FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM FEBRUARY 8, 2018 • QUEENS BUSINESS • THE QUEENS COURIER 43
REALTOR® Designations —
THE MARK OF EXPERTISE AND SERVICES
While all licensed real estate agents must meet the minimum requirements of their state laws, you may also have
noticed a string of letters attached to the REALTOR®’s name on a business card. These abbreviations mean that the agent
has taken additional courses, has documented experience and has passed a test to earn a particular designation. The
following list of designations shows the most common designations and what they mean to you as a buyer and seller.
ABR — Accredited Buyer Representative: As a buyer,
you may want to look for someone with this designation
since it means the agent has taken a course in buyer
representation, passed the test and has extensive
experience with buyers.
CIPS — Certified International Property Specialist: If you
want to buy overseas or you’re from another country and want
to buy in the United States, a CIPS designation means the
REALTOR® has specialized in the international marketplace.
CRS — Certified Residential Specialist: The CRS
designation is the highest credential awarded to residential
sales agents, managers, and brokers. If you want a
REALTOR® with more experience and access to a network
of other highly successful agents, you may want to look
for one with a CRS who therefore has advanced training
as a listing agent and buyers’ agent.
GRI — Graduate REALTOR® Institute: Graduates of the
REALTOR® Institute have received extensive additional
education related to residential real estate, have gained
in-depth market knowledge, and increased proficiency in
a broad array of subjects to enhance professionalism and
business success.
SRES — Seniors Real Estate Specialist: REALTORS® with
this designation have expertise meeting the needs of
buyers and sellers over age 50, the real estate needs of the
fastest growing market in real estate.
To search for a REALTOR® by one of these beneficial designations, visit:
http://www.lirealtor.com/realtor-search
S e r v i n g Q u e e n s , N a s s a u , & S u f f o l k www.LIRealtor.com
The Long Island Board of REALTORS®, Inc. (LIBOR) is a not-for-profit trade association representing 25,000 Real Estate professionals
working throughout Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Counties. Charlotte Van der Waag is currently serving as the 2018 LIBOR President.