that person's commitment to keeping current on this rapidly-changing industry?

Oct 10, 2007 06:13 AM