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.
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