Real estate designations help you stand out from the crowd, show off your expertise, and connect you with other professionals in your field. But, since there are so many to choose from, it’s tough to decide which ones are worth your time and money. Check out our list of five real estate designations that will give you the best ROI.
What Are Real Estate Designations?
Real estate designations are trustworthy certifications on your real estate license that allows you to identify as an expert in a certain area of practice in the field of real estate. Real estate designations from reliable organizations offer up-to-date education and allow you to set yourself apart from others.
1. Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR®)
Becoming an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) might give you the advantage you need to stand out in a competitive market. According to NAR, this is one of if not the most popular official designation, and it isn’t difficult to obtain or keep.
The ABR designation is given to agents who have completed at least five transactions as a buyer’s representative and have received specialized training in the real estate industry. The ABR designation offers professional development opportunities for its recipients.
2. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
NAR recognizes the CRS designation as the most valued listing agent designation. Experts in the sell-side of a real estate transaction, holders of a CRS designation go through tough training to earn their certification.
CRS-designated agents are masters of their craft, with extensive experience and success representing seller clients. This designation is held by the top-performing agents, managers, and brokers in the industry, who have demonstrated a verifiable history of successfully selling homes to discerning sellers. If you’re looking for an agent who will get the job done right, make sure they’re CRS designated.
3. Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
Also similar to the ABR designation, the SRS certification assists agents in providing an extra level of service to clients who are selling. With this credential, customer service skills are improved with specialized coursework that covers seller-side negotiations, showings and events.
The SRS designation is a premier credential for seller representatives, similar to a Certified Residential Specialist. NAR awards an SRS designation in recognition of elevated professional standards, personal excellence, and a demonstrated record of success representing sellers across a local market.
4. Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
The CCIM Institute is the most reliable professional organization for commercial real estate professionals available, making it well worth the time and effort to become a member. For those not familiar, becoming a CCIM or Certified Commercial Investment Member entails joining the CCIM institute. Though membership isn’t easy to obtain, the benefits that come with it are more than worth any difficulties.
CCIM members are upper-echelon commercial real estate professionals who have completed extensive coursework, proven significant experience in the industry, and passed a strenuous membership exam.
5. Certified Property Manager® (CPM®)
You can make up to $118,000 as a certified property manager in metropolitan areas. According to the Institute of Real Estate Management, this is nearly 2.5 times more than what non-certified property managers earn on average annually.
The CPM designation is the most respected professional accreditation for property managers. It signals to commercial property owners that you have completed a rigorous application process and education curriculum, and that you know all the ins and outs of the rental real estate industry. Because this designation is so highly regarded, CPMs typically earn more than twice as much as non-CPM property managers.
Is It Worthwhile to Get a Real Estate Designation?
Pursuing real estate designations is advantageous, but you must take measures to market yourself as an endorsed expert in a particular real estate niche; otherwise, your designation won’t help much. Needing tips on how to market yourself? Check out these tips.
These real estate designations as a real estate agent will make you more trustworthy in the eyes of consumers. With that being said, which real estate designations are you thinking of going after? And, which do you think will benefit your business the most given your current market conditions?