Your Realtor -- Knowing Who You Are Working With

Every real estate agent has a different level of experience, education and dedication. One significant way to help you distinguish between the agents is by the designations (the letters which follow after their name) they have earned. A Realtor^® who puts forth the extra time and expense, and demonstrates the appropriate experience to acquire these designations, shows to their peers and to the public their strong desire to continually improve, learn and achieve a higher degree of professionalism to better serve their clients and their community. This is not to say that a new agent, or a veteran agent with no designations, will not serve you well but that generally an agent who has taken the extra time, money and effort to obtain one or more designations will demonstrate a higher degree of service, expertise and professionalism.

First and foremost, a real estate agent is not necessarily a “Realtor^®”, an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors^®, belongs to one or more local associations/boards, and who subscribes to the National Association of Realtors^® strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Following is a list of some of the more common and highly regarded designations, but is certainly not a complete list of specialties and designations:

ABR: Accredited Buyer Representative, indicates a real estate agent who specializes in representing buyers in the real estate transaction and who has complied with specific experience requirements.

CCIM: Certified Commercial Investment Member, indicates a real estate agent who specializes in commercial real estate transactions, and is the highest designation among the commercial specialist designations.

CRB: Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager, indicates brokers who have taken a large variety of courses geared toward the enhancement of brokerage management skills.

CRS: Certified Residential Specialist, indicates an agent who specializes in residential real estate, and only approximately 3% of all Realtors^® have earned this designation due to its strong educational and experience requirements.

ePRO: Certified Internet Professional, indicates an agent who has completed a rigorous online certification program and has demonstrated their online skills, integrity and professionalism. This is the industry’s first comprehensive internet certification program endorsed by the National Association of Realtors^® which was launched in June 2000.

GRI: Graduate, Realtor^® Institute, indicates an agent who has taken a rigorous course schedule on a variety of real estate related topics, and only approximately 9% of all Realtors^® have earned this designation.

These designations are only a part of a larger list of specialty designations. If your agent has a designation not described above, ask them to tell you what it means and what was the criteria to obtain the designation. This will help you develop a deeper appreciation for the level of dedication, education and experience your agent has obtained in order to serve your needs better. Good luck in your Realtor^® search, or in your renewed appreciation for your Realtor^®!

PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be legal advice. Your licensed real estate agent cannot give you legal advice. If you have any questions about your legal rights or obligations, you should consult with an attorney.