ABR, GRI, etc.. really make the difference?

Luci: 

Can you gain success without a designation? Yes.

As a matter of fact, I have never received a CRS Referral by having the designation.

Furthermore, I wouldn't (and haven't) spend money on a GRI designation. HOWEVER.................

Is it worth your time and money to get your ABR and CRS? In my opinion, YES.

By going through the CRS training, I was able to gain more confidence. Since having my CRS, it is not a matter of if I'm getting the listing.....It's whether I want the listing.

The CRS classes helped me with looking at my real estate career AS A BUSINESS! Things such as....."Knowing Your Numbers", MARKETING STRATEGIES & IDEAS and how to meet client needs are really important. You don't get that in a licensing or continuing education class. By the way....some states count ABR and CRS classes as Continuing Education credit.

Can I actually say that someone hired me because of the letters behind my name? NO.

However, where are you going to get the training that differentiates you from your competition? Having this knowledge (and being able to explain how the letters benefit your clients) is a definite plus.

You can never have enough tools!

When you stop learning, you stop growing. When you stop growing, YOU DIE!

Luci...Go for it! I'd be happy to recommend some instructors to you.