Its like a diploma...Its what you do with it

Yes absolutley!  I've been a CRS for quite a few years and not only is the education stellar the networking is fantastic. I recently took on the Phoenix CRS Chair postion and look forward to creating a lot of excellent events for agents around the metro area.

Yes it is but a big piece of it is what you do with it - networking, making referrals, educating clients on the value. Education is top notch as is the sharing in the CRS community. Like here!

  Those who have the CRS designation say, "Yes".  But it appears that they spend a lot of time networking, and a lot of money (annual fees or something) to renew it.

The education is worth it. It is also my first place for referrals.

Like everything the ROI depends on how much effort you put into it...Networking is the key!

Yes, it is.

Any kind of license, inspector, loan, appraiser or degree(mba) is worth the investment. For $99 I can get a certificate in online auction realtor and get paid bidding homes online as more and more sellers (banks esp) do not want to pay buyer agent a coop fee. Buyer need to pay their buyer agent. 

The education will not hurt. Paying for the designation is another consideration.

Is this a market sector you wish to focus on or do you just want fancy initials after your name?  You don't need it to do the job, my Broker was the sole relocation agent for Ventura County and part of LA County in the 90s for one of the largest relocation companies in the country, plus in the Clinton era base consolidations he was the sole relocation agent for the US Navy for all of eastern Ventura County!  Never had a CRS, never needed it.  Never lost a single penny of business for not having it.

If you want the education, great.  I've heard many people here say they get business from having the designation.  Personally, I've never looked for it.  I'm more concerned with can you do the job and how you'll treat my client/friend.

Absolutely!! I've had a my CRS for some time and what great educational opportunitites and networking!

I've never had any designation other than Realtor because I'd rather focus my time showing homes, talking on the phone to clients, attending inspections in person, etc.  There are only so many hours I can work in a week!

I earned my CRS designation. I agree, the education is second to none. I kept paying the almost $200 per year for about 6 years. In that period of time, I never received a referral although I did send a few out. Yes, I networked and met some great Realtors.

I think the area you serve is important. When buying in a resort area,  I think most people don't talk about it until they have already purchased. 

Dave ~ You are the second one to ask this recently and it definitely is worth it.  This designation is worth more than all the others put together in my opinion, as the educational courses and annual Sell-A-Bration meeting are extremely valuable.  As for referrals, it is my best source of incoming referrals and great agents to refer clients to when they relocate. 

As others have said, what you get out of it depends on what you put into it... it isn't a silver bullet.

YES

Great classes.

Dave,

I have heard pros and cons on the subject.  It depends on the marketplace!  A

I think it is always good to expand your knowledge but I am not sure the general public knows what it means.  Sure you can tell them, but will they specifically search out a CRS? 

I think it was more worthy years ago, and received MANY CRS referrals.   with the Internet, not sure as many REALTORS are seeking a CRS first.

I think the only "designation" the public recognizes is Broker. Everything else is a learning experience. 

You might learn something and use it well.

I can only speak for myself and it has more than paid for itself

John says yes; Kat is not so inclined...

Any education is worth the time I think

AS 'The Professor',  Richie Alan Naggar wrote!

I don't know.

Not for me it isn't

It is - but IMHO it's not worth the annual renewal fee

For some yes, for others no

For newer agents

I loved the classes for CRS - they are the best out there

Dave Halpern - I am not a CRS - so do not know the real answer.

YES!

Best education or designation out there. I was reading my Residential Specialist magazines along with my Realtor Magazine and it was by far higher quality.

There was a time when it was THE only designation worth having for the residential specialist. However, today we have a virtual tower of babal of designations. CRS is trying desperately to find its relevance with the newer Realtor. Older boomers like myself can point to fabulous business connections and many referrals gleaned from my holding of this coveted designation. I was in a statement wide referral group of RE/MAX agents for years and you HAD to hold the CRS designation. We all did a ton of business and eventually many joined KW and referrals still go on. However, our networking meetings have been dramatically altered here in California when they made us ONE Chapter instead of Northern/Southern. I sincerely belive they reipped the heeart out of our Chapter. A friend of mine, Steve Goddard, RE/MAX Beaches, has so many designations his business card looks like an accordian! 

yes, but not to the public.

Probably, I have heard good things about the training.

I don't have this, but for those I know who do, they say it is amazing.

Yes, it was one of the first things I did as a rookie.  It didn't take me long to figure out that what I studied for the test had little to do with the actual business of real estate.

I agree with Joe Pryor - the education is terrific and so are the network of referrals.  It's one of the best educational investments I've made.

I'm a big fan of education, but many of the designations I've had meant nothing to my clients. I'd rather invest in my education, and let the designations go. 

I don't have that one, so I can't help.

You need to ask yourself a question: why do you want/need it? To learn something new? ~ go for it, impress your clients? ~ waste of money and time. 

yes... of all the designations, this one is worth it.... ask Jeff Dowler 

The education is terrific, but the life long continuing cost questionable!

Absolutely yes! 

No, we just discussed this the other day. I found the realtor light bulb designation enlightening.

Those who have it will likely say yes.