Designations Explained
NAR educational requirements and recognized designations
As adherents to NAR's code of ethics, Realtors are required to update their acquaintance with the code every two to four years by taking a course, available online or in person.
However, Realtors, as members of NAR, also have the option of studying for additional certifications in a variety of specialties, several of which are backed by NAR with offerings of certification and update courses available nationwide.
The most well known NAR sponsored designations that Mary Llewellyn has obtained are:
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) The Real Estate Buyers Agent Council has over 40,000 members and is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Of the REBAC members, over 30,000 have completed REBAC's educational certification course and provided documentation of buyer agency experience.
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) The Certified Residential Specialist is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education. Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements. Requirements for this designation include a total of at least 25 transactions (or specific volume of sales) over a specific time period, and significant experience, as well as educational requirements. Currently there are more than 33,000 active CRS Designees.
Graduate of the Realtor's Institute (GRI) The GRI designation is held by 19% of Realtors and courses are offered through state Realtor associations with 135 hours of coursework on marketing and servicing listed properties to real estate law.
Mary's latest designation, so new it is not yet sponsored by NAR:
Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) Is a Real Estate Professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options to homeowners. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPE's are able to provide solutions for home owners facing hardships in today's market, specifically Short Sales. The CDPE training is also valuable in assisting consumer in purchasing a Short Sale or Foreclosure property.
