For many agents, getting a state license is all of the formal education they will receive for their career in real estate. A smaller group of Realtors has completed the Graduate Realtor Institute, or GRI, taking their real estate education to a higher level.
What is the Graduate Realtor Institute?
The Graduate Realtor Institute is an advanced real estate course designed to enhance the abilities and knowledge of real estate agents to better serve their clients.
The GRI course includes more depth of knowledge on topics including emerging real estate technologies, new real estate laws and regulations, and best practices for procedures on the sale of properties.
On average, Realtors with the GRI designation earn a median income of $61,000 per year compared to $33,500 for non-designees. Approximately 19% of Realtors have completed the GRI.
How Does an Agent Earn the Graduate Realtor Institute Designation?
To be eligible for the Graduate Realtor Institute, an agent must be a member of the National Association of Realtors with a current membership in good standing. From there, the agent must complete a 90-hour course with requirements set by the state level organization of the National Association of Realtors.
For example, in my home state, agents must complete a series of real estate courses including beginner level courses and advanced courses on 1031 Exchanges, marketing, negotiation, and agency management. In Texas, agents must complete courses on finance, marketing, and brokerage management.
Benefits of a Graduate Realtor Institute Designated Agent
GRI designated agents have 90 additional hours of coursework over their counterparts who have not completed the GRI, and their higher earnings are a testament to the value of the education and agents willing to put in extra work.
With a GRI agent, you know that, as a seller, your property will be featured on all prominent MLS sites, your property will be marketed to its full potential, and your agent has the experience and knowledge to price the property well and sell it for the best price possible.
As a buyer, you can be confident that a GRI Realtor will use the best technologies possible to aid in your search and has experience negotiating the best price on your next home.
In both situations, you have the advantage of:
- Advanced knowledge on state laws and regulations
- Best practices for real estate marketing
- Cutting-edge skill with real estate technologies and tools
- Education and experience you can trust
How to Find an Graduate Realtor Institute Designated Agent
Are you looking to buy or sell a home and want to be represented by a Graduate Realtor Institute designated agent? Look for the GRI logo on your agent’s website or use the powerful search engine at AgentHarvest to find an agent near you.
AgentHarvest offers the best tools and information to find the best agent for your needs. Not all agents are alike, and not all clients are alike. Find the best real estate agent for your situation at AgentHarvest.
If you are buying or selling a house and are looking to hire a successful real estate agent to help you through the process, take a look at AgentHarvest's list of top-ranking local Realtors in your area. We found these agents by examining their sales track records, awards, rankings, client testimonials and by conducting personal interviews.