TEAM LANTROOP

The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation is described by the Council of Residential Specialists as: "The highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education."

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

The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation: Thanking military families for their service by helping them come home. When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. This certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support.

What do the letters after a REALTOR®'s name really mean to me the customer? They proudly show the designations a REALTOR® has earned to further their professional development. To earn a designation, a REALTOR® has taken coursework and demonstrated specific skills, performance, and knowledge in a particular area of the real estate industry. To serve today's consumers, REALTORS® need to be strong generalists and specialists. Designations are one-way practitioners develop specialized skills that help the industry thrive. Designations also help practitioners demonstrate to their clients their commitment to professional development. The National Association of REALTORS® and its institutes, societies, and councils offer the highest quality real estate education in the world. Click here to find out more about the only real estate designations recognized by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®."***

The real estate world is full opportunities for extended education. GRI, Graduate Realtor Institute, is one of the designations that realtors receive to stand out from the rest. Realtor.org describes GRI as realtors "having in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process. Earning the designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a professional with expertise in these areas."

Vic received his GRI in 2011. He says "education is important in our industry and I always strive to know the changes in law, the industry, and any analytics."

Obtaining a GRI & CRS or any other designation for that matter shows as a real estate agent, you are taking an active approach that sets you apart. These continued education classes help in all areas including professional conduct. It can make a difference when competing for clients. GRI is the basis of knowledge and understanding, it's all in the details, from preparing a current market analysis, creating marketing strategies to finally negotiating an offer.

Vic says, "it protects me and the client because I know more of what's going on and the changes made in our industry."

Lacie Lantroop is working on her GRI right now. She understands the benefits of gaining as much knowledge as possible and the GRI is the perfect opportunity.

While some clients may not understand the importance of a realtor with a GRI designation... It can often translate into more dollars at the end of the transaction. Like Vic said its the knowledge, that can save money & protect you every step of the way.

Remember, as a client, your home is one of your largest and most likely, most expensive assets. So next time you need to buy or sell a home, look for the GRI and CRS designation! You deserve the best.