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Steve Penner, REALTOR® / Pro Ledger Online (owner) (Royal LePage Dynamic RE / Pro Ledger Bookkeeping Software)

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Rainmaker
1,196,588
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

The education is worthwhile for certain. B$ Real Estate I used to have a card for my Telephone biz. At the end of my name were the initials DMAT much like the SRES initials. People would ask what kind of doctor are you? To which I would respond I'm not and they would say "Then what is DMAT?" My response, "Doesn't Mean A Thing."  But is good to let people know your skills.

Nov 30, 2018 05:05 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

  The cost of the course, then a $99 per year annual renewal fee?  Not for me, thank you.

Nov 30, 2018 05:08 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I had that designation for years while I was marketing 3 subdivisions of 55+ condos..... seniors liked it after I explained what it was!!!!  didn't teach me anything I didn't already know.... I, too, was a senior!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov 30, 2018 04:29 PM
Ambassador
2,178,433
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I always think there is benefit in taking classes.  Whether the designation itself has any significant value is questionable IMHO.  You could get just as much traction out of promoting yourself as specializing in helping seniors buy and sell real estate, when that is your target demographic. It's all about perception.  I guess what I'm saying is you can probably create the same perception without the actual designation.  

Is it worth the initial investment and ongoing membership fee?

Nov 30, 2018 04:21 PM
Rainmaker
1,249,338
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I have thought about it - but I haven't done it because I'm a senior now! It shouldn't make a difference yet it does for me.

Nov 30, 2018 04:12 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I had it for a couple years over 5 years ago. Didn't renew. I don't think it made any difference. It might have been improved some over the last 5 years, but I have my doubts. I still work with seniors and don't need any special designation to do so.

Nov 30, 2018 04:44 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am definitely not the right person to ask about such designations.  I hope you get the feedback you are looking for from others.  

I serve many seniors and do not have that designation. 

Nov 30, 2018 04:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

If you work and sell condos 55+ community - why not?

Nov 30, 2018 05:42 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I remember when everybody was getting SRES in our resort/retirement area. But I cannot remember a single agent saying that it provided something that they did not already know. Having said that, the median age of Realtors is down 3 years from 2015. WE are seniors, but younger agents are coming in that may not have the natural ability to understand elderly folks. For them it could be valuable.

Then again, home buyers are getting much younger. Maybe there needs to be a class for us to deal with them!

Change the S to Snowflake! LOL

Dec 01, 2018 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've been one for almost two decades. I get calls from seniors who call me because of this designation. At the end of the day, you can always learns something new and whether the designation works for you depends on how make hay with it.

Dec 01, 2018 04:30 AM
Ambassador
2,160,948
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I have the SRES designation and took it because my market is comprised of a large 55+ population and so it gives me a bit of an edge. The education and knowledge gained is good - some things you already know and then there is insight that you are being made aware of and sensitized to.  You have to evaluate whether it will help you in your business to have this "official" designation. 

Dec 01, 2018 04:28 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,388
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

The education is good. So is the SRS designation from the National Association of Homebuilders.

Dec 01, 2018 04:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

If that is the next logical step go for it!  A

Nov 30, 2018 08:50 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,010
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I say go for it Steve Penner , it may not draw people to you but it will make you more confident and that will draw more people to you.

Nov 30, 2018 07:27 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

I like to learn. 

Every time I go to a class - want to find something new. 

Most of the classes are boring and no new information. 

But if I would work with Seniors - I'd get it. 

Nov 30, 2018 06:30 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I have a Bachelor of Science but it is what you do with it that makes it count

Dec 01, 2018 05:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It was popular many years ago when many agents got it. I personally will not pay annnually for a designation.

Dec 01, 2018 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

SRES applies to a very specific audience. The agent who can leverage the designation to an advantage will benefit.

However, most purchased letters appended to an agents name are placards of vanity. Not even as beneficial as DMAT.

My suggestion is to exploit SRES AND collaborative business owners who specialize in life plan LAW.

Dec 01, 2018 05:32 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I think it is a waste of money, the public does not know what the many letters mean. My thought is though, if it teaches you a new aspect of real estsate, than that is more important

Dec 01, 2018 04:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,374,323
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

I have the SRES designation. I feel education is extremely important and I am always looking to advance and educate myself. 

Nov 30, 2018 10:26 PM
Rainmaker
7,834,939
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

The education may be important but I would not place any marketing value on the designation.

Create relationships with the retirement communities in your area for good referral resources. If you want the best results with seniors, you may need to offer downsizing and moving assistance.

Nov 30, 2018 06:14 PM
Rainmaker
643,875
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

I have the SRES designation and as Nina Hollander said it depends on your marketing whether it adds value to your practice. For me, it has been advantageous.

Dec 01, 2018 09:38 PM
Rainer
155,337
Anthony Kirlew
Group 46:10 Network @ eXp Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Helping You Make Fiscally Sound Real Estate Deals!

If your target market is working with seniors, then I would says it would be good to have, so show them that you are an expert in serving their needs. Sometimes third party validation is helpful especially with the senior population because (sadly) they are often a target for financial crimes.

Dec 01, 2018 02:07 PM
Ambassador
6,392,879
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Could be some good, yet overpriced, knowledge involved.

Dec 01, 2018 09:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

A few real old timers. The ones focus on human connection gets the grease.

Dec 01, 2018 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
969,858
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

All education is good but the annual renewals make it seem worthless in my opinion. 

Dec 01, 2018 06:30 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I'm too old for this designation.

Dec 01, 2018 06:01 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Do not like the annual fee.

Dec 01, 2018 05:14 AM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

My wife had it, we have senior clients, it has only come up in one listing presentation in my time and that seller still hasn't listed yet. Knowledge never hurts, but we didn't keep up the dues to maintain the designation. 

Nov 30, 2018 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I don't have it but know of people here on ActiveRain and in real life who are SRES. Worth it? Not for me but you know yourself and your future plans.

Nov 30, 2018 09:32 PM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Designations don’t make anyone more educated than they already are.  Why pay dues for something that really doesn’t make a lot of difference.  

Nov 30, 2018 09:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Took it years ago but it had no impact.

Nov 30, 2018 08:29 PM
Ambassador
5,228,997
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Absolutely a benefit - never stop learning! 

I'd say go for it, Steve...and good luck!

Nov 30, 2018 08:03 PM
Rainer
199,877
Carolyn Boyle
RE/MAX Quality Service, Inc. - Hanover, PA
REALTOR, Associate Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES

I have the designation SRES. I did learn a great deal in taking the course. The best takeaway is to schedule an extra hour - or 2- when you meet with a senior. They are from a generation that is not in a hurry to get down to business. Take some time to enjoy the conversation and the photos of the kids and grandkids and great grandkids. Smile, listen and learn. They will lead you to business and are so appreciative for our patience.

Dec 01, 2018 08:01 PM
Rainer
482,547
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Hi Steve Penner. I successfully took the SRES class a couple of years ago & pay the annual fee for the designation (for now). While I cannot point to specific clients as a result of having it, I enjoyed the class, learned some things, confirmed others, and do appreciate their newsletter & available marketing information.

That said, I'm sure the class will be beneficial whether or not you continue with the ongoing annual fee (the 1st year is included so you'll get a feel for it's benefits).

Good Luck!
Bruce

 

Dec 01, 2018 04:20 PM
Ambassador
3,125,255
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Good to have the information in your knowledge base. Many of my clients are seniors, so it makes good business sense to me Steve Penner.

Dec 01, 2018 08:05 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

Dec 01, 2018 07:39 AM
Rainmaker
15,741
Jennifer Hunter
Southern Tradition Real Estate - West Fork, AR
Realtor servicing NW Arkansas

I have my SRES. I live in Florida and market to the senior communities so I think it looks nice. I have not received any referrrals yet from SRES networks. So over all I would say not really worth the money. 

Dec 02, 2018 04:32 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Why not? I was going to take it too when I have more free time  since it is an easy and not time consuming one. Also they do not charge annual fee I believe. 

Dec 03, 2018 12:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

In general I think the education is worthwhile, but does not need to come from NAR.  I think the designation is worthless.  Get the training and call yourself a "Senior Real Estate Expert" and you'll be fine.

Dec 01, 2018 09:50 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

If you work with primarily 55+ clients, think it could be a good idea.

Dec 05, 2018 04:50 PM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I am not sure about designation any more.

Dec 05, 2018 10:29 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Taking the class is good, but i have never in 22 years been asked for designations

Dec 02, 2018 06:56 PM
Rainmaker
900,008
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I think it’s a way for some school to make money.

Dec 02, 2018 07:41 AM