Designations help REALTORS® better serve clients and increase earnings

Many business professionals strive to be at the top of their field, to be recognized for their expertise and to increase their earning potential. For many REALTORS®, one way to achieve those goals is to earn a designation.

In fact, according to NAR’s 2010 Member Profile survey, REALTORS® who have a designation earn an estimated more than $21,000 than their competitors without a designation.

Designations and certifications are given to REALTORS® who meet specific qualifications for the more than 20 designations or certifications available through NAR. These professional designations help REALTORS® increase their expertise in the real estate market niches like working with buyers, sellers and seniors.

One such designation is the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) which helps REALTORS® better serve their clients with better listing presentations, increased negotiating skills and achieving smoother closing transactions. In addition, it educates REALTORS® in business planning, meeting buyers’ and sellers’ needs and building a referral business.

“The CRS designation is unique in that designees share information with each other and encourage everyone to do a better job of serving the consumer,” said Gee Dunsten, a former CRS national president and instructor. “I have other designations but I find this one to be the most important and it has allowed me to build relationships and network with people across the country.”

The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) is another valuable designation. Jonathan Nicholas, a former CRB national president, believes the CRB helps brokers focus their business.

CRB designees learn recruiting and training techniques to help their agents, marketing programs to promote and sell property for the highest price in the shortest time, management skills and how to maintain an organized business.

“Fewer than 1 percent of brokers have earned this designation,” Nicholas said. “The courses aren’t just classroom lectures; they’re activity-based and best practices. And you’ll find the latest and greatest in the classes when it comes to technology.”

REALTORS® can work toward earning the CRS and CRB designations and other designation/certification courses this year at Triple Play REALTORS® Convention and Trade Expo in Atlantic City, Dec. 6-9. Pre-registration for these courses is required:

• Dunsten will teach the CRS course “Listing Strategies for the Residential Specialist,” Dec. 6-7
• Nichols will instruct the CRB course “Technology Management: Develop and Deploy an Effective Office Strategy,” Dec. 6-7
• Stan Gniazdowski will offer the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) course “Introduction to Commercial Investment Real Estate Analysis,” Dec. 6-7
• Randy Templeman will teach “HOMES: Housing Our Military with Excellent Service” certification course, Dec. 6-7
• Pat Moyer will teach “HAFA Short Sales: The Complete Course,” Dec. 6.