Are Designations and Certifications REAL???

Richard, if we are in a business that is ever changing, as ours obviously is, and we aren't getting training, we aren't up to par with other professionals.  Don't let 'em get to you!  I am a mortgage lender and I am ALWAYS learning my trade...it keeps me ahead of the competition AND better able to serve my clients, just as it does a Realtor!  You keep learning!

I have known great agents with no designations, and fools with plenty of letters after their name. Some designations (not the GRI of course) are all of a one or two day class in one topic or another and mean very little. Others, like the CRS or GRI, reflect much more.

Like you, I have a bunch of letters after my name, but I know plenty of agents who are smart and saavy without any at all. I wouldn't generalize EXCEPT to say that when I see CRS, I know it's an agent who's got experience and training, and when I see GRI, I know its a lot of training (though not necessarily much experience).

The average consumer probably has no idea what they mean. I think they are important and I respect those who have them.

Hey - Richard - you should be proud of your designations !

But dont write off agents who dont have any - to tell you the truth - in our small comunity, a majority of the Realtors - with a slew of designations behind there name - are true A$@##*^ and I dont want to asociate myself with them. They  can keep their club !

There are lots of great agents out there with just (RS) behind their name, you never know what we did in our past professions - we may have years and years of training - and the letters dont mean as much. We just - do the right thing - TAKE CARE OF OUR CLIENT FIRST !

How is Vegas  doing - I grew up there - went to Western High School .

Aloha, and have a great day

Lance Owens (RS)

(808) 936-8383

Lance@KonaHomeTeam.com

www.KonaHomeTeam.com

Aloha Kona Realty Inc.

78-6740 Alii Drive

I am working on a few myself and definitely see the value!

Hi Richard!

I don't deny that agents that have designations are well educated, but I do think there are other considerations.  For example, I go to 2 meetings a week to educate myself about what is going on in our industry.  I am the chair for our grievance committee.  I was chair of our regional meetings.  I am the broker of record for our company.  I read everything I can get my hands on. I attend community meetings so I know what is happening in our area.  I don't have any designations.  I think I am a great agent for my clients and I try to exceed their expectations.  So, according to your standards, I would be automatically eliminated.  I just think that you have eliminated some great agents.  I do understand that without knowing them, you have to have some criteria to select an agent, so this would work for you.  I just ask that you not think so little of those of us who do not have designations...you might be underestimating our abilities.

Richard,

I agree with you that you should have some criteria for picking an agent, but I also completely agree with Paula.  I know a lot of agents with no certifications that are absolutely great at what they do and I also know several with the letters after their ames that I would never refer my clients to.

Have a great day!

Chastity