Richard, if we are in a business that is ever changing, as ours obviously is, and we aren't getting training, we aren't up to par with other professionals.  Don't let 'em get to you!  I am a mortgage lender and I am ALWAYS learning my trade...it keeps me ahead of the competition AND better able to serve my clients, just as it does a Realtor!  You keep learning!

I have known great agents with no designations, and fools with plenty of letters after their name. Some designations (not the GRI of course) are all of a one or two day class in one topic or another and mean very little. Others, like the CRS or GRI, reflect much more.

Like you, I have a bunch of letters after my name, but I know plenty of agents who are smart and saavy without any at all. I wouldn't generalize EXCEPT to say that when I see CRS, I know it's an agent who's got experience and training, and when I see GRI, I know its a lot of training (though not necessarily much experience).

This is a commonly argued topic. I am working on my GRI and I earned e-Pro right after I got my license. Several agents in my office believe it's just another way for someone to take their money. My broker doesn't have many desginatons that I'm aware of but he has all the books and such and I believe he knows the material forwards and backwards. He has told me that he would recommend new agents who intend to be in the business for the long term to go ahead and get the designations.

The average consumer probably has no idea what they mean. I think they are important and I respect those who have them.

Hey - Richard - you should be proud of your designations !

But dont write off agents who dont have any - to tell you the truth - in our small comunity, a majority of the Realtors - with a slew of designations behind there name - are true A$@##*^ and I dont want to asociate myself with them. They  can keep their club !

There are lots of great agents out there with just (RS) behind their name, you never know what we did in our past professions - we may have years and years of training - and the letters dont mean as much. We just - do the right thing - TAKE CARE OF OUR CLIENT FIRST !

How is Vegas  doing - I grew up there - went to Western High School .

Aloha, and have a great day

Lance Owens (RS)

(808) 936-8383

Lance@KonaHomeTeam.com

www.KonaHomeTeam.com

Aloha Kona Realty Inc.

78-6740 Alii Drive

I am working on a few myself and definitely see the value!

Hi Richard!

I don't deny that agents that have designations are well educated, but I do think there are other considerations.  For example, I go to 2 meetings a week to educate myself about what is going on in our industry.  I am the chair for our grievance committee.  I was chair of our regional meetings.  I am the broker of record for our company.  I read everything I can get my hands on. I attend community meetings so I know what is happening in our area.  I don't have any designations.  I think I am a great agent for my clients and I try to exceed their expectations.  So, according to your standards, I would be automatically eliminated.  I just think that you have eliminated some great agents.  I do understand that without knowing them, you have to have some criteria to select an agent, so this would work for you.  I just ask that you not think so little of those of us who do not have designations...you might be underestimating our abilities.

Richard, many people even cannot differentiate between a realtor and agent. More titles will only confuse them. I think it is nice to have them but pretty useless.

Richard,

I agree with you that you should have some criteria for picking an agent, but I also completely agree with Paula.  I know a lot of agents with no certifications that are absolutely great at what they do and I also know several with the letters after their ames that I would never refer my clients to.

Have a great day!

Chastity