I am a CRS, a GRI, an ABR, an SRES, a CDPE, an SFR, a CMRS, an SPS. And I have an MBA. It was worth time and money... you learn new things, hone your skills. Buyers and sellers will pay attention and appreciate if and when you explain the value of them. I make hay with this all the time.

By the way, I've received numerous referrals over the years from fellow CRS's and GRI graduates. That more than paid for the cost of the designations. And when I refer business out, I like to look for a CRS, myself. My best experience with referrals out is with CRS's.

There will be members here who will say that the only thing that counts is the word Broker behind your name. And that may be in some states. But in North Carolina, we are an all-broker state, so that title is not a differentiator.

These are the one they reconize: MD, CPA, and JD,, Phd, MBA...A  

they do notice....I had 9 of them when I was actively listing real estate....they didn't know what they stood for but they knew it required education to earn them.... always worked to my benefit....no other agent's business card had that many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) is the one I am most proud of and it has definitely been worthwhile for the referrals. Buyers and sellers do not know what it is without me sharing the benefits to them.  Do they care? Some do. But the intials on their own without explanation mean nothing

None, people have no idea what the acronyms mean in Real Estate.

If you're pleased with the knowledge learned in the course, that's the good news.  The bad news is that no one else cares if you had Alphabets for breakfast - show us what you know!

No Esther I don't think the public gives a hoot. I found that out years ago & stopped 'the pursuit'. It did nothing really but line other peoples pockets.

AND ... the fact that these designations charge yearly fees is highway robbery!

I achieved the highest grades, honors and mentions in college and completed it under three years. Somehow having to share this is a bit awkward. I just like showing my clients via results what I can do for them start to finish

What Nina Hollander and Barbara Todaro said.  

I don't think it is about the initials as much as the quest for knowledge.

I hold 4 down from 6 that I felt deliver except when they wanted $99 for renewal.

Not much. I am a CRS, GRI, ABR and a JD - and an Associate broker - the learning from CRS was great - I agree with Nina Hollander 's answer

I agree with Nina.

I think all those letters are meaningless to the general population. Any learning is useful.

Have some but not sure if it gives a good return but I learn lots from the classes.

I think the best is "Broker".

I don't have any designations behind my name.  The knowledge gained through any educational pursuit matters and the likelihood that it matters to the public would depend on the individual.   

Prospects do not care. The education is good but most of the designations are not worth the cost of the annual dues.

Bs,Forestry, essential for what I do.

ACF, good for referrals from others who know the value of this organization and it's members.

I am a CIPS and SFR, Nestor is a CIPS, ABR, GRI, SFR, REOS 

Yes, it is worth the time and money depending on the niche you are in. If you are working referrals among fellow agents it is a huge way to network and get referrals.

If you are working with baby boomers, professionals who "get" what designations are, then you need to have them. 

If you work in the lower end units, not so much. 

Hi, Esther Preston 

The one thing that I have learned about designations is that it does differentiate yourself from your competion. Yes, the designations don't necessarily mean you can sell a house your competitor can't or I can do a mortgage loan that my competitor can't do. They do however, convey to your referring partners and consumers (whether they know what the letters mean or not) that there is something unique about you.

I am a CDLP - (Certified Divorce Lending Professional) and I am also a CMMU (Certified Master Mortgage Underwriter). When I'm asked what these designations mean - I have my little 2-3 sentences about each that makes me unique and better equipped to serve my clients and referral partners.

Have a great week!

Jody 

I have many more than I post; just use the important ones. Worth it? Sure

The education was worth the money I paid. As for a bunch of initials after my name, not for me!

I don't have any nor have I ever been asked why I don't

Go for knowledge to help build your business

In the end a buyer or seller has no clue what most of those letter mean 

I have a number of them and the education and information that I received in the course of obtaining these designation was well worth it. The public may not care about initials and that is fine, education is foremost for yourself. Many referrals have resulted from having the one or the other designation with CRS at the top. 

Far too many to fit on a business card!

Resort and Second Home Specialst is the one I have found really helpful in my market.

Esther Preston - I am not too keen on having it or using it, for that matter...

No seller or buyer have ever asked me about it, ever!

I don't have all the designations that Nina Hollander does, but I have many and a M.A.Ed and I agree that my favorite and one that actually earns me money through referrals is my CRS.

None, down here where I am, they could care less about the designations, they just want to know that you care !!

Honestly I don't think the general public know what the designations stand for. I do think the education and information you gain from getting the designations make you a better real estate professional.  I also think the referrals you get from fellow members of your designation is real and matters.  I do think a lot of people see CRS and have a whole different meaning.. I cant remember it right now thought! ha!

For me, designations are all about the extra education. Does that education benefit my clients and my business? If yes, then it's worth it. 

Most of them are another way for NAR to make money.  

CRS, Yes,  I believe it has helped me tremendoulsy in many ways and I continue to subscribe to the terrific webinars and classes they offer.  

I take CE classes that give me the knowledge I need.  I have NEVER had a client, buyer or seller ask about the designations.

No. I do not believe the consuming public knows what they are or care. 

For the knowledge if you want to expand into that area and can't find any other options, yes.

As far as having CRS, ePro, Diversity, EIEIO, GRI, ... after your name, no.  Reason: certifications only matter to hiring managers who understand what they mean.  In our world, sellers and buyers don't even know who NAR is, let alone what the certifications are.

I think the only people that are impressed by them are other Realtors who know the time, effort and money that went into each one. I personally would consider getting the ones that don't require a yearly renewal fee.

Hold the CIPS, CRB, CRS

Yes I do think they were the monty.

No I do not think consumers pay attention to them.

I believe it is worth it just for the education and improvement in skills.  But I don't think the general consumer pupblic has a clue what they mean, unless we educate them about it, and then it helps.  But, when I refer out I always look for someone who has a GRI  or other designations that might be beneficial for a specific clients needs.  

Had a blog on that subject. Most clients do not care. The designation is to demostrate to yourself to be better educated.

Most of us are over educated for a license which requires 120 hr training. In PA there are 1200 jds and many have a broker license.

Designation mean something to us as Real Estate agents but mean nothing to the consumer. I have my CRS Which to my fellow agents means alot ... But to my clients it means Cant Remember Sh#t and that is what one said to me as I proudly placed the CRS pin on my jacket thinking this really means something. hmmm nope not to the consumer.... Although Education is the first step to success then action is needed to succeed. Possibly the designation is the education step 

It's not what you have after your name, for many of that worked hard for those letters. It's what you do with them and how you put the knowledge to good use.

Do consumers and clients care and pay attention: definitely.

I recently dropped using many of my letters and designations. It looked cumbersome and I don't need the reminder that I got the education. I still use a few of my favorites and the letters are more for me. The public doesn't fully understand.

Esther Preston No designations, but I found everyone knows the definition of a broker. After reading Nina Hollander 's answer, Virginia is not an all broker State.

I obtain a designation every two years to fulfill my CE credits. I believe it makes me a better real estate agent.

I have none, nore do I want any

Some designations I have are very much worth the time and money.  I do not display all designations for a variety of reasons.

I have a few, my first and most time consuming was GRI and  my last one is: Green and I will likely continue my membership( for some designation you have to pay annual fees).

As for clients, they do not care.  

I am an instructor for many NAR Designations and Certifications such as ABR, PSA, AHWD, MRP and SFR and PMN!  I am also a CRS -  I have learned something from each of them and as an Instructor still learn as I study to share!  Pricing Strategy Advisors® is a great calling card and will build your confidence and bottom line!  Military Relocation is obviously good for those around bases, and "Accredited Buyer Representative" as the Buyers Name right in the title!  I think it is how you represent!   On my website I explain each designation and at a listing or buyer consultation it is important to use education as a crushing value - obivously, when you educate you care and improve.

Designations have yearly fees, usually offer a referral base and Certifications have a one time fee and no ongoing dues.

Women's Council and CRS I find to be the best for referrals but you have to be interactive and work the system, which I find enjoyable and profitable and have added a line of business, to my business, to incorporate about 20% to agent referrals.  Love to GIVE AND RECEIVE referrals and always look for someone who believes in learning.

I didn't always believe this, but with 27 years in the business, I still learn things every day and NAR and REBAC work diligently to update and revise.

Esther Preston, I too have many designations but, the one that was my best investment was getting my CRS.  I am currently working three referrals from fellow CRS agents across the country.  If you take good care of their clients, the referrals seem to multiply!  And, the education that obtaining that designation is also the best I've ever gotten!  

I will say though, I agree with Ron and Alexandra Seigel - buyers and sellers RARELY ever ask what it means and unless we have Alexandra's suggested initials behind our names, it matters not to our clients or customers!

The knowlege earned behind the designations can hold value to what you can offer a client. The actual designations on a business card or your signature line is worthless most of the time unless it's something meaningful like JD or CPA. Even an MBA is meaningless in most situations. 

CRS was the best thing I ever did for my business.

I am an ABR, CRS, CRB, GRI, e-PRO, AHWD, RSPS, CDPE, MRP, BPOR, SFR and associate broker.   That's all I can remember and I don't put them all on my business card.  Most consumers don't have a clue what it all means until I tell them.  

I think they're good if you got valuable information from them and receive leads because of them. I've found most buyers/sellers don't know about them or what they mean.

Good morning Esther,

Good question:) Broker/Owner, GRI, SFR. The time and money was worth the added knowledge. I am sure buyers and sellers pay attention to some degree. Just like we pay attention to doctors, attorneys, military, etc. We might not know what they mean but we interpret as education and higher positions.

Of my BPOR and RSPS designations, I've benefited the most from the latter since I practice in a resort area. In addition, my broker training and knowledge gained in acquiring degrees in engineering, religion and business have also served me well as an agent. However, I don't think the public cares much about these achievements. What seems to count is what I can do for a prospective client at what price and do they like me.

I don't have designations yet... just completed my 98 hours SAE :-)   I plan to work on this, although I don't think the general public have a clue!

I don't think that consumers know what the designations mean.  But I think when they see a bunch of acronyms, then it shows them that you care about your craft and have had a bunch of extra training.  Obviously, they benefit from what you've learned while working toward the designation.  The professionalism that you portray is what will separate you.