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Which Designation?

Real Estate Agent with RealtySouth

February 22, 2008 03:41 PM

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Maria Couto

RE/MAX Premier - Berkeley Heights, NJ

Realtor with "Results That "MOVE" You'

Hey Chris, you really can' go wrong with any designation, because the idea is to get as much education as possible. I'm working on getting my GRI at this time, but for me personally the best was CRS. No matter how much training you get from your office it dosen't come close to the ideas you can get from CRS. Good Luck.

Feb 22, 2008 03:48 PM

Sam Miller

RE/MAX Stars Realty - Howard, OH

Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist

The absolute best designation I have ever earned was the CRS. I attend their annual Sellabration each year and it is always amazing. You will make some many key contacts attending CRS courses. I highly recommend NOT takinga local class and you will gain so much more referral business if you go out of your area for the classes. You can't beat the CRS classes anywhere.

Feb 22, 2008 03:48 PM

Carol Williams

Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA

Retired Agent / Broker / Property Manager

Chris: Just remember, whatever designation you get it is for YOU... for the knowledge. As impressive as we think those initials are after our name, they mean nothing to the consumer. It's all about the knowledge you gain, how it can benefit the consumer and confidence it builds within yourself.

Feb 22, 2008 03:55 PM

Vickie Nagy

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA

Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

CRS is the way to go. Takes transactional business for the designation, but the training it top-notch.

Feb 22, 2008 04:19 PM

David Soto - Illinois Home Loans & Mortgages

Illinois Home Loans & Mortgage Refinance - Chicago, IL

for some odd reason i like the gri designation i get the impression they are in a league of there own

Feb 22, 2008 04:46 PM

Mike Gambino

Prudential Patterson Realtors - Florissant, MO

GRI

Chris,

I agree with Carol. You should get the designation for the knowledge more than the initials. Each designation is unique and has value. GRI while primarily for new agents is attended more and more by experienced agents. After 11 years in the business I finally took my GRI and have just one more class to graduate. CRS is great for networking and possible referrals, but as was stated in a previous comment, you have to do a certain amount of business to maintain that certification. e-pro certainly can help everyone in the business, but helps those without a lot of internet savvy the most. The list goes on and on. The one name that consumers recognize most is Broker. They believe it means more than salesperson and weighs heavier in their minds.

Feb 22, 2008 04:57 PM

David Patterson

Columbia, SC

ibdp3

Hey...Chris Lee! Here's my $.02.

Within nine months of earning my license, I obtained my ABR Designation. The three days of classes helped me develop business plans for attracting and servicing buyers.

Within nine months after obtaining my ABR Designation, I earned my CRS Designation.

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. By the way....some states count ABR and CRS classes as Continuing Education credit.

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.

Much Success to You in 2008 and throughout your career!

Feb 23, 2008 12:27 AM

Kent Simpson

Realty One Group Mountain Desert - Tucson, AZ

Real Estate Is About People

My thoughts run similar to Carol's, while realizing that some designations carry more weight than others and feature more extensive training/benefits. Take a look at your business, identify where you want to go with it and focus on your education as part of the plan. The key is: you can learn and improve with any of them. What is going to help you & your clients?

Feb 23, 2008 01:08 AM

Carolyn Gjerde-Tu-Davis

Lyon Real Estate - Davis, CA

Ca Real Estate

It seems like CRS is the one that comes up most often for the "preferred" designation, but the ultimate decision should be what will help you get to where you want to be. I will eventually go for the CRS but I'm thinking of doing the ABR this year. I have a goal of obtaining one designation a year. Last year I did SRES.

Feb 23, 2008 01:49 AM

Chris Lee

RealtySouth - Tuscaloosa, AL

Thanks, I will more than likely go for CRS. I just wanted some other thoughts on the matter. GRI is something i will prob get. I had a chance to get it free a year ago or so but i had some client in from out of town that week.

Thanks again for all your help.

Feb 23, 2008 07:01 AM

Hank Roeters

Platinum Partners Realtors - Darien, IL

I also recommend GRI. I feel that GRI teaches a lot of practical ideas about running your real estate business. After GRI I would go for CRS.

Feb 23, 2008 07:40 AM

Linda Box Taylor

Castle Connections Realty - Plano, TX

Your Plano, TX Realtor

I have my ABR and it was excellent! You can achieve it fairly quickly within about 3 days. I don't have my CRS but I've only heard great things about it.

Feb 23, 2008 12:15 PM

Vickie McCartney

Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY

Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Chris, I think that getting the CRS is the best one. I plan to get it . I did get my ABR and e-Pro and they were both very good because I learned so much in both of them. The education you get is always worth it as there is no learning that is ever wasted. Just pick one at a time and accomplish it and then go for another until you have accomplished them ALL! Remember, you need to always keep learning.

Feb 23, 2008 12:22 PM

Bill Somerset

Re/Max Realty Group - Dover, NH

ABR, e-PRO - Realtor - NH Real Estate Agent

I currently have my E-Pro designation and have recently passed the requirements for ABR. The E-pro has been a tremendous advantage for me because I am ahead of the curve compared to other agents when it comes to technology. The ABR designation may help you now because of the current market leaning towards buyers. Both very helpful.

Feb 25, 2008 04:36 AM

Tricia Flicker-Miller

Cressy & Everett Real Estate - Elkhart, IN

Cressy & Everett

Great question! I have often wondered the same thing myself but never took the time to ask. Glad I found your blog, THANKS!

Mar 31, 2008 10:39 AM

Debbie Chen

Summa Professionals Real Estate Group - Lake Oswego, OR

Debbie Chen

Hey guys, Thanks to all of you for the great answers. Very helpful. I am new to ActiveRain and find this place really really good!

Aug 29, 2012 09:38 AM