Understanding REALTORŪ Designations
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) awards designations and certifications to individuals who have completed study curriculums and shown professional expertise in specific fields. Why? Because buying, selling, and investing in property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, purchasing a home is most likely the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. So it's more important than ever that you work with an agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business.
e-PRO® Certification - REALTOR e-PRO® Internet Professionals
REALTOR e-PRO® Internet Professionals have completed a rigorous certification program endorsed by the prestigious NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) with extensive training using the Web. They employ the latest Internet techniques and services for your benefit, saving you time and irritation, and providing both buyers and sellers with high quality, timely information using the resources of the Internet. They are committed to being more responsive, understand that you are the boss, and will completely respect and guard your privacy. The Internet has added a new dimension to the real estate world. Now you can be assured that the REALTOR® you choose will have the knowledge and skills to put the power of the Internet behind your real estate transaction.
The CIPS network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals from 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the "international" market. Whether traveling abroad to put deals together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets, CIPS designees are consumers' best resource to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate.
CRB - Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
The CRB designation is recognized industry-wide as the measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management, the community including more than 7,000 members worldwide. The designation is awarded by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers to REALTORS® who have completed the Council's advanced educational and professional requirements, reserved for only the most dedicated conscientious and highly skilled managers. Each CRB Designee must have the expertise to recruit and train associates to handle real estate transactions with professionalism and the most up-to-date information, skill in designing effective marketing programs to promote and sell property for the highest price and in the shortest period of time, have know-how to quickly find a property matching the needs and wants of the customer. The CRB must also have the experience and understanding of the real estate market, housing and economic trends that will be used to positively influence transactions, as well as maintaining an organized, smooth-running organization which ensures that transactions receive prompt and thorough attention.
The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made a commitment to provide a superior level of professional services by earning the GRI designation. According to the data in the 2003 National Association of REALTORS® Profile less than one in five of all REALTORS® have earned the GRI designation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients. Developed for members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and offered through through State REALTOR® Associations, the GRI designation is obtained by attending a specific, intensive series of a minimum of 90 hours of classroom instruction, covering subjects in contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance and risk reduction. The subject matter has been chosen to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them and their clients. GRI courses are taught by leading real estate professionals from around the country. The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation.
TRC - Transnational Referral Certified Broker
The Realtor® Transnational Referral Certification curriculum prepares real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the transnational referral system developed by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Designees know how to integrate international referrals, as part of their professional services, and market client’s properties using the ICREA referral system and related services among 2 million brokers and agents worldwide. When combined with a CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation, this is one of the most powerful combinations to promote and deal with international properties and clients.
The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, REBAC, was founded in 1988 to promote superior buyer representation skills and services. An affiliate of THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® since 1996, REBAC’s membership now numbers well over 50,000 and is the world’s largest organization of real estate professionals concentrating on buyer representation. REBAC membership is geared towards agents who wish to enhance their buyer representation skills, and provides proof to prospective buyer-clients of their proficiency at servicing the special needs of buyers. REBAC also promotes the advantages of professional buyer representation to consumers, provides benefits that are designed to keep you apprised of management and marketing trends in the real estate industry, and on top of current legal and legislative issues. Members also profit by being part of a larger network of experienced buyer representatives who willingly share practical advice with one another.
Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute (CCIM) Member Candidate*
Recognized for its preeminence within the industry, the CCIM curriculum represents the core knowledge expected of commercial investment practitioners, regardless of the diversity of specializations within the industry. It incorporates the essential CCIM skill sets: financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, and investment analysis for commercial investment real estate. The CCIM membership network mirrors the increasingly changing nature of the industry and includes brokers, leasing professionals, investment counselors, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, property managers, developers, institutional investors, commercial lenders, attorneys, bankers and other allied professionals. Certified Commercial Investment Members are in more marketplaces in North America—1,000 cities--than all major real estate companies combined. Regions and chapters provide designees and candidates the opportunities to promote business and educational goals through local and regional forums and meetings. Through this business network, CCIM members successfully complete thousands of transactions annually, representing more than $200 billion in value.