What Real Estate Agents Credentials Means
Posted on: 14 January 2016
If you are in the process of selling your home or if you are in the process of looking for a home or property to buy, you are probably also looking for the right real estate agent to assist you. Many real estate agents have additional letters behind their name. Here is a quick breakdown of some of the top real estate credentials that you may run across and what they actually mean.
CRS Or Certified Residential Specialist
In order to earn this credential, a real estate agent has to go through additional training in order to learn all the details of residential real estate transactions.
If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, you want a real estate agent who has CRS credentials; this shows you that they really know what they are talking about when it comes to the residential marketplace and they know what is currently trending in residential real estate. They have to keep up their education in order to maintain these credentials.
ABR Or Accredited Buyer's Representative
Real estate agents earn this certification when they take additional classes on an ongoing basis in order to learn as much as possible about how to represent buyers during a real estate transaction. They learn specific strategies and skills that will help them represent the buyer's best interest. They will also learn how to work within the law for their buyers.
If you are buying a home, this is an accreditation you need to keep an eye out for.
ALHS Or Accredited Luxury Home Specialist
This credential is awarded to agents who have both completed courses and training that helped them learn specifically how to sell luxury homes, and who have field experience actually selling luxury homes. This certification reflects both book learning and practical application.
If you want to purchase or sell a luxury home, you'll want to work with a real estate agent who has this type of certification.
SRES Or Senior Real Estate Specialist
This training is aimed specifically at teaching real estate agents how to help both buyers and sellers who are senior citizens. Specifically, this type of training will help an agent learn how to work with buyers who are looking for a long-term investment and a home that will fit their needs into the foreseeable future. Your real estate agent will also learn about special programs and financing that your age may afford you.
If you are older or retired, you may want to work with a real estate agent who holds this type of certification.
When shopping for a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home, make sure that you pay attention to the credentials behind their name and find out what they really mean. Their credentials will let you know where they have focused their continued education on and what they specialize in.
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