Celebrate Realtor® Designation Awareness Month now by signing up to earn new credentials

Did you know November is Realtor® Designation Awareness Month?

Designations are a great way to expand your business, gain both knowledge and skills and stay up-to-date on real estate. Designations can also give you an edge against the competition. The more you know, the more you can impress your clients. By picking specific designations, you will gain advantages in your career.

PAR President Todd Polinchock said: “People with designations have a commitment to continually making themselves better through education. The public realizes that those who pursue designations are usually on the cutting edge of the industry and thereby more suited to navigating them through real estate transactions.” Polinchock currently holds the Accredited Buyer’s Representative/ABR®, e-PRO® and NAR’s Green Designation/GREEN designations.

According to the 2013 National Association of Realtors® Member Profile, the difference in the median salaries of Realtors® with at least one designation and those without is $27,000. The median income of Realtors® with at least one designation was $61,100, while Realtors® without a designation brought in a median income of $33,500.

“I am a big believer in achieving specialized education and designations. There is no doubt that the knowledge gained will benefit your buyers and sellers, but it shouldn’t end there. It is extremely important to update your education with the continuing courses offered within those designation councils. With our ever-changing industry, these course upgrades keep you on top of your game,” said PAR President-elect Kathy McQuilkin, who holds the Certified Relocation Professional, Certified Residential Specialist Certified New Home Sales Professional, Graduate of the Realtors’ Institute, Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Accredited Luxury Home Specialist designations.

For more information, including how to sign up for a course, visit NAR’s site.