Professional associations, titles & designations - What Do They Mean?

What is a REALTOR®?

Only real estate agents who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR® logo on their business cards or other marketing and sales literature.

WHY use a REALTOR®?

REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain the highest levels of knowledge and practice regarding the buying and selling of real estate. The REALTOR Code includes 17 Articles with 70 specific Standards of Practice in areas such as Duties to Clients and Customers and Duties to the Public, which impose specific obligations upon regarding Confidentiality, Ethical Practice, Fair Treatment, Proper Disclosure, Reasonable Care, Truthfulness, and many more duties that assure competent, fair and honest business practices. THE WISE CHOICE Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetimes.

A real estate purchase or sale is a complex transaction involving selection, offers, negotiating, contracts, contingencies, inspections, appraisals, financing, title insurance, closing and deeds to name just a few – and that’s just on the buying side. Sellers of real estate look to their agents for assistance with all of the above, plus proper pricing of their real estate, marketing the property, qualifying buyers and negotiating compensation. Given the size and complexities of most real estate transactions today, choosing a representative who will provide the highest standard of professional assistance, knowledge and guidance plus the highest integrity and ethics is always your best choice.

What does ABR mean?

The ABR® designation is awarded to REALTORS® who specialize in representing buyers in real estate transactions.  They must meet the educational and experience criteria, defined by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS®.

What does CDPE or Certified Distressed Property Expert®, mean?

A CDPE®, or Certified Distressed Property Expert®, is a real estate agent who has been through special training and who is experienced in helping homeowners in foreclosure sell their homes and buyers purchase foreclosure properties.

What does CRS mean?

The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education. Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements. Currently, there are more than 34,000 active CRS Designees.

What does GRI mean?

The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made a commitment to providing a superior level of professional services by earning the GRI designation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients. 

What is the Re/Max Hall of Fame award?

The Re/Max Hall of Fame award is earned by agents that have helped between 400 and 500 families buy or sell homes.  Less than twenty-two percent of all RE/MAX Affiliates have earned this prestigious award.

What is the Re/Max Lifetime Achievement award?

The life time achievement award is one of Re/Max internationals highest honors.  If is earned by helping over 1000 families meet their real estate needs after completing seven years of service with the company. Less than five percent of the RE/MAX network has achieved this prestigious award.