In this video, you will learn that looking beyond certifications and designations
is important when searching for an agent.
You are ready to hire a real estate agent and you begin interviewing people for the job. You notice that some of the agents you review have a list of credentials behind their names. It might even look something like this.
Jane Doe, REALTOR, GRI, CRS, SRES, ABR, CCIM, CRE, MRP, LHC, RENE, RSPS, CLHMS, CSHP, CSDC, and more!
As you look at this proverbial alphabet soup, you might wonder, “What does all of this mean?”
Does it mean the agent has more experience? More training? Better skills?
It depends…
What you will find is that some agents earn designations as part of their ongoing continuing education process. This is usually a good thing, right?
Well, it depends on the training they are getting and whether they have stayed current with it. Most of the designations only require an initial class and then an annual fee to keep it active. They may have taken the class 15 or 20 years ago and simply keep paying the fee with no additional training on the topic.
Some agents get designations as a means of exploring possible niches in which they may enjoy specializing. Once they take the course and receive the designation, they decide they don’t really like the niche, but continue marketing themselves using the letters behind their name. Their rationale is that they paid for it, so they may as well use it.
Lastly, there are different organizations who offer various certifications and designations. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is only one and they aren’t necessarily the best. There are private companies who offer very thorough training and certifications, but they are not typically recognized by NAR.
So, back to the question, “Does my agent need a certification or designation?”
The short answer is no, they absolutely do not.
But, if they do have a number of credentials, ask them to describe their process for earning them.
What requirements did they have to fulfill to be able to use those letters?
How long ago did they earn them, and what have they done to stay current?
Most importantly, are their credentials relevant to your particular situation?
If an agent has a GREEN designation, but you aren’t necessarily interested in ‘green’ features (energy efficiency and sustainability), then does it really matter that they have this designation?
As always, ask a lot of questions, and check references. Designations and certifications should only be one small piece of the overall interview process.
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If you are curious about a specific certification or designation, give us a call or email us, and we would be happy to share our experience and/or opinion (if we have one).
Is it important for your agent to live nearby? Click HERE to watch the video that will give you 2 considerations to help you answer this question.
