Ever wonder what the alphabet soup on a REALTORS® business card following their name is all about? What do the letters signify? Are they important?

Actually, those letters tell you that the REALTOR® has completed a designation process awarded after completing approved programs of study. Designations provide a way to help REALTORS® master specific areas of practice to better serve their clients.

There are nine affiliated institutes, societies and councils that provide designation and certification programs offered by the National Association of REALTORS®. These programs provide a wide-ranging menu of topics and services that assist members in increasing skills, productivity and knowledge.

Designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded upon completion of required courses. A number of local REALTORS® have as many as four designations.

More than 300 local REALTORS® have earned one or more designation for their continuing education credit.

This means that our members have taken what could be considered graduate courses that produce the expertise that elevates customer service for real estate clients in Spokane County.