Certifications and Designations, what's your story? (new agent, commissions, short sale, value)
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You know, I wonder. Those who have written and hold the designations discount them. Yes, it is understandable, but should we? Why aren't we telling buyers and sellers about the designations and how those designations, no matter how elementary they may be give them added value? I find it remarkable that two years ago, only 4% of all REALTORS were CRS designee's, yet those few earned nearly 26% of the Gross Commission Income of 2009. Today, with the bailout of licensees remaining REALTORS, the number of CRS's is about 10%.
Are you not a better qualified REALTOR because of a course? If so, then why do we deminish our efforts to be better trained? Are the courses too elementary? Can they be improved? Would you make the effort if the courses were more difficult?
My orginal post brought some responses that I expected, but more importantly, it brought to light things that I didn't expect.
Tom, I see your points. I agree that more education tends to help someone be a good Realtor but realistically most (not all) of those classes are a joke. I haven't learned much useful in any of them. Also, I've found on a practical level a lot of designations don't make a good Realtor. I've found intelligence, good communication, and professionalism does. The public doesn't care about letters because there are too many and even many agents don't even know what they mean. The public cares about 1 thing and that's "Who's going to get me the best deal for the least hassle?"
Tom, I see your points. I agree that more education tends to help someone be a good Realtor but realistically most (not all) of those classes are a joke. I haven't learned much useful in any of them. Also, I've found on a practical level a lot of designations don't make a good Realtor. I've found intelligence, good communication, and professionalism does. The public doesn't care about letters because there are too many and even many agents don't even know what they mean. The public cares about 1 thing and that's "Who's going to get me the best deal for the least hassle?"
Brandon, which classes do you have a problem with as being a joke? Did you file a complaint when you completed your class evaluations?
CRS 201 had several good points, but take a look at this one point. In today's Internet search world, why would anyone price a home at $x49,999? By adding one dollar to the price, a listing will not only get those people looking for a home in the $ x00,000-$ x50,000, but also the $ x50,000- $ y00,000 range as well. Yet, thousands of Realtors are still stuck with the antique WW.Woolworth pricing method.
The bottom line of all this? I think it is time we start demanding that these programs mean something once again. I'll stand with you.
I disagree that the public doesn't care. RE/MAX statistics show that designations do mean better productivity and professionalism when each office is compared with other RE/MAX offices. It is so evident, as a matter of fact, that anyone reading a simple office scorecard showing the designation counts will gasp with an ah-ha moment. Exactly what they mean or where they came from, I have not yet determined, but offices of all sizes show greater productivity when a larger percentage of designations are present.
Are you sure it's the public that cares? Are you sure that it's not because of the 'umph' of the people taking the courses they are marketing themselves better, making more of an effort to make their businesses grow? I really don't know any lay person that I've dealt with that would know what an SFR is or an ABR. If i spell it out, then yes, they know. Otherwise they don't know what it means... perhaps they are just going for the "oooh, look at all the letters there" but to think they actually know what they mean, no I don't think so. Like e-pro. Why in heavens name would I pay to take e-pro. I'm 56. I've been using a computer since I was in my 30's. Now I should take e-pro? I took the SFR course only because it was required by some of the companies passing out BPO's. That course was a joke. Truly a joke if you've handled short sales before. Same thing with the ABR. Perhaps if you've haven't done a lot of deals they may be of assistance but otherwise? I don't know..I get more out of the free undesignated courses that my association gives for free. They are topic intensive. If I want to learn about a particular topic I go, get my knowledge and move along.
Hmmm. I'll have to think on this one.
Are you sure it's the public that cares? Are you sure that it's not because of the 'umph' of the people taking the courses they are marketing themselves better, making more of an effort to make their businesses grow? I really don't know any lay person that I've dealt with that would know what an SFR is or an ABR. If i spell it out, then yes, they know. Otherwise they don't know what it means... perhaps they are just going for the "oooh, look at all the letters there" but to think they actually know what they mean, no I don't think so. Like e-pro. Why in heavens name would I pay to take e-pro. I'm 56. I've been using a computer since I was in my 30's. Now I should take e-pro? I took the SFR course only because it was required by some of the companies passing out BPO's. That course was a joke. Truly a joke if you've handled short sales before. Same thing with the ABR. Perhaps if you've haven't done a lot of deals they may be of assistance but otherwise? I don't know..I get more out of the free undesignated courses that my association gives for free. They are topic intensive. If I want to learn about a particular topic I go, get my knowledge and move along.
Hmmm. I'll have to think on this one.
Of course, your entire post makes sense. I don't disagree, but it still means that those with the designations are doing something better. I just completed e-PRO. It was one of the most informative classes I have ever taken, and I thought of myself as somewhere above average in technology.
The SFR was kindergarten and should not be tolerated as education. An overview, absolutely, but education never. Having an SFR designation, myself, I felt totally disqualified from the short sale market after the class. It did give me that knowledge. I then went to St. Louis to take the CDPE class under Jeff Firnstahl, Instructor, and now know and have the tools necessary to complete a short sale, yet NAR won't recognize it because of politics. I also took the Certified Investor Agent Specialist course and it too gave huge insight to marketing and servicing people interested in purchasing investment houses. While no where comparable to CCIM, it is a solid course.
That takes me to CRB and CRS. CRS-Certified Residential Specialist proves its worth simply by the requirements for designation by the productivity comparisions of members prior to designation and afterwards. Same for CRB's. Now is it Ella or is it Memorex (education or better marketing) I have no idea, but something makes a difference.
I've heard of a few of them, but what did you have to do to get the COX designation? Is it a short thing, or more extensive? What are the annual dues?
It's actually quite a story, but...
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