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First, some background. Brokers, Associate Brokers, and Real Estate Salespeople are licensed by New York State to practice real estate. These licensees can join the National Association of Realtors, thereby becoming Realtors with a capital R.
New York State requires that all licensees complete 22 1/2 hours of continuing education every 2 years. (The only exceptions are those Associate Brokers and Brokers licensed for at least 15 years by July 2008 - they are not required to take any continuing education.)
In addition to the educational requirements mandated by the State, Realtors may avail themselves of specialized courses that result in earning a Designation or Certification - these can be identified by the "alphabet soup" that will follow his or her name on business cards and other materials. These wide-ranging programs increase skills, proficiency, and knowledge. But not every Realtor earns these designations or certifications; many don't even try.
Why? Why would a Realtor not take coursework to develop specialized skills to better help the consumer, potentially earn more money, and set themselves apart? One answer is that some Realtors feel like the consumer doesn't care. I disagree. I think the consumer would care, if they understood how meaningful these specializations are. Ergo - the reason for this piece.
Additionally, a Designation or Certification can take years to complete. There are often required core courses plus electives, there are tests, there are extensive applications, there are additional fees. Simply put, it's hard work.
But the hard work pays off. Once earned, the Realtor may then call him or herself a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), or an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), or an E-Pro (technology) or many, many more. And these Realtors can serve you better.
Consumers have a choice about whom they choose to represent them in a real estate transaction. With a clear understanding of the caliber and standards of real estate professionals in the marketplace, the consumer can make better choices.
End note:
Bronxville-Ley Real Estate agents collectively are: *
Accredited and Certified Buyer Representatives (ABR) (CBR)
Accredited Seller Representatives (ASR)
At Home With Diversity Certified (AHWD)
Certified Skilled Negotiators (CSN)
Certified International Property Specialists (CIPS)
Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE)
Certified Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB)
Designated EcoBrokers (Eco-Broker)
E-Pro Certified (E-Pro)
Graduates of the Instructor Training Institute (ITI)
Graduates of the Real Estate Institute (GRI)
Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES)
Leah Caro, CBR, AHWD, CSN, CIPS, CDPE, CRB, Eco-Broker, ITI President and Principal Broker
* Bronxville-Ley can provide you a complete glossary describing each of these Designations and Certifications, as well as a complete list of terms encountered in a real estate transaction.
