Monday, November 9, 2009

Real Estate Designations

Ever wonder what all those abbreviations stand for next to a real estate agent or broker's name? Here is a handy list that can help you understand and appreciate their meanings: 

Accredited Buyer's Representative / ABR®

ABR® education provides REALTORS® with what they need to stay competitive in today's market. Member benefits such as marketing tools, a referral network and other resources, help to promote their business.

 Accredited Buyer's Representative Manager / ABRMsm

The ABRMsm real estate broker course was developed for managers, brokers and owners who wish to better incorporate buyer representation into their company’s service offerings. Designees have taken and passed both the ABR® and ABRMsm course and provided documentation of past management experience.

 Accredited Land Consultant / ALCsm

The REALTORS® Land Institute serves a unique constituency in the real estate industry -– those who broker, lease, sell, develop, and manage land assets, including vacant, transitional land; agricultural and pastureland; timberland; and ranch and recreational properties. Through its rigorous Land University curriculum, the REALTORS® Land Institute confers its Accredited Land Consultant (ALCsm) designation to only those real estate practitioners who achieve the highest level of education, experience, and professionalism.

 Certified Commercial Investment Member / CCIMsm

CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes more than 7,500 designees and an equal number of candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources.

 Certified International Property Specialist / CIPS®

The Certified International Property Specialist Network (CIPS Network) comprises 2,500 real estate professionals from 50 countries and is the specialty membership group for global business practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®. The CIPS® designation focuses on culture, exchange rates, investment trends, and legal issues.

 Certified Property Manager / CPM®

Acquire valuable real estate management skills through educational offerings leading to the CPM® designation. CPM® Members have the competitive edge in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial.

 Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager / CRBsm

The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRBsm) is one of the most respected and relevant designations offered in real estate business management. The CRBsm designation is awarded to REALTORS® who have completed advanced educational and professional requirements. CRBsmDesignees are better positioned to streamline operations, integrate new technology and apply new trends and business strategies.

 Certified Residential Specialist® / CRS®

Agents can maximize their potential by earning the CRS® Designation and joining the organization that has served top-producing residential sales agents since 1977. Designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling, and meet rigorous production requirements.

 Counselor of Real Estate / CRE®

The Counselor of Real Estate – or CRE – is a member of The Counselors of Real Estate, an international group of recognized professionals who provide seasoned, objective advice on real property and land-related matters. Only 1,100 practitioners throughout the world carry the CRE® designation. Membership is by invitation only.

 General Accredited Appraiser, GAAsm

Certified general appraisers wishing to increase their visibility should consider pursuing the GAAsm designation. The GAAsm designation is awarded to appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

 NAR's Green Designation / GREEN

The National Association of REALTORS® created NAR’s Green Designation to provide ongoing education, resources and tools so that real estate practitioners can successfully seek out, understand, and market properties with green features.  The course curriculum requires completion of a 12hr Core Course and a 6hr Elective Course in either residential, commercial, or property management giving designees the tools to become a community leader and resource in sustainable issues.

 Graduate REALTOR® Institute / GRIsm

Members involved in residential real estate who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRIsm designation.

 Performance Management Network / PMN

The Performance Management Network (PMNsm) is a new, unique designation to the REALTOR® family.   The curriculum is driven by the following topics: negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning & systems, personal performance management and cultural differences in buying and selling.

 REALTOR® association Certified Executive / RCE

Association executives interested in demonstrating commitment to the field of REALTOR® association management should pursue the RCEsm designation. AEs are recognized for their specialized industry knowledge and their association achievements and experience.

 Residential Accredited Appraiser / RAAsm

The RAAsm designation is awarded to certified appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

 Seniors Real Estate Specialist, SRES®

The SRES® Designation program educates REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients age 50+.

 Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® / SIOR®

Individuals certified with the SIOR® designation are top producers in industrial and office real estate brokerage. SIOR's network includes more than 2,800 members in 480 cities in 20 countries on six continents. The Society's mandatory re-certification requirement assures clients of the designee's excellence in the fast changing commercial brokerage field.

NAR Family Certifications

 At Home With Diversity / AHWD®

A ground-breaking professional education initiative. AHWD certification relays to the public that those certified have been professionally trained in and are sensitive to a wide range of cultural issues inviting a wider volume of business from a greater variety of cultures.

 Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist / RSPS

RSPS certification is offered by NAR Resort for resort and second-home professionals around the world. REALTORS® specializing in resort and second-home markets and interested in demonstrating their knowledge and expertise should pursue the RSPS certification. The RSPS core certification requirement includes the NAR Resort & Second-Home Market Course. RSPS applicants will also choose from twenty three different elective choices including courses from the NAR Education Matrix and the NAR Resort Symposium held every 18 months.

 Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource / SFR

REALTORS® with the SFR certification can be a trusted resource for short sales and foreclosures. 
As always, I'd love to hear your additional thoughts.

Be well,
Rhonda