The short answer is that the initials following our agents’ names mean that they care enough about the business of real estate to avail themselves of educational opportunities, offered by the National Association of Realtors, beyond the minimum required by law. Congratulations to Christine Whelden who just received her ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) designation. The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home buying process. Our agents hold a collective 20 designations and certifications at this time and, interestingly, have, on average, over 21 years of practice in the business of real estate. We have 6 ABR’s, 5 RSPS’s (Resort and Second Home Property Specialist), 2 GRI’s (Graduate Realtor Institute). REALTORS® with the GRI designation have in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process.
We also have one each of the following:
ABRM: This designation is for a manager of an office with agents who hold the ABR designation.
CRB: The Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) is one of the most respected and relevant designations offered in real estate business management and is awarded to REALTORS® who have completed advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB Designees are better positioned to streamline operations, integrate new technology and apply new trends and business strategies
e-Pro: NAR’s e-PRO® certification teaches the use of cutting-edge technologies and digital initiatives to link up with today’s savvy real estate consumer.
NAR Green: Through NAR’s Green Designation, the Green Resource Council provides ongoing education, resources and tools so that real estate practitioners can successfully seek out, understand, and market properties with green features.
SRES: The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Designation program educates REALTORS® on how to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients age 50+.
TRC: The Transnational Referral Certification trains the agent in integration of international referral business.
SFR: The Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource® certification teaches real estate professionals to work with distressed sellers and the finance, tax, and legal professionals who can help them, qualify sellers for short sales, develop a short sale package, negotiate with lenders, limit risk, and protect buyers.