What Do the Letters After a Realtor’s Name Mean?

Letters, we got letters. In its ongoing effort to foster professionalization within the real estate brokerage industry, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has developed a series of specialized training programs for its members. Members successfully completing a specific program may then use an acronym designation to identify their specialized training. NAR offers training programs for virtually every specialty in the real estate business. What do the letters after a REALTOR’s name mean?

When Can a Realtor Start Using the Letters After their Name?

REALTORS who have successfully completed a sanctioned program are eligible to identify their accomplishment by asserting their active membership within the specialty by denoting an acronym designation after the names.

Three Most Important Designations for a Home Buyer and Seller

Particular important to Austin home buyers and sellers are the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE).

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Realtors who have earned a CRS designation have proven record of success. In fact, surveys show CRS agents are 3 times more successful when compared to the average REALTOR®. CRS agents must meet stringent education and experience requirements. That’s why less than 3% of REALTORS® are Certified Residential Specialists. CRS agents are dedicated professionals who work to ensure success for their home-buying and selling clients by tapping into their superior training and cutting edge industry resources. CRS is considered by many as the “Ph.D.” of residential real estate.

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)

Realtors who have earned the ABR designation represent best-in-class home buyer representation services. When represented by an ABR® you’ll be served, not sold. Your interests become their interests. You’ll be guided and counseled, not pushed. You’ll be working with someone who has gone the extra mile by completing specialized training designed to deliver the best in buyer-representation services.

Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR)

Short sale and foreclosure specialists are well versed in helping home owners maneuver the complexities of a short sale and helping buyers navigate the process of buying distressed property, including bank owned homes. Realtors who have earned the SFR designation know how to properly craft your offer so it will be accepted by a bank, saving you money.

More Designations from NAR

• Accredited Land Consultant (ALC)
• Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
• Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
• Certified Property Manager (CPM)
• Certified Real Estate Broker Manager (CRB)
• Counselor of Real Estate (CRE)
• Cutting Edge Technologies and Digital Initiatives (e-Pro)
• Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI)
• Green Designation (GREEN)
• Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS)
• Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

Studies Relate Designations to Realtors Level of Training and Success

Clearly one purpose of NAR’s training programs is to elevate the overall performance of the industry. It seems fair to contend that simply taking a training class is no guarantee of either individual professionalism or proficiency, and yet numerous industry studies have shown a crucial element of the individual’s success and accomplishment is training and education.

Realtors with Designations Take the Time to Learn their Business

Unfortunately, newly minted real estate licensees receive only minimal training. The real and most practical training comes after the license is granted, and even then participation in a training program is mostly voluntary. Personalities aside, real estate agents who spend their time, money and efforts to build a knowledge base and skill set are most likely to provide the client – buyer and seller – a level of service and performance that results in a successful and satisfying relationship.

What Designations Does Our Team Have?

Raymond Stoklosa has the CRS, ABR and e-Pro designations in his 40+ year residential real estate career. Rebecca Jacks has earned the CRS, ABR and SFR designation in her 15+ year career.

Looking for an Austin Realtor? Start with Their Letters

If you’re looking for an Austin Realtor to help you buy or sell a home in Austin, start by looking at their designations. Take the time to learn a little bit about them and ask them how they can help you accomplish your real estate goals. To learn more about our team, check out Selling a Home in Austin and Buying a Home in Austin. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323 or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com.com to schedule a no obligation conversation.