Professional Accreditations, Certifications & Designations
True Real Estate Earned Designations
Many of the following designations have been earned by real estate agents of True Real Estate. These are not required education courses; rather they represent extra education we have undertaken in commitment to our Buyers. Our broker William True has earned all of these certifications and designations.
How rare is it that REALTORS go this extra mile? Check out these stats – of well over million REALTORS in the US:
Only 13% have earned their ABR
Less than 1% have earned their ABRM
Only 3% have earned their CRB
Only 10% have earned their CRS
Only 9% have earned their e-Pro
Only 18% have earned their GRI
Only 1% have earned their TRC
Only 10% are members of the Real Estate Buyer Agents Council (REBAC)
True Real Estate, having earned all of these designations, stands heads and shoulders above the nation’s Realtors. Read below to see what these certifications and designations mean to you -
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative:
The Accredited Buyer Representative designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
REBAC is the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council, an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS. REBAC offers two professional real estate designations: Accredited Buyer Representative(ABR) and Accredited Buyer Representative Manager(ABRM). Both of these designations provide for a higher level of education for agents and brokers for are proficient in buyer agency.
Having earned both of these buyer representation designations has helped me hone my skills in the field of buyer agency and helped True Real Estate in Sarasota thrive!
ABRM – Accredited Buyer Representative Manager:
An Accredited Buyer Representative Manager is a designation earned by real estate brokers and managers who have first earned their ABR, then complete the rigorous ABRM course and pass the exam. They must also demonstrate their management capabilities and as broker, provide documentation of their management experience.
The ABRM designation is presented by REBAC, an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS.
I was proud to earn the ABRM designation as very few real estate professionals will ever achieve this level of expertise in buyer representation.
The Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM) designation is the only Buyer Representation Designation for Managers, Brokers and Owners affiliated with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.
AHWD – At Home with Diversity:
At Home With Diversity is a real estate certification earned by those REALTORS who demonstrate the ability to help provide home ownership to more Americans.
This certification is presented by the National Association of REALTORS to real estate professionals, who, through a course concerning sensitivity for various cultural issues, have taken their professional career to a new level of cultural awareness.
I have found earning this certification to be helpful as demographics are constantly changing in the United States and other countries.
Successful completion of the At Home with Diversity course signifies competence in issues of diversity, fair housing, and cultural differences.
BPOR – Broker Price Opinion Resource:
Broker Price Opinion Resource is a certification offered by the National Association of Realtors. The BPOR course offers brokers and realtors alike with the knowledge to accurately provide BPO’s, Broker Price Opinions. This allows an agent to competently complete a BPO and take a more proactive role in the valuation process of your home. In order to complete the BPOR course, an agent must be a good standing member of the National Association of Realtors, complete an intensive one day course aptly named: “BPOs: The Agent’s Role in the Valuation Process,” and view a free webinar online. Once completed, and Agent will have a better understanding of the risk and nessecity of accuracy when completing a Broker Price Opinion.
CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist:
A Certified International Property Specialist is a Realtor who has taken a regimen of courses and passed exams related to international real estate and successfully works with foreign nationals and/or sells property in foreign countries. The designation is presented by the National Association of Realtors.
The CIPS network is made up of a group of about 2500 licensed real estate practitioners from over 50 countries. Those that have earned the CIPS designation benefit through sharing of knowledge and international referrals.
As an exclusive buyer agent in Sarasota, Florida, having earned the CIPS designation has enabled me to better serve our foreign friends and neighbors. And the occasional referral from a fellow CIPS is always welcome!
The CIPS Network is comprised of real estate professionals in over 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the international market, most often in their local area. Whether assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving a growing immigrant population in local markets, CIPS members are consumers best providers of professional skills in the unique aspect of international real estate.
CNHS – Certified New Home Specialist:
The Certified New Home Specialist or CNHS is a certification earned after having completed the required course and pass the test with a score of 90% or better. In addition, one must first earn the RCC (Residential Construction Certified) certification first. These certifications show the designee has a general knowledge of the residential home building process.
Extensive training and knowledge in new home planning, design, construction and sales and customer service are required to earn this coveted certification.
CRB – Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager:
A Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager is the most coveted designation awarded to real estate brokers and managers, who have demonstrated excellence in their abilities to manage a real estate brokerage. This includes all facets of the business including management of licensed real estate professionals.
The designation is presented by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers, an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS.
Brokers who have earned this designation are at the top of their game. Consumers who are lucky enough to find a CRB who is still in sales have an opportunity to work with a consummate professional.
Although I only manage a handful of REALTORS now at True Real Estate in Sarasota, the skills refined through earning the CRB designation continue to help me in management decisions to this day.
One of the most respected and relevant designations offered in real estate business management. Through leading-edge education and resources, members are among the most efficient, effective and profitable managers in the country. Only brokers can display the CRB designation after his or her name. It is reserved for only the most dedicated, conscientious and highly skilled managers.
CRS – Certified Residential Specialist:
A Certified Residential Specialist is a real estate designation presented to residential agents who have proved themselves to be well versed professionals and top producing agents in their markets through a series of educational hurdles and significant production requirements.
Designees are generally very well qualified at residential sales. The CRS is presented by the National Association of Realtors.
Earning the CRS designation helped me refine my real estate skills even further, enabling me to take customer service to the next level. It is a difficult designation to achieve, even so there are over 35,000 CRS designees in the US.
CRS is the symbol of excellence in residential real estate. Our members have proven they have the experience, training and commitment to be among the best in their profession – as a matter of fact, less than 3% of REALTORS hold this designation worldwide.
e-Pro:
The e-PRO certification is presented to real estate professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of the Internet and have refined their online skills. The course provides intensive training in technology and helps Realtors enhance communication skills and provide provide better, more timely information to their clients.
In taking the e-PRO course, I realized many of the topics were basic info about email, domain names, etc. But I did pick up several tips that have helped my online presence and enable me to provide better service to my clients. There were also some pointers as to how to make it easier for them to find me online. In general I found it to be helpful, but probably more beneficial to one not as proficient in their Internet abilities.
It’s no surprise that the course is only available online. The e-PRO certification is presented by the National Association of REALTORS.
All e-PRO Internet Professionals are REALTORS who completed a rigorous certification program endorsed by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR). Real estate agents who have earned e-PRO Certification are Internet Professionals who have completed extensive training using the Web.
For more info call (800)874-6500 or visit www.ePRONAR.com.
GREEN:
When the National Association of REALTORS introduced their GREEN designation, I was one of the first to jump on the band wagon! The course and the exam that follows relate to conservation, energy efficiencies, use of recycled products and progressive energy sources such as solar, as pertaining to residential and commercial building.
The course and designation are presented by the Green REsource Council, established by the National Association of REALTORS. Electives offered cover residential real estate, commercial real estate, and property management.
As energy prices continue to soar, more consumers are realizing the higher up front costs of “going green” are usually repaid handsomely in the long run!
NAR’s GREEN designation is the only environmental real estate designation for agents recognized by the National Association of REALTORS. Close to one-half of all greenhouse gas emissions are produced from buildings. Green building isn’t just responsible; it’s necessary. Both consumer demand and government policy are making this happen and shaping the future of our industry.
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute:
A Graduate of the REALTOR Institute earned this designation through completing three separate courses offering a general knowledge of the residential real estate business including law, sales and marketing, contracts, etc.
This was actually the first designation I earned after becoming a REALTOR. It generally shows an agent has a well rounded knowledge of the fundamentals of residential real estate.
The three courses are GRI 1, GRI 2 and GRI 3 and are presented by the National Association of REALTORS.
The Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. REALTORS with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.
RCC – Residential Construction Certified: This certification is achieved after intensive training in new home construction, covering all facets of the building process.
RSPS – Resort & Second Home Property Specialist:
A Resort and Second Home Specialist is earned by Realtors interested is expanding their horizons in this growing field. Agents must first pass the NAR Resort and Second Home Market Course and the Section 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange course. After this one must choose between taking two elective courses or hold at least one of the following designations: Accredited Buyer Representative(ABR), Certified International Property Specialist(CIPS), Certified Property Manager(CPM) or Certified Residential Specialist(CRS).
Living in Sarasota, a large share of my business is the second home market, driven mostly by baby boomers and the Resort market, which is made up of mostly foreign nationals.
The RSPS certification is awarded to REALTORS in resort and second-home markets around the world who have distinguished themselves amongst their peers and amongst consumers. According to the National Association of REALTORS, an RSPS professional is a real estate practitioner who facilitates the buying, selling, or management of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination.
SFR – Short Sales & Foreclosures Resource:
The Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource certification is offered to Realtors who wish to further their knowledge in the practice of distressed home sales. The SFR certification is presented to real estate professionals by the National Association of Realtors. In the turbulent times, from as many as one third to one half of all home sales nationwide were in some form of the foreclosure process or had already been foreclosed upon.
REALTORS® with the SFR certification are a trusted informational resource for short sales and foreclosures. The ability to close short sale and REO transactions depends on the ability to see the transactions through with expertise.
For further info, call (877) 510-7855 or visit www.realtorSFR.org.
SRES – Seniors Real Estate Specialist:
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist is a real estate designation earned through taking a course and passing an exam addressing the needs of those in or approaching their golden years. The SRES designation is presented by the SRES Council, an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS.
Having earned this designation has helped me be more accommodating in providing for the housing needs of the elderly. This has been particularly helpful, for example, when a baby boomer I just sold a home to wishes to relocate their parents to Sarasota as well.
Course topics include current trends, demographics, sources for additional information on the specialized needs of the silver demographic. Other opportunities and referrals have arisen as well for me through the SRES designation. Current demographic information shows this group is the fastest growing segment of the United States population and will continue to be an important market to real estate professionals in the future.
Seniors Real Estate Specialists are REALTORS qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+. The SRES Council awards the SRES Designation to those members who have successfully completed its education program. By earning the SRES designation, your REALTOR has demonstrated necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50-plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home.
For more information on the SRES designation contact (800) 500-4564 or visit www.SeniorsRealEstate.com.
TRC- Transnational Referral Certification:
A Transnational Referral Certification is awarded to real estate professional who have completed the TRC course presented by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations(ICREA). The certification is paramount in generation of international leads, especially for Realtors working in second home and resort markets.
Earning the TRC went hand in hand with earning the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). The TRC provides for system of providing and receiving leads from other real estate agents around the world.
Members have successfully completed training on making and receiving client referrals from professionals in other countries. TRC brokers are well prepared to provide quality service to buyers and sellers with international property interests.
