Ever wonder what all the designation initials behind a Realtors name on their business card really mean?

I keep seeing business cards with GRI, CCIM, CPIS, ABR and on and on. What do all these designations really mean?

We’ve identified and categorized most (not all) of the common designations. These are recognised by NAR and there are other private designations like CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert).  There are other designations from different organizations which relate to real estate, especially in the property management field like CPM (Certified Property Manager). So there is an endless list of initials to put on your cards!

Enjoy finding out what these  designations actually mean:

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)

• The Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation from the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council helps prepare real estate professionals to represent buyer clients in residential real estate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed. It also offers ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business and tools for conducting buyer counseling sessions.

Accredited Buyer’s Representative Manager (ABRM)

• The Accredited Buyer Representative Manager designation is the only buyer representation designation for managers, brokers and owners. Topics in this designation include creating a new company vision, company and technology policies, disseminating policy changes, training and marketing systems, risk management, and marketing evaluations that help increase buyer agents’ productivity.

Accredited Land Consultant (ALC)

• As land professionals, ALCs keep abreast of market developments and current land values. They work diligently to secure the best sale or purchase price for their clients based on changing market, geographic, and demographic trends. ALCs also assist buyers and sellers in such areas as finance, leasing and land management.

Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

• CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes more than 9,000 designees and 5,000 candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources.

Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)

• The Certified International Property Specialist network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals from 50 countries who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the international market. Whether traveling abroad to negotiate and manage transactions, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving a specific customer niche in local markets, CIPS designees are consumers’ best resource to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate.

e-PRO

• E-PRO is a training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. E-PRO is not just about technology; it’s about how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people skills, into doing more business on the Internet. E-PRO gives you exhaustive Internet training, unique competitive advantage, and professional distinction. Continuing education credit is now available in several states.

Green

• The National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation is the definition of green professionalism, excellence, and leadership for today’s real estate practitioners. Specifically designed to address the educational needs of practitioners in residential, commercial, and property management markets, this training program is a true cross-over designation and the only green designation recognized by NAR.

Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI)

• The Graduate REALTOR® Institute designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation. The GRI designation is obtained by attending a specific, intensive series of courses that total 90 hours of classroom instruction. The subject matter has been chosen to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them and their clients. In today’s competitive business environment you need more than just motivation and initiative to succeed, you need the advantage of the education you receive in the GRI program.

At Home With Diversity (AHWD)

• At Home With Diversity ® is designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. More importantly, the class teaches how real estate professionals can increase their sensitivity and adaptability to all types of clients due to demographic shifts in the marketplace. The course addresses issues of diversity, fair housing, and cultural differences. All three subjects are closely related and hold value for real estate professionals who serve diverse local markets.

Performance Management Network (PMN)

• The Performance Management Network (PMN) is built to bring you the real-world skills, the know-how and the tools that will keep your business out front and on top of a lighting-fast market. This designation is unique to the REALTOR® family designations, focusing on the idea that in order to enhance your business, you must enhance yourself.

Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA)

• Real estate offices, teams, and professionals stand to gain when all individuals possess a better understanding of the real estate landscape. Every administrative employee in the brokerage office, from listing secretary to personal assistant, will benefit from this quick-start program geared toward fundamental knowledge of the real estate industry.

Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS)

• The Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist certification is for second-home professionals who enjoy helping consumers achieve their goal of multiple-home ownership. REALTORS® specializing in resort and second-home markets and interested in demonstrating their knowledge and expertise should pursue the RSPS certification.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

• The Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation trains REALTORS® to ethically and profitably serve the real estate needs of clients over the age of 50. Designees will learn about the lifestyle needs of maturing clients as well as services to offer them while earning their trust and respect. They will explore ways to address key concerns facing today’s mature client population and help maturing clients take positive action in estate.

Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR)

• Your ability to close short sales and foreclosures depends in part on your confidence in seeing these transactions through. Designed for real estate professionals at all experience levels, the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification gives you a framework for understanding how these deals work. Begin building your confidence today with SFR.

Texas Affordable Housing Specialist (TAHS)

• The Texas Affordable Housing Specialist certification equips you with the knowledge to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more Texans. The certification components focus on programs and alternatives that help make homeownership more affordable and sustainable for first-time, underserved, and at-risk market segments.