Active Rain Official Real Estate Designation! Are you an AR agent?

There are many professional designations floating around and many agents who are quick to add any 2 or 3 initials after their name that they think might impress their clients or other industry members. Now some of these accredations are pretty impressive and some of them actually take some time and effort to achieve, but some of them and handed out like sheepskins from a Caribbean diploma mill to anyone who will pay for them.

As I look down this list of industry designations, one that strikes me as being overlooked and undervalued is the AR designation. That is right, I am suggesting that there is a new designation handed out by the AR community to those who are proficient AR members. Of course the requirements to obtain this valuable credential would need to be developed, you can't just sign up and buy and outside blog and tag yourself an official AR.

A minimum standard of 3 months membership, 100 blogs posted, 1000 comments posted, 200 comments received, at least 1 featured post, a minimum of 5 members referred, and an outside blog subscription should be adequate to make this designation available to the deserving members of the AR community. It is substantial enough requirements to demonstrate an official presence here at AR as well as a committment to the community.

What do you think, does it make sense to you.

Robert May, AR.

Residential Real Estate Sales
ABR® - Accredited Buyer Representative This real estate designation is geared to REALTORS® who wish to incorporate buyer representation into their daily practice. Managed by Real Estate Agent Buyer's Council In association with The National Association of REALTORS®
ABRM - Accredited Buyer Representative Manager This real estate designation is geared to REALTORS®, owners and managers that have or wish to incorporate buyer representation into their daily practice. Managed by Real Estate Agent Buyer's Council In association with The National Association of REALTORS®
AHS – Accredited Home-Staging Specialist This course enables agents to gain a quick grasp and basic knowledge of the most important elements involving the staging of a property and home for sale. Managed by the Council of Home Staging Specialist In association with RealtyU Group
AHWD - At Home with Diversity This certification is geared toward increasing an agent's sensitivity towards a wide range of cultural issues, thus inviting a wider volume of business from a greater variety of cultures. Coordinated by The National Association of REALTORS®
ALHS - Accredited Luxury Home Specialist This real estate designation is awarded to agents that have completed advanced training and work in the field of selling luxury homes. Managed by The Luxury Home Council In association with RealtyU Group
AREP® - Accredited Real Estate Professional Awarded to real estate agents that have completed an introductory course that deals with the fundamentals of getting your real estate business up and running. Managed by The Real Estate Professionals Society In association with RealtyU Group
ASP® – Accredited Staging Professional This program has been developed to assist home owners to present their homes for sale in the best possible way. This designation has a special course for agents (ASPRE) and an advanced master level (ASPM) Managed by International Association of Home Staging Professionals
® - This designation is geared towards improving the skills of real estate professionals working with home sellers.
C-CREC - Consumer Certified Real Estate Consultant This real estate designation is geared toward helping professionals focus on what consumers want from today's real estate professionals, not just what the industry has to offer. Managed by the National Association of Real Estate Consultants
CBR – Certified Buyer Representative This real estate designation is geared to real estate agents who wish to incorporate buyer representation into their daily practice. Managed by RealNet Learning Services
EcoBroker Certified® A program for real estate professionals and industry affiliates who care about our environment and who want to take advantage of the green marketing opportunities. Managed by EcoBroker International
CBS - Certified Buyer Specialist Shows agents how to develop an online relationship early in the buying process to attract those consumers to your website. Managed by Prospecting for Life
CEBA – Certified Exclusive Buyers Agent Certification coordinated by National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents	No Logo
CFS - Certified Financial Specialist This real estate designation is geared toward residential financing principles, techniques and programs developed by the Residential Financing Council. Managed by The Residential Financing Council
CLHMS - Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist This real estate designation is geared to position agents as an expert for affluent buyers and sellers. Managed by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
CNE – Certified Negotiation Expert Provides real estate agents provide negotiation training to enable agents to better results in all different types and situations of negotiations. Managed by the Tom Hayden In association with RealtyU Group
CNS – Certified Neighborhood Specialist Provides real estate agents the ability to obtain an intimate knowledge of the specifics of a neighborhood thereby enabling them to become the local neighborhood expert. Managed by the Neighborhood Specialists Council In association with RealtyU Group
CRB - Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager This real estate designation is geared toward REALTORS® that consistently increase their level of industry knowledge and increase their firm's profitability. Managed by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers In association with The National Association of REALTORS®
CRE - Counselor of Real Estate Bestowed by invitation only real estate advisors who have been recognized by their peers and clients for their high level knowledge, experience, and integrity. Managed by The Counselors of Real Estate In association with The National Association of REALTORS®
CRIA - Certified Realty Investment Associate Covers the practical aspects of Commercial and Investment real estate such as dealing with clients and in transactions with other agents. Managed by the Realty Investment Association of California
CSP – Certified Short-Sale Professional This real estate designation is awarded to people who complete advanced training how to handle short sales and foreclosures. Managed by Council of Short-Sales Professionals In association with RealtyU Group
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist This real estate designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling. Managed by the Council of Residential Specialists In association with The National Association of REALTORS®
CSS – Certified Staging Specialist Certifies people that have proven their practical knowledge of staging. Managed by theBarbara Jennings
GHS – Generational Housing Specialist Seniors, Boomers, X’ers and Y’ers. This real estate course covers all generations and teaches agents how to communicate, work, sell and manage buyers and sellers of all ages. Managed by the Generational Housing Society In association with RealtyU Group
GRI - Graduate REALTOR Institute This real estate designation is geared towards REALTORS® that are involved in residential real estate and desire a solid base of information for their practice. Managed by The National Association of REALTORS®
HSR – Home Staging Resource Self paced, online, 21-day intensive training on all aspects of interior decorating. Managed by Home Staging Resource, Inc
IMC - Internet Marketing Certified Positions agents as the expert in marketing properties online. Managed by Prospecting for Life
MIRM - Member, Institute of Residential Marketing. The top-level achievement for real estate professionals in new home marketing. Managed by The National Association of Home Builders
The Master of Real Estate (MRE) The MRE designation signifies a broker dedicated to the highest professional development and the highest levels of customer service Managed by Van Education Center
MSP –Master Sales Professional In order to earn the Master Sales Professional designation, Master Sales Association an agent must complete a variety of courses, mentoring and sales performance requirements. Managed by the Mastery Sales Association	No Logo
PME – Property Marketing Expert Positions agents as the expert in marketing of property. Managed by Prospecting for Life
PMN - Performance Management Network. Geared to bring you the real-world skills, the know-how and the tools that will keep your business out front and on top of a lighting-fast market. Managed by the Women's Council of REALTORS® In association with The National Association of REALTORS®
QSC - Quality Service Certification. This certification is for sales professionals willing to be held to a standard, which requires accountability, reliability and consistency - the ongoing delivery of quality service on each transaction. Managed by Quality Service Certification, Inc.
REPA - Real Estate Professional Assistant This certification is geared to provide an intensive introduction to the real estate business and to the specific ways support staff can become valuable assets to their employers. Certification coordinated by The National Association of REALTORS®
RSPS – Resort & Second-Home Markets Certification Certification requirements include the NAR Resort & Second-Home Market Course, the RLI Tax-Deferred (1031) Exchange Course and nine different electives. Certification coordinated by The National Association of REALTORS®
SHS – Senior Housing Specialist The certification program trains real estate agents to understand, work and serve the needs of senior home buyers and sellers. Certification coordinated by TABS In association with RealtyU Group
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist The program trains REALTORS® to profitably and ethically serve the real estate needs of clients age 50+. Managed by Real Estate Agent Buyer's Council In association with The National Association of REALTORS®
SRS - Seller Representative Specialist This designation is geared toward proving the skills of real estate professionals regarding listings and working with sellers. Managed by the SRS Council
International Designations and Certifications
CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist This real estate designation is geared to REALTORS® that have demonstrated their international experience and participate in international programs offered by NAR. Managed by The National Association of REALTORS®
IRES – International Real Estate Specialist An international certification helping agents understand the second home luxury market. Managed by The International Luxury Society
TRC - Transnational Referral Certification. This certification is to prepare agents to use the Transnational Referral system developed by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations-ICREA. Coordinated by The National Association of REALTORS®
Relocation Designations and Certifications
CRP - Certified Relocation Professional This real estate designation is geared toward professionals who have demonstrated a minimum of two years' experience dealing with relocation issues. Managed by the Employee Relocation Council
CRTS – Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist Course training for those beginning in the senior move industry. The program advances to a master level CRTM after 3 years of experience and additional CE courses. Managed by International Association of Home Staging Professionals
Property Management Designations
ARM - Accredited Residential Manager This real estate certification reflects today's management practices and new ideas. Certification coordinated by The Institute of Real Estate Management	No Logo
CAM - Certified Apartment Manager. Nationally recognized education program for people who own or manage rental property. Managed by The National Apartment Association
CLP - Certified Leasing Professional The program enables agents to improve their knowledge regarding multifamily leasing and selling skills. Managed by The National Association of Home Builders
CPM - Certified Property Manager Real estate management skills through educational offerings, leading in every area of real estate management from residential to commercial to industrial. Managed by The Institute of Real Estate Management
RAM - Registered in Apartment Management. RAM is a designation program offered to property management professionals. Managed by The National Association of Home Builders
Farmland, Industrial & Commercial
AAC - Accredited Agricultural Consultant You must meet specific skill and experience levels, take and pass all required coursework, and meet all other requirements established by the ASFMRA. Managed by American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers	No Logo
AFM - Accredited Farm Manager You must meet specific skill and experience levels, take and pass all required coursework, and meet all other requirements established by the ASFMRA. Managed by American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers	No Logo
ALC - Accredited Land Consultant This real estate designation is geared to REALTORS® that specialize in land brokerage transactions such as farms and ranches; undeveloped tracts of land; transitional and development land; subdivision and wholesaling of lots; and site selection and assemblage of land parcels. Managed by American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
CCIM - Certified Commercial Investment Member This real estate designation is geared to REALTORS® in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management valuation and investment analysis. Managed by the CCIM Institute In association with NAR
CREP - Commercial Real Estate Professionals Society Awarded to real estate agents that have completed a certified commercial course that deals with the fundamentals of conducting commercial real estate transactions. Managed by The Real Estate Professionals Society In association with RealtyU Group
SIOR - Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®. This real estate designation is geared towards Realtors® in industrial and office real estate brokerage. Managed by the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® In association with NAR
Construction Designations & Certifications
CMP -Certified New Home Marketing Professional Mid-level designation for Institute of Residential Marketing students who have completed their marketing courses. Managed by The National Association of Home Builders
CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist Join more than 30,000 professionals and enjoy real estate’s most popular and comprehensive training for working successfully with builders, developers and new home buyers in all areas of new home sales and marketing. Managed by Dennis Walsh and Associates
CSP - Certified New Home Sales Professional Designed for specialists in new home sales to increase their marketability in the home building industry, and sell more homes. This course also has a Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (MCSP) level. Managed by The National Association of Home Builders
Residential Construction Certified (RCC) For real estate professionals active in either Resale or New Home business, Residential Construction Certified delivers the most comprehensive training covering materials, methods, terminology and details of residential construction. Managed by Dennis Walsh and Associates
Mortgage Designations and Certifications
AMP - Accredited Mortgage Professional Recognizes the achievements for pursuit of educational excellence by completing all three levels at the School of Mortgage Banking. Managed by CampusMBA's School of Mortgage Banking
CMB - Certified Mortgage Banker The industry standard of professional success. It symbolizes respect, credibility, ethics, and achievement within real estate finance. Earning a CMB instantly places you at the top of your dynamic industry and makes you a part of the elite group that has achieved the highest level of professional success. Managed by CampusMBA's School of Mortgage Banking
CMS - Certified Mortgage Servicer Recognizes an individual's superior knowledge and experience in residential servicing practices, theories and applications. This specialist designation has three tracks: default administration, financial controls and investor administration and loan administration. Managed by CampusMBA's School of Mortgage Banking
CMT - Certified Mortgage Technologist Demonstrates a solid technological foundation in mortgage banking operations through a combination of experience, education and industry participation. Managed by CampusMBA's School of Mortgage Banking
CRU - Certified Residential Underwriter Reflects an individual's superior knowledge, experience, education and industry participation in pursuit of excellence in residential underwriting. Managed by CampusMBA's School of Mortgage Banking
CMPS – Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist A training, certification and ongoing membership program for financial professionals who provide mortgage and real estate equity advice. Managed by CMPS Institute
MREP - Mortgage Real Estate Professional. This certification e agents upon completion of a certified mortgage or finance course that incorporates the fundamentals of the lending process. Managed by The Real Estate Professionals Society
Appraisal & Home Inspection Designations and Certifications
ARA - Accredited Rural Appraiser You must meet specific skill and experience levels, take and pass all required coursework, and meet all other requirements established by the ASFMRA. Managed by American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers	No Logo
ASA - Accredited Senior Appraiser Accreditation is based on appraisal education, experience, intensive written examinations and submission of acceptable appraisal reports. Managed by The American Society of Appraisers
CREA - Certified Real Estate Appraiser Certification coordinated by The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers	No Logo
MAI – Member Appraisal Institute Awarded to appraisers who are experienced in the valuation and evaluation of commercial, industrial, residential and other types of properties, and who advise clients on real estate investment decisions. Managed by The Appraisal Institute
MFLA - Master Farm and Land Appraiser Granted upon presentation of evidence of extensive practical experience in real estate appraisal, completion of classroom study and testing. Managed by The National Association of Master Appraisers	No Logo
GAA - General Accredited Appraiser This real estate designation is geared toward appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification requirements and is supported by the NAR. Managed by The National Association of REALTORS®
RAA - Residential Accredited Appraiser. This real estate designation is geared toward appraisers whose education and experience exceed state appraisal certification. Managed by National Association of REALTORS®
RPRA - Real Property Review Appraiser You must meet specific skill and experience levels, take and pass all required coursework, and meet all other requirements established by the ASFMRA. Managed by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers	No Logo
SRA The SRA professional membership designation is held by real estate solutions providers who are experienced in the analysis and valuation of residential real property. Managed by The Appraisal Institute
SRPA The SRPA membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential and other types of property. Managed by The Appraisal Institute
Technology & Internet Designations & Certifications
e-PRO® Training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. More than just technology but how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people-skills, into doing more business on the Internet. Certification coordinated by The National Association of REALTORS®
RECS - Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist This certification is geared to let clients know of your proficiency in serving the public with recognized skills for utilizing CyberSpace marketing programs and for effectively adopting special technology and networking systems. Coordinated by the Real Estate CyberSpace Society
REW - Real Estate Webographer This certification helps real estate agents in determining where they should invest their resources to generate leads, acquire new clients, advertise and facilitate closings and how to develop and maintain an effective business strategy in a web-based environment. Coordinate by the National Institute of Webographers

Here are a few of my favorite past articles from my Lethbridge real estate and mortgage blog you might have missed or wish to recommend them to a friend.

Common Financial Problems - Avoid these financial mistakes
Get Your Credit Score UP - Invaluable insight into your credit score
Mortgage Guidelines Get Tighter - Harder and harder to borrow money
Is Your Mortgage Company Out of Business in 2009? - What to do when your bank goes broke
What is wrong with MLS - Is your info being abused?
Survivor - Real Estate Edition - Let's vote a few more off the island

Robert May is a Realtor, as well as the broker and owner of Rainbow Realty of Lethbridge Alberta. He is also a licensed mortgage associate and financing expert with Canada First Mortgage of Calgary Alberta. He has been in the real estate industry since 1993 and offers full MLS real estate services to Lethbridge and surrounding area, as well as mortgage financing, refinancing/renewals, preapprovals, and home equity financing to Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. He can be found online at www.LethbridgeLoans.com

Let me share my 15 years experience in the local Lethbridge real estate and financing market with you! It is the first step towards making a profitable real estate decision.

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