What do our designations mean and what do they mean to you?
The GRI designation is a real estate industry designation similar to various industry designations such as a CPA. This designation may only be earned after successfully completing a rigorous educational program. This program requires live course instruction from a statewide faculty selected because of extensive experience in their own areas of expertise. This designation is available only to members of the local, state and National Association of REALTORS®. GRI is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professionalism and knowledge.
ABR…. Accredited Buyer Representative
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (“REBAC”) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria. A real estate buyer’s representative represents the buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction, and much more.
Why use a Buyer’s Representative?
A real estate buyer’s representative represents the buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction. The buyer’s representative works for, and owes fiduciary responsibilities to, the real estate buyer and has buyer’s best interests in mind throughout the process. Purchasing real estate is a complex and major transaction with many details to be handled. A buyer’s representative is responsible for protecting the buyer’s best interests.
Advanced CSP….Advanced Certified Sales Professional
This professional-level course is designed for specialists in new home sales. Designees have in-depth knowledge of the subdivision approval process, land development process, the entire home construction process from excavation to final finishes, as well as legal aspects of the real estate business.
ALHS……..Accredited Luxury Home Specialist
Accredited Luxury Home Specialist is an elite membership of top real estate agents throughout the United States. To display the ALHS logo and be accepted into the Luxury Home Council, each member must successfully complete the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Course. ALHS members strive to provide exceptional service to affluent clients through rigorous education focusing on the Luxury Home Market and their understanding of the special demands of affluent buyers and sellers. Members of the Luxury Home Council are professionals; they value the client/agent relationship and are assuredly, the best in the country. Luxury Home Council Members also receive numerous benefits to assist in marketing and selling upscale properties.
SRES……Senior Real Estate Specialist
The Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation is awarded to REALTORS® who have successfully completed the required education course. SRES®designees learn how to lead senior clients through real estate transactions and draw on the expertise of a network of senior specialists, such as CPAs, estate planners, lawyers, clutter and staging experts as well as community resources and services. The SRES® designation is the only one of its kind recognized by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Only 15,000 REALTORS® out of 1.3 million nationally have earned the SRES® designation.
CRS….Certified Residential Specialist
The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. A Certified Residential Specialist is essentially the “master’s degree of real estate”. Every CRS Designee must have a proven track record in the business, as well as advanced education in related areas like finance, technology and marketing. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education. Fewer than 5 percent of all REALTORS® hold the CRS Designation. There is a big difference between a CRS and other agents. Advanced training, experience, and nationwide access to a network of resources makes the CRS the preferred choice in residential real estate sales. This designation is awarded by the Residential Sales Council.
Top Producer Intracoastal Realty
Designation awarded to Intracoastal Realty agents who earn a certain amount or more by closed production in any given calendar year.
Graduate of National Association of Home Builders Institute of Residential Marketing
The Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) offers sales and marketing courses and designations to help agents and builders reach their full potential. Founded in 1972, IRM is the educational arm of the National Sales and Marketing Council (NSMC), and offers designations and courses through The NAHB University of Housing.
IRM I-Understanding Housing Markets and Consumers
This course shows the agent how to find the information that’s critical to their business. They gain knowledge of the demographic, economic and psychographic factors that affect housing supply and demand. They also learn to employ a model that projects opportunities for specific local markets. Graduates of this course are able to:
· Affirm the importance of market research to new home sales marketing and sales programs
· Recognize the essential elements of market research
· Use an absorption model to predict potential new housing demand and absorption rates in a defined target market area
IRM II-Marketing Strategies, Plans, and Budgets
This course shows agents how to maximize results from every dollar they spend on marketing. With optimum product placement, pricing, and promotional tactics, they can plan future results with confidence. Graduates of this course are able to understand the key relationships that should exist among company strategy, finance, and marketing.
· Define marketing and its three levels of detail from promotion through company strategy.
· Apply the key relationships among company vision, value, and volume as related to key drivers of company strategy.
· Use three competitive strategies and understand their impact on company marketing strategy.
· Connect the contributions of place, product, price, and promotion to marketing strategy.
· Identify the financial results of marketing decisions.
· Distinguish the challenges of growth to marketing management.
· Implement a complete system of reports with which to control marketing management.
IRM III-Lifestyle Merchandising, Advertising and Promotion Strategies
A merchandised home is more than a sales tool: it’s a showcase for the lifestyle a buyer can expect to enjoy in a new home. This course shows agents an array of advertising, public relations and marketing ideas, including the design of models and sales centers that appeal to a target market, optimize traffic flow and impress prospective customers. Graduates of this course:
· Know a variety of advertising and promotional techniques
· Use the techniques best suited to your particular community
· Devise and coordinate an effective marketing campaign
· Design models and sales centers that excite customer interest
IRM IV-The Challenge of New Home Sales Management
Improve your business operations, REALTOR® relations and customer follow-up by integrating your sales force into an overall marketing plan. This course emphasizes five basic principles of strategic sales management and teaches you how to get the most from every member of your team. Graduates of this course are able to:
· Implement and improved approach to sales management.
· Set goals for your sales management.
· Manage the sales process.
· Manage prospects, customers, and owners.
· Assemble an appropriate sales staff.
· Create training opportunities, equip staff for success, and provide guidance to staff.