Ep. 37: High on Designations

In this episode of Hustle Humbly, we’re diving into the world of realtor designations—what they are, whether they’re worth the investment, and how to decide which ones are right for you. With so many agents using those “alphabet soup” letters after their names, we break down what those letters actually mean and how designations can help grow your business. Especially during quarantine, many realtors are using their time to complete CE and explore niche education opportunities. This episode helps you figure out where to start.

What Is a Realtor Designation?

A real estate designation is an official certification that shows you’ve completed additional training in a specific area of real estate. Whether it’s working with buyers, sellers, investors, land sales, or seniors, there’s a designation to help you specialize and boost your credibility. These designations are often offered by NAR and come with ongoing membership dues, access to exclusive resources, and marketing tools.

Are Designations Worth It?

We’ll be honest—designations aren’t cheap. Annual renewals can range from $100–$200, and some require multiple-day courses or production minimums. However, the classes are often higher quality than typical CE courses and offer practical, actionable strategies. If you’re investing in yourself and want to gain specialized knowledge, realtor designations can be a smart move.

Choosing the Right Designation

Don’t let your Enneagram 3 side talk you into collecting all the designations just to check boxes. Instead, ask yourself: What type of real estate do I want to focus on? Choose a designation that fits your goals and strengths. For example, if you enjoy working with seniors, you might benefit from the SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist). If you want to become a listing expert, the SRS (Seller Representative Specialist) could help.

Confidence and Credibility

Designations build your confidence. If you’re newer to the business and don’t yet have big sales numbers, a designation gives you credibility when meeting with clients. Saying you’ve completed specialized training like the ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) or CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) shows you take your job seriously and positions you as a professional.

Referrals, Networking, and Opportunity

Belonging to a designation-based organization can lead to more referrals and networking opportunities. Katie shares how her CRS designation led to receiving and sending out-of-state referrals, thanks to the trust built through shared professional standards. These networks also offer high-quality webinars, events, and exclusive educational content that continue to support your growth.

Top Realtor Designations to Consider

• ABR – Accredited Buyer’s Representative

• SRS – Seller Representative Specialist

• CRS – Certified Residential Specialist

• GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute

• SRES – Seniors Real Estate Specialist

• CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist

• ALC – Accredited Land Consultant

• CCIM – Certified Commercial Investment Member

• e-PRO – Technology and digital marketing certification

• PSA – Pricing Strategy Advisor

Each of these offers a unique niche to build your business around and gives you tools to better serve your clients.

Final Thoughts on Realtor Designations

If you’re looking to improve your skills, stand out in a competitive market, and boost your income, realtor designations are a great step. Choose one that aligns with your business goals and commit to learning. You don’t need every certification—just the ones that support the career you’re building.

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