REAL TipS: BUYING

Letters of distinction

Because of the amount of information on the Internet, today’s buyers and sellers are more educated and have higher expectations of real estate agents. That’s why the National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local chapters offer advanced designation and certification programs in all areas of real estate. Recipients of these designations put letters behind their name—letters like GRI, CRS, and ABR. But what does that mean to real estate consumers?

These continuing education programs are designed to keep real estate professionals up-to-date on industry trends so they can provide better service to their clients.

Some designations include proficiency as a buyer's representative, as a land consultant, as a commercial investment expert, as a property manager, as an appraiser, or as a real estate brokerage manager. Many Texas REALTORS® earn several designations to keep as current as possible in various areas of interest.

One certification, available only to Texas REALTORS®, is called Texas Affordable Housing Specialist. This certification track gives Texas REALTORS® resources and information that make homeownership more attainable and sustainable. Find a Texas Affordable Housing Specialist in your city.

Find out what all those letters mean here … and the next time you have a question about real estate in Texas, contact a Texas REALTOR®.

Texas Association of Realtors®