You’ve earned your Realtor license. Congratulations! But your hard work shouldn’t stop there. Learn about five of the most popular and rewarding designations you can receive from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Each designation requires you to be a member in good standing in NAR, and to earn it, you must complete required courses and/or pass an exam. The process is fairly straightforward, and the payoff can be huge for both you and your clients.
What are the most popular NAR designations?
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR®)
- Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
- Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)
- Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)
Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR®)
If you’re mainly interested in representing home buyers in real estate transactions, you’ll want to look into becoming an Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR®). Buyers will know they’re in good hands when they see you have advanced skills and training to help them find their dream home. In turn, you’ll have access to members-only publications, marketing tools and resources, as well as networking opportunities and increased referrals. To qualify, you must have documentation verifying you have completed five transactions as the buyer’s representative.
Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
Similar (but opposite) to the Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR®) designation, the Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation signifies a REALTOR has advanced skills and training in representing sellers in real estate transactions. Through this designation, you’ll learn how to increase your listings, grow your business and attract new clients. You also will have access to members-only resources and services. To qualify, you must have documentation of three completed transactions where you served as the seller’s representative.
Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)
If you just recently earned your REALTOR license, you probably have a few questions about how to get your business off the ground. Learn how to start off right and stand out from your competition by earning the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. GRI designees know the ins and outs of the industry and are committed to providing the highest level of professional service. They have in-depth knowledge on everything from legal and regulatory issues to the newest technology tools and trends.
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Do you want to earn three times more in income, transactions and gross sales? Become a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). The highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers and brokers, the CRS designation was created for highly ambitious REALTORS who want to take their business to the next level. Depending on the path you choose, you must have completed 60 transactions (or $30 million in sales volume in the last three years) or 150 transactions (or $1 million in sales volume each year in the last 10 years+ with at least 40 transactions).
Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)
Seniors face unique issues when buying and selling a home. As sellers, they may have a strong emotional attachment to their home, and as buyers, they may be dealing with a limited income. Make sure you know how to get the best deal for your clients 50 and older whether they are buying or selling by earning your Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation. As baby boomers continue to retire and make major lifestyle changes, it’s important you are ready to meet their real estate needs.
Earning your Realtor license was just the first step in ensuring you have the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in today’s competitive real estate industry. Stay on the path to a successful career and become a Realtor of choice through the various designations and certifications available with NAR.
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