Just like any other industry and profession, having a designation in the real estate sector, makes your profile look good, and adds prestige to your professional look. It showcases your commitment to the industry, while simultaneously showing your dedication to personal growth. These are professional certifications that give brokers and agents a certain edge in specific parts of the real estate industry.
How Do You Get Real Estate Designations?
Any industry worker can get their hands on these certifications by completing specialized training and sitting for an exam. This is the way agents can boost their careers and highlight their designations to showcase their expertise. Whether you are working with senior living accommodations, green housing, or normal commercial property, there will be a designation available for every niche.
Well, attaining one of these certificates will help you get a full-on designation in the real estate sector.
What are the 4 Best Real Estate Designations?
1. Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)
This certification is suitable for seasonable brokers and is one of the most prestigious and prominent designations available. As the name suggests, this course will help professionals with brokerage management to develop key business skills, and increase productivity, making them more effective professionals.
Pros -
- Improves reputation by showcasing their commitment to advanced knowledge.
- Cutting-edge strategies, in-depth understanding of ongoing industry trends, and leadership skills.
Cons -
- Time and money-consuming.
- Requires an active membership with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) which can be costly and regulatory.
2. Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
SRES is best suited for real estate professionals who are interested in guiding clients over the age of 50 years to find their perfect housing. This designation also helps in understanding the difference between how reverse mortgages work and housing options for seniors.
Pros -
- Access to premium-quality, and customizable marketing trends in the industry. Helps promote expertise in assisting buyers and sellers over the age of 50.
- Stay updated with the recent trends and strategies that serve that age demographic.
- Unique skills tailored to the specific requirements of older clients.
Cons -
- Needs to have a membership of both NAR and SERS councils.
- Renew SERS council designations, requiring time, and money.
3. Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
This designation is appropriate for leading experts in commercial investors. CCIM is also arguably the most prestigious certification out of all commercial certifications. As reports show, the commercial real estate market will continue to grow by 3% every year until 2028, so it is a great time to invest in this designation.
Pros -
- Access to a wide global community through the members-only online forum, CCIM Connect, or the national and chapter networking events.
- Access to the Site "To Do Business," which is the institute's comprehensive commercial real estate (CRE) technology solution.
- Professionals get treated as top-tier experts in their field.
Cons -
- Requires a substantial commercial portfolio.
- The credential process is time-consuming and quite expensive.
4. Certified International Property Specialist
Professionals, who want to assist American buyers looking to purchase real estate abroad and international buyers interested in purchasing property in the States, can opt for this certification. According to a recent study, 13% of residential properties in the US were purchased by Chinese buyers, which means foreign property investment is booming.
Pros -
- Exclusive invitations to NAR events with further learning and networking opportunities.
- “Global Perspective” newsletter containing updates and insights on the international property market.
- Access to tailored marketing tools for the international market.
Cons -
- Continuation in paying NAR dues.
- Only three years to complete the CIPS course.
So, if you are all ready to put in the time and effort for these benefits, it is the best time to get these certifications.
