Hey why are all those letters after your name? CRS, SRS, e-PRO, RDCPRO

Hey why are all those letters after your name? CRS, SRS ,e-PRO, RDCPRO, Premier Property Director, Broker

It is funny how many agents ask me if there is any benefit to having these multiple professional designations.

I feel the importance of designations in the field of selling Real Estate in San Diego County or any where else for that matter cannot be overstated. Over the past decade and more dramatically the housing bubble years of 2002-2007 (particularly here in California), there have been floods of new licensees looking for that perceived quick and easy income. This eager new wave brought with them some level of unprofessionalism, unpreparedness, lack of ability in varying degrees and have done little to boost our image in the eyes of the public (which seems to currently place us just a little higher than the used car salesman). Not to say that only this group of new agents benefit from more education, I believe we all benefit from higher learning and increased skill. Raising the trust of the general public toward the real estate agent will be a natural byproduct of more competent professionals doing a better service for their clients.

Now more than ever, agents need to raise the bar. Only by embracing new technologies, staying abreast of changes in the law, adjusting more rapidly to market conditions, the ability to market and network more effectively will we be at pace with this modern day marketplace and adequately represent those we serve. All of which coincidentally is a direct or indirect benefit of acquiring new designations. I have been fortunate to have had several very successful and generous agents share helpful tips over the years and one of the best pieces of advise I have received to date was simply to know my business well. The best way to know my business well other than by just knowing the inventory is to continue in education. While being stretched and challenged during this on the job training can be a fun ride, how great it is when you can do it right the first time and avoid some of the pitfalls of ignorance. I don't feel I could live and work in a better place. The pristine beaches, the perfect San Diego climate, the beautiful North County people and its healthy lifestyle tend to draw a more affluent and sometimes litigious Buyer and Seller. Those agents who don’t take this profession of selling real estate seriously will either end up in a law suit or eventually join the numerous others who are now in another line of work.

Even in challenging times as these, work can bring a type of satisfaction and enjoyment, especially when you know how to do your job well and your efforts benefit others. Then as if by cause and effect, your client base grows and the money follows.