Realtors get asked about the letters after their name. Many people don’t know what the letters mean, but those letters are very important for customers. They represent different professional certifications earned by the Realtor through extensive education and hard work. These designations are not required for a Realtor to sell real estate and a Realtor doesn’t get paid any extra money for those designations. So when you see those letters, it means your Realtor is deeply committed to excellence in the profession.
GRI- Graduate Realtor Institute
This award is presented by state boards of Realtors to members who have completed a rigorous curriculum that includes real estate law, ethics, professional best practices and technology. Since real estate transactions have become increasingly more complex and complicated, it is more important than ever to work with an agent who has kept up with new technology, laws and procedures. The GRI designation means your Realtor has taken the time to learn above and beyond what is required by license to sell real estate.
ABR- Accredited Buyer’s Representative
There’s a big difference between being on the buying or selling side of the table. A Realtor with the ABR designation has extra experience and training on how to represent the homebuyer’s interests. In order to earn this designation, an agent has to have acted solely as the agent for the buyer in several transactions. She also has to complete a challenging curriculum of initial instruction and regularly meet continuing education requirements so her information and knowledge are up to date.
CRS- Certified Residential Specialist
Real estate includes all manner of properties including commercial, agricultural and residential. Any real estate agent can sell property, but a Certified Residential Specialist has met educational and experience guidelines set out by the Council of Residential Specialists. This means your Realtor has a deeper knowledge and understanding of residential property. CRS is the most prestigious educational certification attainable by a Realtor and fewer than 35,000 of all Realtors nationwide have earned this designation. Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict Realtors® code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.
Since a house is the largest investment most people make, you want to make sure you are getting the highest quality of help and advice you can. A CRS-designated Realtor is the best way to find it.
I have chosen to earn all three designations to be able to provide the highest quality of representation and advice to my clients, whether they are buyers or sellers. If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate and require competent and caring representation, please call me at (361) 550-4304.