This is the time of year when many real estate agents start strutting proudly like peacocks as they tout their last year’s successes. The number of agents claiming to be number one, in whatever flattering statistic they can find, is absolutely staggering. The intent of flouting their self-described superlative sales numbers is to garner credibility.
There is no denying that experience in any career field is an indication of capability, but longevity alone does not equate to being exceptionally skilled.
The threshold to receive and maintain a real estate license is not substantial. Educational requirements to receive a California real estate sales license are just three college-level real estate courses, passing the state licensing exam, plus only 45 hours of training required to renew a license every four years.
Most real estate buyers and sellers do not realize that a real estate salesperson is in essence an apprentice that MUST work under the direct supervision of a real estate broker. There is no requirement for a salesperson to ever earn a real estate broker license and become solely legally responsible for their own actions.
Most active real estate licensees join the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) trade organization. The organization has created additional courses and credentials to increase their members’ skills, proficiency, and knowledge to better serve their consumers. There are, however, no requirements for members to participate in these programs.
Here are a few of the Designations and Certifications awarded by the National Association of Realtors® and affiliate organizations:
• Certified Residential Specialist/ CRS: The CRS designation is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers. To earn the CRS designation, members participate in advanced classes as well as provide documentation of sales experience. Annual training is required to maintain the designation.
• Graduate, REALTOR® Institute/ GRI REALTORS® with the GRI designation have in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process.
• Seniors Real Estate Specialist® /SRES® The SRES® Designation program educates REALTORS® on how to ethically serve the real estate needs of the fastest growing market in real estate, clients age 50+.
Other professional credentials include:
• Residential Real Estate Divorce Specialist
• Luxury Homes Certification/LHC
• Certified International Property Specialist/CIPS
• Real Estate Investing/REI
• Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource/SFR®
• Negotiations Certification
While it is easy to be distracted by self-promotion, when interviewing agents, I encourage consumers to dig a little deeper. Seek agents who have training and experience most closely matching the transaction needs. Ask how agents have consistently built their knowledgeand honed skills to help ensure a smooth transaction even when difficult situations arise.
The Real Estate Advisor Column
By Richard Lombari
Lombari has been in real estate sales since 1989, and a California real estate broker since 2005. He has earned almost every combination of letters in the real estate alphabet soup. To learn more about Richard, visit ,lombarirealestatewealthadvisors.com/about, or email ,Richard@TheLombariGroup.com. You can also call 310-903-6509 for even more information.