REALTORS® serve consumers with certifications, designations

Today’s real estate industry is competitive and dynamic. Successful real estate professionals adapt to demographic trends, embrace technology, and stay up to date on recent market developments.

To help REALTORS® succeed in this environment, the National Association of REALTORS® and its nine institutes, societies and councils offer 21 officially endorsed designations and certifications to their members. In November, REALTOR® Designation Awareness Month highlights these programs.

According to NAR’s most recent housing forecast, more than 5 million homes will be sold in 2008. Each of those homes will be purchased by buyers with their own unique desires and interests. Education and experience, like that indicated by professional designations and certifications, help REALTORS® meet their clients’ distinctive needs.

“One way REALTORS® add value to the real estate transaction is by understanding how to best serve the particular needs of different buyers, whether they’re purchasing their first home or have multiple investment properties,” said NAR President Pat V. Combs, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and vice president of Coldwell Banker-AJS-Schmidt. “Earning an NAR-endorsed designation or certification is one way to do that. Continuing education helps REALTORS® expand their knowledge base, and a designation or certification lets buyers and sellers know that a REALTOR® has a particular expertise in a given area.”

Advanced training and experience pay, not only in improved service for home buyers and sellers, but also in increased bottom lines. Last year, REALTORS® who had earned at least one designation had nearly double the annual income of REALTORS® with no designations, based on data from the 2007 NAR Member Profile.

Three of the most popular designations and certifications among NAR members are the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation, which educates REALTORS® on a broad base of legal liability, regulatory and consumer-focused topics; the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation, which indicates advanced training and experience in representing the particular interests of home buyers; and the e-PROcertification, indicating expertise in real estate technology and the Internet.

The newest member of the NAR designation family is the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, which indicates expertise in serving home buyers and sellers age 55 or older.