Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI)

What Does The GRI Symbol Stand For?

The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made a commitment to providing a superior level of professional services by earning the GRI designation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.

Why Choose a REALTOR® With a GRI designation?

Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.

New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.

So it's more important than ever that you work with an agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business. The GRI program has helped the best and the brightest in the industry achieve that level of understanding.

• Nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry
• Professionally trained
• Knowledgeable
• Dedicated to bringing you quality service

A GRI Can Make A Difference !!!

When you see the letters "GRI" after an agent's name, you can count on receiving the knowledge and guidance you need to make your transaction go smoothly. In short, you can count on getting the best service available from a real estate professional.

e-Pro

What is an e-PRO —— and why should you use one?

A short guide for the Internet consumer

When you're on the Internet, you don't have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you'd like a real estate agent who

• Answers e-mail promptly and professionally.
• Respects your on-line privacy.
• Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home.
• Enter the e-PRO.

An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today's consumer really wants.

What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional.

More privacy

Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web isn't just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust.

That's why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.

Less hassle

Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:

• On-line home tours
• Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data
• Extensive property listings
• Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria
• Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information——even potential buyers——from other e-PROs
• Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area
• Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail
• Advanced software, PDAs, and laptops to find you answers on the spot

The result: you get more information, more easily. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.

Less expense

An e-PRO's access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you're likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings——and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.

Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you're in town——or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you've decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.

Should you use an e-PRO? Yes——especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want——and need.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

What's a CRS?

The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education.

Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements. Currently, there are more than 34,000 active CRS Designees. Less than 4% of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS membership qualifies for this prestigious designation.

Why Use a CRS?

Today, home buying and selling is faster, more complex, and more competitive in every way. Our goal is to make the process a little easier for you. The first step is choosing the right REALTOR.

Experience: To earn the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation, every REALTOR must have significant experience and volume of real estate transactions.

Education: To qualify for the CRS Designation, every REALTOR must have attend and pass, with a score of 90% or better, an extensive battery of additional coursework relevant to today's real estate industry.

Ethics: Every CRS Designee is required to maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and to abide by its strict Code of Ethics.

A Focus on Home Buying and Selling: To help make the home buying and selling process more rewarding, every CRS Designee must have a proven track record in the business, as well as advanced education in related areas like finance, technology and marketing. Work with the top 4 percent.

Technology Expertise: The training available to CRS Designees includes a strong focus on technology and its applications in the real estate business.