REALTOR® Professional Designations and Certifications

Chad Schneider, 2017 President, Lorain County Association of REALTORS®

Chad Schneider 2017 LoCAR President

The Lorain County Association of REALTORS® (LoCAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) are pleased to announce the arrival of REALTOR® Designation Awareness Month. NAR established November as an important month in which to encourage its members to start or complete an officially endorsed designation or certification through NAR or one of its Institutes, Societies and Councils.

In today’s market, continuing education is your best way to stay ahead of the competition. Now more than ever, successful agents must keep current on issues, involving technology, changing legalities, and many other central components of the business. NAR and its Institutes, Societies and Councils offer advanced designation and certification programs to help members remain up-to-date in such a dynamic environment. Although other designations exist, only these carry an official NAR endorsement. Look to NAR for the resources you need to stay on top of trends, including many high-value online courses offered through REALTOR® University. Continuing education credit can be earned by completing many of the designation and certification courses.

REALTORS® have access to advanced education designation and certification programs, tailored to virtually every real estate specialty. Beyond building skills, knowledge and productivity, these prestigious programs enhance the professional image of REALTORS® and take our members to the next level.

REALTORS® who pursue professional designations have a distinct competitive edge as a result of their increased expertise and marketability.

Property transactions can be complex procedures, requiring the knowledge and expertise of a real estate professional. There may come a time when you need the assistance of a real estate professional who is specially trained in a specific aspect of the business.

Many people are surprised to learn how many of our members specialize in real estate services other than home sales. Whatever special real estate needs arise, such as investment, property management, or counseling, you have the opportunity to choose a real estate professional who best will meet your needs.

The following are brief summaries of the professional designations and certifications offered by NAR's affiliated institutes, societies, councils, and specialty sections:

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®)
Being skilled at buyer representation helps REALTORS® change the way they do business and cater to clients at every stage in the home buying process. An Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) has a unique understanding of home buyer's needs and how to best serve them, specialized information to stay on top of home buying issues and trends, and exclusive resources to share with clients.

Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIMsm)
The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation is commercial real estate’s global standard for professional achievement, earned through an extensive curriculum of 200 classroom hours and professional experiential requirements. CCIMs are active in 1,000 U.S. markets and 31 other countries and comprise a 13,000-member network that includes brokers, leasing professionals, asset managers, appraisers, corporate real estate executives, investors, lenders, and other allied professionals.

Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRBsm)
The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) is one of the most respected and relevant designations offered in real estate business management and is awarded to REALTORS® who have completed advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB Designees are better positioned to streamline operations, integrate new technology and apply new trends and business strategies. Join today and discover a new approach to enhancing knowledge and leveraging opportunity.

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

Certified Residential Specialist® (CRS®)
The Council of Residential Specialists has over a thirty-year legacy of giving residential real estate professionals the tools they need to be successful in any market. CRS delivers the education, resources and connections agents need to achieve their goals

e-Pro® Certification
NAR's e-PRO® Certification Program teaches REALTORS® to use cutting-edge technologies and digital initiatives to link up with today's savvy real estate consumer.

Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRIsm)
REALTORS® with the GRI designation have in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process. Earning the designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a professional with expertise in these areas.

Military Relocation Professional Certification (MRP)
NAR's Military Relocation Professional certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support.

Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)
REALTORS® who have earned this designation have enhanced their skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)
The SRES® Designation program educates REALTORS® on how to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients age 50+. By earning the SRES® designation, REALTORS® gain access to valuable member benefits, useful resources, and networking opportunities across the U.S. and Canada.

Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certification (SFR®)
The SFR® certification teaches real estate professionals to work with distressed sellers and the finance, tax, and legal professionals who can help them, qualify sellers for short sales, develop a short sale package, negotiate with lenders, limit risk, and protect buyers.

In addition to specialized educational programs and professional standards, each of NAR's affiliates publish journals, magazines, newsletters or reports to keep members informed of recent developments in their particular area.

Members of the Lorain County Association of REALTORS® care about the community in which they live, work and support. Lorain County offers a wide variety of housing choices.

The Lorain County Association of REALTORS® is one of more than 1,200 local boards and associations of REALTORS® nationwide that comprise the National Association of REALTORS®. The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than one million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate sales agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR along with their State and Local Associations.