News from SFAR

Have you ever wondered what some of the letters following Realtors’ names mean? They represent designations or certifications that acknowledge the experience and expertise a Realtor has achieved in various sectors of the business. Realtor members spend a significant investment of time and resources in professional education. Certain designations have production requirements to further demonstrate expertise and/or mandatory re-certification.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) boasts many affiliated institutes, societies, and councils that provide a wide range of programs and services to assist members in increasing skills, productivity, and knowledge. NAR offers eight certification programs for Realtors:

• At Home with Diversity (AHWD) provides real-estate professionals with training and tools to expand their business as well as home ownership opportunities for more Americans;

• Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) provides Realtors with knowledge and skills to perform accurate and professional broker price opinions (BPOs);

• Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is focused on the international real-estate market supported by brokers who travel abroad to put deals together, assist foreign investors, help local buyers invest abroad, or serve an immigrant niche in local markets;

• The e-PRO training programis presented entirely online to certify brokers as internet professionals;

• Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) provides members involved in residential real estate with a solid base of information for their practice;

• Military Relocation Professional (MRP) focuses on educating real-estate professionals about working with current and former military personnel;

• Resort & Second-Home Property (RSPS) certification is for resort and second-home professionals from around the world; and

• Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR) teaches Realtors to work with distressed sellers and the finance, tax and legal professionals who can help them.

The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council offers a designation called ABR or Accredited Buyer Representative that focuses on all aspects of buyer representation. The Seller Representative Specialist or SRS is the premier credential in seller representation presented through the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers.

The Institute of Real Estate Management helps Realtors acquire management skills through educational offerings leading to the CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation. The SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation program trains Realtors to profitably and ethically serve the real-estate needs of clients aged 50 and above. Real-estate professionals can also maximize their potential by earning the CRS or Certified Residential Specialist designation awarded to experienced Realtors who complete advanced training in listing and selling as well as meeting rigorous production requirements.

Realtors can earn the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) through the CCIM Institute to become experts in commercial real-estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The Realtors Land Institute offers the ALC or Accredited Land Consultant for professionals engaged in land brokerage transactions. The Green Designation presented by the Green Resource Council provides ongoing education, resources and tools so that Real- tors can successfully seek out, understand and market properties with green features. Lastly, the Women’s Council of Realtors presents the Performance Management Network or PMN focusing on negotiating strategies, networking, business planning, and leadership development.

The Santa Fe Association of Realtors is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of our members. I hope you’ll keep an eye out for these designations and now better understand their meaning.

Rubel “Paco” Arguello is a Santa Fe native and chief executive of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors. Contact him at 982-8385.