Hello All!
I Don't know about most of you, but I do believe that the CRS designation is the most important one for a Residential Real Estate agent to have. I now work at a Coldwell Banker, and in the past have worked for Century 21 and Prudential. I also owned and operated my own Independent real estate company, called Gulf Coast Realty ( I sold it and it is still running fine in Mississippi!) But no matter where I work, or how hard I would screen agents, their would be agents that were very good, and some that were only slightly better than an average 5th grader would be.
But... Consistently I have found that CRS designated REALTORS (Certified Residential Specialists) were usually the top producing agents in town, were the ones that were be busy in their areas, had experience and knowledge and got great reviews from their clients.
Plus, as an independent Broker, I would look for the CRS designation over any company name, when looking to help out a family member or a client pick a REALTOR in another area of the country. I take it very seriously when I entrust one of my clients to another agent, that they are not just average, but on top of their game, and completely experienced and insightful to the happenings in real estate for their market.
Because CRS agents have to prove that they closed a minimum of 25 transactions and have done a variety of extra classes to help give the best service. I feel this is better than any other designation in residential real estate, and those that go through it are full time Pros! In fact CRS promotes itself as the PH.D of Residential Real Estate for agents and...less than 5% of all REALTORS have earned this designation!
So, if you ask me, I would always look for a CRS agent to help with your home sale or purchase, because their experience, education and dedication to real estate makes choosing them your best bet!
Gerard Maher (G-Man) is a REALTOR helping Buyers & Sellers in the San Diego & Poway Area. Specializing in Scripps Ranch Real estate, Poway Real Estate, Rancho Penasquitos Real estate & Mira Mesa. Visit him on his website at http://Go4Gman or email him at G@CallGMan.com
Gerard, I could not agree with you more and prior to the down turn in the market I was working on getting my CRS Designation. As soon as I am able to get mine I intend on doing so, since it is the top designation to have in Real Estate.
Gerard, I'm working on a CRS referral right now!
CRS has been a key part of my business ever since I earned the designation.
Gerard, I agree with you - I've had two CRS referrals this past 10 days - one was out of my service area, but the other is excellent, Karen
Gerard, Thanks for the great article and endorsement for CRS. A way to further push your benefit is to get involved at the local level. Get to know professionals from around the state.
I am going to make this a featured article on the CRS group.
PS It looks like there are some posts to the CRS group which are not related and I may have to remove. Nothing personal, just trying to keep the group relevant.
When making my outbound referrrals, a CRS is the only person that I send them to. I have a much higher confidence level over any other designation, period. Over the past 3 years, I received multiple referrals after meeting others at ProAct in Las Vegas, so I continue to go there for additional education and networking.
If a person is going to take the time to further educate themselves in the profession of real estate, especially earning a CRS designation, one should feel the more confident to handle a most important referral.
I think the CRS is absolutely THE BEST education I have gotten in 20 years of real estate.!! It not only tells you what you need to do, but also tells you how to do it.
Gerard, other than my Broker's license, the CRS is my favorite designation achievement. I continue to take classes as they are always so informative and useful. ;-)
Gerard, I agree with you. I have met the nicest Realtors from across the country through CRS!! I have held my designation for many years and still value it as much as I did the day I earned it.
It's a Good Life!
Fran
We do the same. Especially on referrals out of our area. Thanks for the info
Gerard,
I COMPLETELY agree! Not to say that there are not a ton of great Designations offered from NAR but the CRS is in my opinion one of the best! We hold the CRS class here at our association and I was able to listen in on a bit of the last one we held and boy was I IMPRESSED! The information given was different then any other class or seminar that I have heard.
**We have the CRS Designation course coming up at the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches in the end of February. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you the info.
Thanks for the great post!
Gerard, I agree completely. I got the CRS designation as quickly as I could and I have found the knowledge and benefits invaluable.
Gerard,
I'm with you on this one!
When I took my classes you could tell the difference in the people that were there to LEARN!
I have been a CRS for years and attend the great CELEBRATION (Hawaii was fabulous!). The referral source is awesome also!
Hi Gerard, thanks for writing this - I totally agree! I think the CRS designations is very valuable and I agree with Guy's comment about getting involved at the local level. I've been on the the Board of Dircectors for the MA Chapter since January as the director of communications and PR and I feel so fortunate to be part of this outstanding group.
Our MA Chapter has added a program called "Beyond the Designation" - a series of 2 hour seminars and after-class networking opportunities. On Tuesday, Pierre Calzadilla from Trulia spoke to us about using Trulia, gen X and Y, and social networking. He'll be back in January and this time we'll be doing a webcast so more CRSs can benefit.
In September we lauched the first interactive web-based newsletter and are working on collecting articles and sharing member success stories; and our articles and photos are now posted on www.masschaptercrs.com -check it out. We have also started a group for MA Chapter CRSs on LinkedIn.
CRS is a powerful network - although we are only 3% of REALORS nationally, we sell 25% of all residentail real etate - that's something to be proud of and to let the public know about - let's spread the word!
Gerald, You're so right on. I earned mine the first year I was in the business and have loved every minute of it. For me and my office it is th eonly one that counts. I also use the book for referrals.
Why wouldn't an agent with a CRS certification be head and shoulders above the rest? After all they have to do 75 sides in a five year span. It's not that easy to do, especially in this market. If one can maintain that pace, they are an above average agent.
I agree with you and I am proud of the hard work it took to get it!
I am proud of my CRS designation. And I agree with you.
Gerard, I have found my CRS designation to be the most important designation I have. I personally feel that the CRS classes are also the best continued education classes you can experience. I have recommended several CRS Realtors throughout the years and the communication and professionalism is excellent.
I've had my CRS for a number of years and find that agents who have spent the time for the education and the experience in the business are the ones you can count on to get the job done. In a business that is constantly changing those who have the designation are always looking for new ways to conduct business in a professional manner.
Having the CRS Designation has given me the education I look to in enhancing my career! It's been great!
Gerard,
I believe that as a CRS you are held to a higher level of knowledge and I find myself a perpetual student learning more languages, interior design etc... so I can be more informative and able to assist my clients and fellow Realtors.
I am working w/a CRS referral at this time which is a fulfilling experience.
Thanks for the moral support!
Gerard - will just found this now. Better later than never. Hope we can connect live sometime, perhaps at one of our SoCal CRS chapter meetings? Yep, I believe strongly in the CRS adn talk about the value to sellers when I am meeting with them early on. I also include information in my pre-listing kit.
Great to see you commenting, Yona. So are you going to join AR now? Also glasd you are now in our SoCal Chapter. If I can help in any way...
Jeff
If someone is using the CRS, CRB and other designations and they do NOT have these designations, what can be done?
Thanks a million for helping new kids like me(received my license about 4 months back). I am taking GRI courses at prersent. Today.I registered for CRS 205 on June 10/11-09. After your comments, i will work aggressively on finishing, all the academic requirements for CRS Designation in less than 6 months. This will certainly help me, to accomplish the work (performance)requirement goal, to attain the CRS Designation. Sunil K. Singh e-PRO, REW, RSPS, TRC
I am planning to take this designation. It feels rather impossible to achieve as I read from another blog - it took her 2 years to get it. I need to research more about this designation. Why wouldn't more have it. Is it becuase it's hard to attain, hence it is more valuable?
Thanks for the post Gerard.
I've been meaning to get mine. I'm shooting for taking the class this fall/winter.
Hi Gerard, Thanks again for starting this discussion - it's been good encouragement for agents to move forward to get the designation.
CRS isn't just classes and initials - the real value is the excellent network of agents who are always there for each other and who work everyday to raise the bar for the industry.
You're right Gerard. CRS all the way. Good luck and have a great 2010,
Keep preaching the word.
I am definitely going to look into getting this certification. Though after talking to another broker yesterday I might get the GRI and ABR first. Thanks for sharing. Great post.