Designations

Designations and why they are important:

While working with a Realtor to buy or sell a home, you may have seen “GRI”, “CRS”, or “SFR” after a Realtor’s name and wondered what those letters meant. Like most industries that constantly are changing, real estate demands continuing education throughout a Realtor’s career.

A successful agent must keep up to date with current issues, evolving technology, changing laws and regulations, and other important aspects of the business. After all, it’s that comprehensive knowledge that gives Realtors the ability to help consumers buy and sell houses successfully.

The National Association of Realtor (NAR) offers advanced education designation and certification programs through its institutes, societies and councils for Realtors.

Just as an MBA carries with it a certain distinction in the business world, so do the letters after a Realtor’s name in the world of real estate. These designations and certification programs are tailored to every real estate specialty you’ve heard of, and probably some you haven’t.

Certified Residential Specialist® / CRS®
The CRS® Designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling, and meet rigorous production requirements.


Accredited Buyer's Representative / ABR®
ABR® education provides REALTORS® with what they need to stay competitive in today's market.


Recreation & Resort Specialist / RRS
This designation is awarded by the Worldwide Recreation and Resort Sales Council.
RRS is the first designation earned exclusively by REALTORS® working in the recreation, resort and 2nd homes market.


Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource / SFR
REALTORS® with the SFR certification can be a trusted resource for short sales and foreclosures.
Your ability to close short sales and foreclosures depends in part on your confidence in seeing these transactions through.



Graduate REALTOR® Institute / GRIsm
Members involved in residential real estate who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRIsm designation.

CCIM - Certified Commercial Investment Member
A Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) is a recognized expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. A CCIM is an invaluable resource to the commercial real estate owner, investor, and user, and is among an elite corps of more than 9,000 professionals who hold the CCIM designation across North America and more than 30 countries.