Our Real Estate Accreditations, Certifications & Designations

If you're looking for a Sarasota Real Estate Agent and Exclusive Buyers Broker whose expertise and credentials are second-to-none, you're come to the right place.

At the helm of True Sarasota Real Estate is William True, who has earned 18 professional real estate credentials as part of his commitment to possessing the most up-to-date and advanced real estate skills, training, and resources to assist homebuyers and investors in purchasing real estate in Sarasota, Florida.  He encourages his team of Exclusive Buyers Agents to go above and beyond when it comes to developing and advancing real estate skills and expertise.

When you want the very best in Sarasota real estate, call upon True Sarasota Real Estate at (941) 918-1956.

More Real Estate Credentials Than...

If you are thinking that 18 real estate credentials is a lot for one real estate broker to garner, you are absolutely right.  True has more real estate designations and certifications than any other Realtor® in Florida.

• 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)

Read definitions of each earned real estate designation / certification below.

ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative

The Accredited Buyer Representative designation is the benchmark of excellence in real estate buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC), an affiliate of the National Association of  Realtors® (NAR).  The ABR is only given to those real estate buyers agents who meet specified educational and practical experience in representing buyers in real estate.  REBAC offers two professional real estate designations: Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM). Both of these real estate designations indicate a higher level of education and expertise for real estate agents and brokers who represent buyers in an exclusive buyers agency.  In the words of William True:

"Having earned both of these buyer representation designations has helped me hone my skills in representing buyers in real estate transactions and managing an exclusive buyers real estate agency."

ABRM - Accredited Buyer Representative Manager

The Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM) designation is the only Buyer Representation Designation for Managers, Brokers and Owners affiliated with NAR.  The ABRM is earned by real estate brokers and managers who have first earned their ABR, then successfully complete the rigorous ABRM course. Each ABRM must have demonstrated and documented successful management of Accredited Buyer Representatives. The ABRM designation is presented by REBAC, an affiliate of NAR.  In the words of William True:

I am proud to have earned the ABRM as very few real estate professionals have achieved this level of expertise in real estate buyer representation.

AHWD - At Home with Diversity

At Home With Diversity is a real estate certification earned by 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. Successful completion of the At Home with Diversity course signifies competence in issues of diversity, fair housing, and cultural differences in respect to real estate. In the words of William True:

"I have found earning this certification to be helpful as demographics are constantly changing in the United States and other countries."

BPOR - Broker Price Opinion Resource

Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) is awarded by the National Association of Realtors®. The BPOR trains brokers and Realtors® with the knowledge to accurately provide BPOs (Broker Price Opinions). A BPOR real estate agent is able to competently complete a BPO, take a more proactive role in the valuation process of a home, and have a better understanding of the risk and necessity of accuracy when completing a Broker Price Opinion.

CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist

A Certified International Property Specialist is a Realtor® who successfully works with international buyers of American real estate (or sells real estate in a foreign country). The CIPS, the only designation of its kind in the real estate community, is synonymous with advanced expertise, a global perspective, and distinct understanding of international real estate buyers. CIPS agents / brokers are aligned with the best in the business; an influential network of international real estate professionals. The CIPS designation is awarded by the National Association of Realtors®, and the CIPS network is made up of a group of about 2500 licensed real estate practitioners from over 50 countries who benefit by sharing knowledge and international referrals. CIPS members are buyers'  best providers of professional skills in the unique aspect of international real estate. In the words of William True:

As an exclusive buyer agent in Sarasota, Florida, having earned the CIPS designation has enabled me to better serve our international real estate buyers. Referrals from a fellow CIPS is always welcome.

CLHMS Designation - Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Considered the mark of accomplishment in luxury real estate markets around the world, the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation assures buyers that True Sarasota Real Estate's agents have the expertise and intimate knowledge they require for the luxury real estate market in Sarasota, Florida.  Those who have been awarded the CLHMS Designation have proven performance in the TOP 10% of their markets, and have successfully demonstrated expertise in the luxury home and estate market.

CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist

The Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS) designation is recognized as the #1 real estate certification representing professionalism in working with New Home Buyers & Residential Home Builders. The CNHS real estate designation indicates an understanding of today's New Home buyers as well as important elements of new home contracts; new home construction financing options and considerations; materials, methods, and terminology of residential construction; blueprint reading; residential building site design and topography; and more.  One must first earn the RCC (Residential Construction Certified) 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.  The CRB is awarded only to those 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 CRB Designation is reserved for only the most dedicated, conscientious and highly skilled managers.  Brokers who have earned the CRB Designation are consummate professionals at the top of their game.  This designation is presented by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors®. In the words of William True:

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.

CRS - Certified Residential Specialist

The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the symbol of excellence in residential real estate. CRS designees have proven they have the experience, training and commitment to be among the best in residential real estate - as a matter of fact, less than 3% of Realtors® currently hold this designation worldwide. Certified Residential Specialists have proven themselves to be well-versed professionals and top producing agents in their residential real estate markets.  The CRS is presented by the National Association of Realtors®. In the words of William True:

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, and only 3% of Realtors have done so.

e-Pro

The e-PRO certification indicates skill and knowledge in the most advanced real estate tools, technologies, and online strategies, as well as a commitment to go the extra mile to provide the most up-to-date and sophisticated real estate services. The e-PRO is awarded by the National Association of Realtors® to real estate professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in current technology. In the words of William True:

In taking the e-PRO course, I picked up several tips that have enabled me to provide better service to my real estate clients.

GREEN

The GREEN Designation, awarded by the Green Resource Council, is the only environmental real estate designation for real estate agents that is recognized by the National Association of  Realtors®. GREEN indicates a commitment to the most current information on green real estate, including energy efficiency and sustainability in real estate, as well as understanding homebuyers' concerns and questions about green real estate. Today, more and more homebuyers believe in the importance of high-efficiency heating and cooling features, and other green real estate issues.  GREEN designees are trained in real estate issues pertaining to conservation, energy efficiencies, use of recycled products and progressive energy sources such as solar. In the words of William True:

When the National Association of Realtors® introduced the GREEN designation, I was one of the first Realtors® to jump on the band wagon.  As energy prices continue to soar, more homebuyers are discovering that the higher upfront costs of Green Real Estate is usually repaid handsomely in the long run.

GRI - Graduate Realtor Institute

The Graduate Realtors® 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.  The GRI is presented by the National Association of Realtors®.  In the words of William True:

The GRI is the first designation I earned after becoming a Realtor®. It generally shows that an agent has a well-rounded knowledge of the fundamentals of residential real estate.

RCC - Residential Construction Certified

RCC (Residential Construction Certified™) indicates knowledge of residential construction, including materials, methods, terminology to work effectively with homebuyers as well as with sellers, appraisers, inspectors, lenders, designers, engineers and construction professionals.

RSPS - Resort & Second Home Property Specialist

The RSPS certification is awarded to Realtors® in resort and second-home real estate markets around the world who have distinguished themselves among peers and among consumers. The RSPS indicates knowledge and skills in the second-home and investment real estate market. Homebuyers and real estate investors seeking a second home may be assured that a RSPS real estate agent / broker is a specialist in second homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination. The RSPS certification is awarded by the National Association of REALTORS®. In the words of William True:

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 many foreign nationals and international real estate investors.

SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Resource

The SFR is the mark of a real estate agent / broker with the knowledge and training to help buyers pursue short sales and foreclosures opportunities. The SFR is awarded by the National Association of Realtors® to those who have furthered their knowledge in the practice of distressed home sales.  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 real estate expertise.

SRES® is awarded to Realtors® who are qualified to address the real estate needs of consumers age 50+. The SRES® Council awards this designation to those who have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major real estate transactions - relocating, refinancing, or buying a retirement home/condo. SRES® signifies special training, updates and preparation to offer the real estate options and information needed for those making life changing decisions in real estate. In the words of William True:

Having earned this designation has helped me be more accommodating in providing for the housing needs of seniors and the elderly. This has been particularly helpful, for example, when a baby boomer I just sold a home to wishes to relocate parents to Sarasota as well.

TRC- Transnational Referral Certification

The TRC is awarded by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). TRC brokers are well-prepared to provide quality service to buyers and sellers with international real estate interests.  The certification is paramount in generation of international leads, especially for Realtors® working in second home and resort markets. Earning the TRC goes hand-in-hand with earning the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).