aka Kathleen “Kate” Elim

Have you thought about earning a designation?  Do you have one or two and thinking of adding others, or would this be a first for you?

There are a number of designations available and a number of questions come to mind.   These are just some of the questions:

• Which designation would be the most beneficial for me?
• Which is the easiest to acquire if time is limited?
• Which takes the most time and effort?
• How much does it cost to obtain the designation?
• In order to continue using some designations, annual fees must be paid.  If so, will this make a difference to me?
• Which one most closely focuses on where I think my strengths are?
• Which one will help me where I am weakest?
• Do I want to specialize in buyer representation?
• Are luxury homes a major part of my market?
• Do I now sell a good number of resort or second-homes or is this where I would like to focus my business?
• Do I want to take my course online?
• Which designations are available through FAAR in a classroom setting?
• Which designations are recognized by NAR?
• And, just as importantly, which ones are not?

Just because a number of issues have been raised for you to consider do not be dissuaded from moving forward.  Without a doubt your time is well spent studying for and obtaining designations.  It is up to you to decide which one or ones appeal to you most.  Be sure to do research on the different possibilities and ask other agents, with designations, which ones they find have helped them most with their real estate practice.

Below is an abbreviated list of possiblities.  There are many more for REALTORS®. 

Designations:

• CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
• GRI - Graduate, REALTOR® Institute
• e-Pro - a designation that prepares you to make the most of technology and the Internet for your business
• SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist
• ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative
• ALC - Accredited Land Consultant
• RSPS - Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist
• CRB - Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager

One source for more information is:
 
http://www.realtor.org/education/realtor_university/designation

Be sure to also check out FAAR’s Web site for classes readily available through our association. Put FAAR to work for you.