Your agent's real estate education shouldn't end the day their sales license is earned. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recommends that buyers and sellers look for an agent with specialized training and expertise beyond the minimum requirements. 

Look for the letters that appear after an agent's name in REALTOR® websites and directories.  Here's a guide to the meaning of some of these nationally-recognized designations and certifications:

 NAR's e-PRO certification is earned by agents who have received specialized training in Internet marketing and customer communications. 

 The Council of Residential Specialists is considered the highest NAR-recognized designation awarded to sales associates in residential real estate sales.  Only four percent of REALTORS®  nationwide have earned the prestigious CRS credential.  CRS agents were involved in nearly 25 percent of all residential real estate transactions in the United States last year.  

 The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation is awarded to a select few agents who complete a series of specialized courses and who are able to document a successful record of Buyer Agency transactions.  The National Association of Realtors and REBAC (The Real Estate Buyer Agency Council) jointly sponsor this coveted designation.

The RRS (Resort and Recreation Specialist) designation is awarded to agents who receive specialized training in recreational property sales, marketing and property management.

     The GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation is awarded by an NAR-recognized Board of REALTORS®,

to agents who complete a series of Institute courses on working with buyers and sellers.

BEFORE CHOOSING A REAL ESTATE AGENT TO SHOW YOU PROPERTIES, ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• Do you belong to an area Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?

• Do you show the listings of other companies, or just your own?

• Do you cooperate with other area companies and agents?

• Do agents outside this area refer clients to you?

ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE NOT ALIKE !  CHOOSE AN AGENT WHO PARTICIPATES IN A MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS).