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Hi Goose, to answer your question, Yes. But they are usually offered by the relocation company your firm works with. For instance I am a Cendant Referral Specialist and am a Certified Relocation Specialist. It means I have spent extra time learning the needs of a relocating family, either leaving or entering and how to work with the companies that offer special packages.
but once you are a Certified Relocation Specialist, you can work with any relocating person, regardless of which relocation company they are working with. The customer can usually say, I want to work with XYZ agent, and she/he is CRS and will accept your terms. You may contact him/her at xxxx.
We have to agree to their policies and then we are off and running.
Does this make sense? I will clarify if you ask me to...
Good point, Shelly. It seems to me, though, that Ordinary Joe Homeowner has a very difficult time determining who really is a knowledgeable, trustworthy, hardworking, competent agent. And also which agent has the marketing skills needed in this slow market. Really, how is an ordinary person to know? I see it all the time in our local MLS - an agent with LOTS of listings (so most people would assume that's a top-notch agent), and the marketing is just attrocious - one or two pix, a really bad do-it-yourself virtual tour, and no "enhanced" listings on realtor.com. I've shown many of those listings, and the agent never bothers to call for feedback (probably too busy getting MORE listings). I have even taken the initiative to call when I've got someone interested in their listing, and haven't even received a call back then. Remember this is a SLOW market here. Anyway, I'm sure the public perceives some of these agents to be "top-notch" agents, and they are anything but.
Sorry, just needed to vent. I just don't understand how so many mediocre agents continue to thrive in this business. I think sometimes an agent with some of the designations that do require more committment of time and that offer more extensive education may up the competency level, but it's no guarantee.
I completely agree!! and it makes our job that much more difficult!!
In Illinois, each office is required to have a managing or designated broker. That individual holds a brokers license and is responsible for the over site of other agents and brokers in that office. Big difference between managing broker and broker. Most brokers are not in charge of an office. Currently, you can hold a brokers license without ever having sold a house. That's changing, thank goodness. Every real estate sales person (agent or broker) must have a sponsoring broker.
In our office, most agents have a brokers license. There is no difference between their functions or responsibility and someone with a real estate salesperson license. They are still under a managing (or designated) broker. They hold a brokers license because 1) it's just a couple of extra classes 2) it sounds more impressive to the public.
I have the e-Pro designation, will be completing GRI this fall, working on ABR and CRS. Do these mean anything to my clients? I doubt it, just means something to me. Brokers license? Well, maybe someday. GRI & e-Pro are the most popular designations among agents because they are the only ones that do not require an annual fee to keep the designation.
Shelley--Even though the GRI is a NAR designation, the method of getting the designation varies from state to state. If I recall correctly though, all must attend 60 hrs. of classes. In my state, IN, we have to attend 3 sessions. Each is 4 days, 8-4 or 5 each day, of classes. At the end of each week we must pass an exam. Each week is a different level. Typically the classes are offered one week at a time, once or twice a year somewhere in the state. Most people take them over three years, but some squeeze it into 1.5 years when it's offered twice. (lucky me, it's usually held in my hometown yearly so no hotel fees, travel, etc.)
One of my peers worked in CA for many years. I don't recall exactly how the classes worked, but they were different.
rrah, thanks for the clarification. I know that is how my mom had to do it... I thought when they changed it here, they did that at a national level.. My bad for assuming....
We either have a salesman's license or a broker's license - no one has an agent's license - there is no such animal! In Colorado there is only a brokers license. Oregon's single-level licensure went into effect in July, 2002, and South Dakota did it on January 1, 2003.
from realtytimes: "Consumers are not able to distinguish between licensees, and fail to understand that salespeople are agents of managing brokers. Consumer expectations are that anyone helping them buy or sell or home is fully qualified to do so."
an agent is created when a member of the public hires a brokerage using an agency contract.
That technicality aside....those people who know about the designations - want to work with someone who has earned them. A CRS wants to give referrals to other CRS's. An ABR wants to work with another ABR. A member of the Womens Council of Realtors wants to work with like minded Realtors.
Those licensees that are worth what they charge, take their job seriously...and want to best for their clients...the client deserves the best representation available. Which is why licensees think of themselves as agents - because we want to have the additional responsibility. We welcome the challenge.
This is rewarding work, but it ain't easy. Putting a buyer into their first home, their is nothing more professionally rewarding then the smile on their face - it warms your heart....
I was walking into Target the other day when this teenager introduced me to his friends mother as "his" agent. I am his parents agent. He thinks I am his agent too...I have sold three houses for this family. I am his agent...of the future.
Well, I started this thread to see if any of the designations were known, and cared aboout, from the general public. I guess a very silent thread means, No you don't care.
Hmm, I may have to think about whether to go for any additional designations or even for my brokers... : ) JK, I will continue because I am committed to my chosen profession, I just wish the public were more demanding of it.
Well, I started this thread to see if any of the designations were known, and cared aboout, from the general public. I guess a very silent thread means, No you don't care.
I think most are reading. 206 looks in 2 days is pretty good.
I made the agent questions post which went over really well at another board but not well at all here. I feel like I wasted my time.
Well, I started this thread to see if any of the designations were known, and cared aboout, from the general public. I guess a very silent thread means, No you don't care.
Hmm, I may have to think about whether to go for any additional designations or even for my brokers... : ) JK, I will continue because I am committed to my chosen profession, I just wish the public were more demanding of it.
Shelly
Shelly, just because I don't know what a bunch of initials mean behind your name does not mean that I don't want to work with a well educated & informed professional. I think that training & education shows itself in the way you comport yourself and in the manner in which you conduct business.
Now that I know these things exist I will most likely begin looking for them.
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I think sometimes an agent with some of the designations that do require more committment of time and that offer more extensive education may up the competency level, but it's no guarantee.
