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The value of real estate designations

By
Real Estate Agent with The Virtual Real Estate Team 104556

Not all designations are created equal. Certainly all designations have value because they expose us to ideas that give us the specialized tools to excel. The market we are in demands more of us than it ever had. Competition is fierce and the dollars are smaller. The territorial imperative is in full view as those of us who want to survive, and even more thrive, specialty designations make a difference. For me I have been through many designations and I am grateful for all that I have learned.

For me it all starts with Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), that with 204 introduced me to CRS and investment real estate, my first love in this business. CRS helps in so many ways, and it has set a high standard, if not the highest in the industry. It is a must for those who want referrals, and its organizations that keeps it in the front is second to none. Irecently finished my EcoBroker designation and I highly recommend that. It will be increasingly important that we embrace the green movement, and that we understand the facts from mere hype. Michael Russer is now involved and that is a good sign for this designations future.

As for the others they have value but haven't been able to capture the broad spectrum of Realtors but they hold on. SRES was hurt by it's creator's death so early on, ABR has not been able to develop the referral network that CRS has, or even close to it, and e-Pro was dumbed down by NAR and just didn't set the bar high enough. I remember Michael Russer talking about it and promoting it, and I gladly signed on to be in the first group. What Mr. Russer wanted and what they delivered was not the same. However, anyone benefits from learning something new, and exploring this wonderful world we work in, and getting the tools to make it better, is the hope for the future. I believe we won't recognize this business in five years, the changes that are coming happen at warp speed. Encourage  all your colleagues, and yourself, to take classes this year, go to conferences like Inman News, and read books like crazy that will put you on a different level.

Comments (7)

Claudia Efthimos
Signature Homes & Estates - Morgan Hill, CA
GRI,SFR,ASP,SRES

Hey Joe:  

Don't forget GRI. I found that to be a fabulous learning expierience. It definitely takes a commitment & with that you are given a broad range of categories & a abundance of knowledge.       I believe it is the #1 designation.  I also found my Accredited Staging Specialist to give me a new  look on something, many people think they know from watching how-to shows. I have to give Kudos to my Broker Gary Frimann who has attained over 8 designations & he holds more desginations than any other Realtor in the South County.  
 

 

 

Feb 22, 2009 02:55 PM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Hi Joe: I have GRI, ABR, E-Pro, ASP (Accredited Staging professional), and I'm a broker.  I'm one course away from the CRS.  At this point the only one the public has a clue about is BROKER.  I actually do the training for my own education so that's no big deal.  I am looking forward to getting that last CRS class under my belt.

Feb 22, 2009 03:03 PM
Bruce & Sandy Soli
Sierra Sotheby's International Realty - Incline Village, NV
Tahoe Lifestyle Experts

We are getting our CDPE next month...Certified Distressed Property Expert.  With the market the way it is and the future as outlined at the CRS Conference in SF (Did you go Joe, I am not sure we met?)  I will definitely report back to AR on the class and my thoughts/opinions.

We also have out CLHMS, which was great eduction while getting the designation and they send weekly emails, but not sure I see the true value like we do with CRS.  I agree with you that this is the most important designation and I find it hard to believe that only 4% of Realtors have it!  Yikes!

Feb 22, 2009 03:41 PM
Richard Dolbeare
Inactive - Wailuku, HI
Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

Hi Joe.  Yes, CRS is supposed to be the grandaddy of designations.  I just got mine last year love using the logo on my materials.  Hope to see you at one of the CRS functions.

Aloha

Feb 22, 2009 03:56 PM
David Slavin
Keller Williams Premier - Katy, TX
CDPE, ABR, SRES Keller Williams Premier

I agree that designations provide additional ideas to help us succeed.  I haven't thought about getting the CRS but I'll check into it.

Feb 23, 2009 12:48 AM
Sheila Moran
RE/MAX Access (Garden Ridge, San Antonio, New Braunfels) - New Braunfels, TX
SanAntonioSheila.com, RE/MAX Access, 210-32

Joe,

I'm huge on designations (but also on the quality of that designation)....I LOVE RECEIVING A REFERRAL FROM A CRS!  Nothing compares!

Feb 23, 2009 12:57 PM
Amy Salisbury
Leading Edge Properties - Charles Town, WV
West Virginia Realtor/Jefferson/Berkeley

Hi Joe,

This series of posts reminded me of a conversation several Realtors and I had quite a few years ago.  We were talking about the fact that most of the general public had no idea what all those letters after our names stood for.  We decided we'd add a new designation:  DGR (Damn Good Realtor!)

Seriously, when explaining designations to anyone, I tell them that obtaining a license is sort of like a diploma from high school.  Designations are like degrees from college: specialized training that educate us to be better practitioners in our chosen professional field.

Feb 24, 2009 01:53 AM