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Do professional designations enchance your business?

By Allegra T. House

Real Estate Agent with Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty

April 04, 2007 12:53 PM

I am thinking about getting my Broker's license in the next few months and taking the courses needed for CRS, ABR certification over the next 6 months. My thinking is these credentials could only take my expertise to another level. But many people question what difference will they make in the "Real world" As long as you are able to represent them like you always do, why bother.

Has anyone found that having these credentials has helped their business skyrocket to more success? Please give your honest opinions.

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Bob Carney

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales - Mc Henry, MD

Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent

I don't know if it made my business skyrocket, but I have ABR and ePRO right now. It sure has helped me see things differently and help give my business direction. My thoughts on designation are sure they look impressive at the end of your name, however the value is in the education. The more you know the more confident you are when talking to prospects. I think its the confidence that turns into results. Good luck.

I am looking to add CRS and GRI by this time next year. I have heard good things about both.

Apr 04, 2007 01:11 PM

Gary Nelson

RE\MAX Components - Abingdon, MD

REALTOR , CRS, CDPE, e-Pro, GRI

Its not the designations that are valuable but the information/education you get from the seminars while getting the designation. Then take the networking into account, you cannot beat it.

Just my 0.02 cents worth...

Gary Nelson

Apr 04, 2007 01:18 PM

Christina Ethridge

The North Idaho Dream Team powered by SKE Realty Group - Coeur d'Alene, ID

According to the associations that offer the credentials, certain designations earn more on average than without designations. With that said, if you are going to be a successful agent, honestly designations won't make as big of a difference when it comes to just income amounts.

With that said, successful agents tend to be proactive when it comes to their education and tweaking their businesses for the better. Therefore they would be more likely to have designations.

I'm almost done with my ePro (doing it solely for the sake of having a designation immediately) and am in the process of getting my Brokers license (for specific future business goals). Some of the classes I have to take for my Brokers license also correspond to the GRI requirements, but, GRI isn't one I'm interested in.

Anyway, make sure to get the designations that fit your business goals, that is what's important.

Apr 04, 2007 01:20 PM

Anonymous

Victoria Luhring

I feel without doubt they will make a difference. It is like one more piece to the puzzel. So the combination of the experience, education and desiginations is what will set you apart from the others. I obtained my CRS, GRI and ABR all within my first year in the business and I would not have done it any other way. I get 2-4 referrals a year because of them from other agents. I have earned the consumer business because of them. When I asked one seller how and why he choose me he said "anyone with that many letters behind their name has got to know what they are doing. I have found every CRS class to be excellent. I also attend their sale-a brations. If you love the business and consider it a career then their is no doubt in my mind this will help you in many ways. Good luck and I wish you the best

Apr 04, 2007 01:30 PM

Rich Kruse

Gryphon USA, Ltd. - Columbus, OH

If I even had the time, which I don't, I probably wouldn't spend the time. Take the courses that are pertinent to improving yourself in your niche. You cares if they give you letters or not?? Just me.

Apr 04, 2007 03:22 PM

Marchel Peterson

Results Realty - Spring, TX

Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

I take the course because I want the information. I don't personally think the designations have brought me business but they have kept me educated. I'm thinking about getting the ABR at the end of the month but because I want to be comfortable with the BRA and I'm not.

Apr 04, 2007 03:54 PM

Anonymous

Allegra House

Thank you everyone that has responded to this post. I appreciate your honesty and will consider moving forward on this path.

Thanks again.

Apr 05, 2007 02:23 AM