The Alphabet Soup of Real Estate
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has nine affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils that provide a wide-ranging menu of programs and services that assist members in increasing skills, productivity and knowledge. Designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by each affiliated group upon completion of required courses. In addition, NAR offers two certification programs to its members. Below are the designations I have proudly earned.
REALTOR®
A Real Estate Agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, the world's largest professional association. The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.
CRS
The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation is the professional designation offered by the Council of Residential Specialists. The CRS Designation is the highest professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in the residential sales field. Fewer than 4 percent of all REALTORS® hold the CRS Designation.
ABR
The Real Estate Buyers Agent Council, REBAC, was founded in 1988 to promote superior buyer representation skills and services. An affiliate of NAR since 1996, REBACs membership now numbers well over 40,000 and it is the world’s largest organization of real estate professionals concentrating on buyer representation. Members who meet all course and professional experiential requirements are awarded the ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative).
SRES
Seniors Real Estate Specialists® are REALTORS® qualified to meet the special needs and concerns of maturing Americans. A national program since 1998, The Senior Advantage Real Estate Council® (SAREC®) offers a specific designation, SRES®, to identify those members who have successfully completed its education program along with other prerequisites.
e-PRO
Real Estate Agents and Brokers who have earned REALTOR e-PRO® Certification are Internet Professionals who have completed extensive training using the Web. REALTOR e-PRO® Certification means the real estate professional is prepared to employ the latest techniques and services for your benefit, just like you've grown to expect from a professional.