If you have wondered what all those acronyms behind a REALTOR®'s name mean, well here goes....a few of the popular ones -
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
GRI - Graduate Realtor Institute
ABR - Associated Buyers Representative
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist
RSPS - Resorts and Second Home Specialists
Green - Environmentally Conscious Homes Specialist
E Pro - Electronic Proficiency Certified
Some of the above are Certificates and some are Designations. Both represent extra education in the specific field within the real estate industry. A REALTOR® (who is different from a Real Estate Agent) gets the certification upon completion of specific coursework and designations require more detailed and longer coursework, in addition to other requirements like annual dues and continuing education credits. These courses are offered by the local Realtors Association - Suburban West Realtors Association (for all agents in the Chester and some surrounding counties) or by other independent providers like Polley Associates.
In an industry where the only requirement to get a residential real estate license is 60 hrs of education and passing 2 exams, I am a big proponent of education and welcome this opportunity to stay current. These courses are a great opportunity to learn from one's peers. At the same time it is understood that real world experience, knowing your neighborhoods, understanding market trends, providing exceptional customer service, having a strong work ethic... can trump education any day.
I suppose a balance is called for....as a buyer or seller looking to hire an agent - I would not be swayed by the acronyms on the business card alone. I would interview 3 agents and put the acronyms in perspective with other personal qualities as well as professional proficiencies. What are your views?
Technorati tags - Downingtown Real Estate
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
GRI - Graduate Realtor Institute
ABR - Associated Buyers Representative
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist
RSPS - Resorts and Second Home Specialists
Green - Environmentally Conscious Homes Specialist
E Pro - Electronic Proficiency Certified
Some of the above are Certificates and some are Designations. Both represent extra education in the specific field within the real estate industry. A REALTOR® (who is different from a Real Estate Agent) gets the certification upon completion of specific coursework and designations require more detailed and longer coursework, in addition to other requirements like annual dues and continuing education credits. These courses are offered by the local Realtors Association - Suburban West Realtors Association (for all agents in the Chester and some surrounding counties) or by other independent providers like Polley Associates.
In an industry where the only requirement to get a residential real estate license is 60 hrs of education and passing 2 exams, I am a big proponent of education and welcome this opportunity to stay current. These courses are a great opportunity to learn from one's peers. At the same time it is understood that real world experience, knowing your neighborhoods, understanding market trends, providing exceptional customer service, having a strong work ethic... can trump education any day.
I suppose a balance is called for....as a buyer or seller looking to hire an agent - I would not be swayed by the acronyms on the business card alone. I would interview 3 agents and put the acronyms in perspective with other personal qualities as well as professional proficiencies. What are your views?
Technorati tags - Downingtown Real Estate
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