Anne Meczywor
Most people who enter the real estate profession come in from other careers. They adapt quickly and apply the skills they learned to their newfound profession. Realtors, in particular, draw upon those who formerly were teachers (like me) for two reasons: We are educators by nature and profession, and we fully embrace the value of education and increasing our skills. Realtors strive to learn more and be better at their job. In addition to required continuing education, many will seek out advanced training.
Often you will see a list of letters after a Realtor’s name, such as GRI, CIPS, CRS and so on. Some other professions also have similar-looking tags. Those letters stand for the advanced education, training and certification or designation that the professional has earned. Each has its own education requirements, and many also must have documentation of applicable experience in the field. Let me break the code for some of the many real estate designations and certifications for you.
ABR: The Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the homebuying process.
CCIM: The Certified Commercial Investment Member designation is commercial real estate’s global standard for professional achievement, earned through an extensive curriculum of 200 classroom hours and professional experiential requirements. The CCIM network includes brokers, leasing professionals, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, investors, lenders and other allied professionals.
CIPS: The Certified International Property Specialist is for Realtors who wish to develop or grow their international real estate business. The designation requires completion of five full-day courses focusing on the critical aspects of international real estate transactions. CIPS designees are connected to a network of over 3,500 professionals who are potential referral partners.
CRB: The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager is earned by Realtors who have completed advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB designees are better positioned to streamline operations, integrate new technology and apply new trends and business strategies.
CRS: The Certified Residential Specialist designation is the highest credential earned by residential sales agents, managers and brokers. On average, CRS designees earn nearly three times more in income, transactions and gross sales than non-designee Realtors. This designation also has sales and experience requirements.
CRE: The Counselors of Real Estate is an organization of commercial property experts worldwide who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,100 professionals from all disciplines of real estate, academia and government hold the CRE credential. Membership is selective and extended by invitation, although commercial real estate practitioners with 10 years of proven experience may apply.
GREEN: The National Association of Realtors Green Designation, provides ongoing education, resources and tools to help real estate practitioners find, understand and market properties with green features.
GRI: Realtors with the GRI designation have completed the Graduate Realtor Institute. The program provides in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process. Earning the designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a professional with expertise in these areas.
SRS: Seller Representative Specialist designation is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for seller advocacy.
SRES: The Senior Real Estate Specialist designation program educates Realtors on how to serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients over the age of 50. By earning the SRES designation, Realtors gain access to valuable member benefits, useful resources, and networking opportunities across the U.S. and Canada.
These designations and certifications help distinguish between skill sets that can best help consumers. They show who has advanced knowledge and skill in specific fields within the real estate profession. But most importantly, they can indicate to the consumer which agents are serious enough about their profession to seek out more knowledge and skill.
Yes, sometimes it looks like alphabet soup. We joke about that among ourselves. However, finding the right Realtor with the best skill set to do the best possible job with the single largest investment that a consumer has is no laughing matter. Ask your Realtor what the letters after their name stand for, but more importantly, ask them what they have learned. That conversation will help you find the best person for the job.
Anne Meczywor is the 2019 president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and a broker/associate with Roberts & Assoc. Realty Inc., in Lenox.
