Real Estate Accreditations: What are they and why are they Important?The AgentHarvest Blog

AgentHarvest, a premier real estate agent directory used by people all over America to find top real estate agents, has recently completed a series highlighting the most popular real estate accreditations in America.

What are Real Estate Accreditations?

Real estate accreditations, or designations, represent additional specialization and qualifications for a certain market or type of home above what is required by state licenses and National Association of Realtor requirements.

Real estate accreditation generally requires a combination of classroom or online learning, an exam, and may include an experience requirement as an agent leading the purchase or sales of related properties.

Some accreditations are officially recognized by the National Association of Realtors, and others are sponsored by industry groups or companies with a specialty working with a certain market, such as distressed properties or luxury properties.

Why are Real Estate Accreditations Important?

Anyone with a good work ethic can become a real estate agent. But what sets top real estate agents apart from the rest? Weeding through the bad agents to find the best agents for your needs can be stressful and take a lot of time. Anything that makes your real estate agent search easier can save hours of headache.

Only agents who took extra initiative to serve a specific market and have met all requirements can claim a designation, and those are agents who generally stand out from the crowd for their expertise, knowledge, and experience.

Popular Real Estate Accreditations

Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) – These agents are specialists in helping buyers find and purchase the ideal property to meet their needs and budget.

Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) – For affluent buyers and sellers dealing with high end properties, an ALHS is experienced in dealing with high value properties.

Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) – Selling a home can be difficult in any circumstances, but making the property look like home to prospective buyers can drive up bids and prices. Quality staging should not be overlooked!

Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) – Foreclosures and short sales are a common target for investors looking to find a bargain property. A CDPE is an expert in this type of property and can help you find a distressed property that meets your needs.

Certified Luxury Home Market Specialist (CLHMS) – Luxury homes and high-end properties are often clustered together in luxury home neighborhoods. A CLHMS has deep knowledge of these markets.

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) – Negotiations are a central piece of buying and selling real estate. Having a qualified negotiator on your side can save you (or make you) tens of thousands of dollars on a real estate transaction.

Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) – CPRES agents are certified by US Probate Services as experts on will, estate settlements, conservatorships, and the legal and financial ramifications of wills and trusts.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) – A CRS is an agent that has real experience and knowledge working on residential property purchases and sales.

Certified Urban Expert (CUE) – CUE agents are experts with downtown and urban properties. If you want to buy or sell a property in an urban core, these agents are right for you.

Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) – Realtors looking to increase their education and experience can earn the GRI designation, which demonstrates all around education, experience, and skills.

International Real Estate Specialist (IRES) – Every country has different laws and regulations regarding real estate purchases. Whether you are a foreign resident looking to buy in the United States or an American looking to buy abroad, an IRES agent can help.

Real Estate Investment Advisor (REIA) – These agents have a specialty in helping identify and purchase investment properties for investors looking to expand or liquidate their portfolio.

Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) – The RSPS designation is reserved for agents with a specialization in second homes, vacation homes, and investment properties in popular resort and retirement destinations such as Florida and Arizona.

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) – The aging population is booming, and elderly and retired families have very different needs from their younger counterparts. An SRES is an expert with retirement focused communities and property requirements for aging individuals who still want to own their own home.

Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) – Short sales and foreclosures were front-page news at the start of the Great Recession. While they are less common today, short sales and foreclosures are still a great investment opportunity for real estate investors and fix-and-flip searches.

VA & Military Real Estate Specialist (VAMRES) – Military veterans and active duty service members can look to a VAMRES agent for assistance looking for properties near military bases and for extra help buying a property with a VA loan.

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.