Alphabet Soup that means zero to the public.   I get a kick out of Realtors who throw their BA behind their name nowadays.  The server at McDonalds has that same BA !

Tabitha Rector-Richardson I've only racked up six letters behind my name - BROKER. This has been the most beneficial to my business.

i like mine a lot   BS'er extraordinaire. it fits :)

As others have said, only realtors know what they mean for the most part. I took all the classes for GRI and for the most part to me it was just like going to real estate school with a bit more real world examples since everyone has worked in the business and has real world examples at that point. 

The only designation of value is the one which you give meaning.

For instance, if you are zeroing in on the distressed home owner market the CDPE provided the opportunity for the agent to advertise 'special' skills others may lack beneficial to owners of distressed real estate. 

It is like the "Milk Council," that are silent until someone chooses to give it a voice.

Like others have stated, a Cambell Soup array of letters following the agents name is pretentious and communicates to all that it is all about the agent.

Properly used SRES, (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) provides a distinguishing differentiation allowing an agent to qualify themselves to that specific market segment. 

The value is entirely what you invest in it. Otherwise maintaining an 'Andy Warhol' (Cambells Alphabet Soup) infatuation with appended letters is a liability that keeps a hand in your pocket.

Earned designation such as BROKER is recognized by the public and worthwhile to acquire.

the only designation that was sorthwhile was the CRS.... I had 9 of them....

Tabitha Rector-Richardson more important than the initial chain,  I highly value the knowledge that I've gained.

Frankly, I was a little upset to get annual bills for my ABR designation, and I let it lapse after a couple of years.  On the other hand, I keep my SRES designation current (i.e., pay the annual fee) because I think the monthly webinars are helpful.  

We have a few from years ago.  Only Realtors know what they mean.  For educational purposes and sitting in a class room with other Realtor friends they're great.  For business, they mean nothing.  I always laugh when I see a Realtors business card with all these letters next to their name and the smiley picture.  Who cares?  No one except that Realtor.

SFR and Five Star REO certified were quite useful when there were a lot more REO's but now I just use my knowledge and skills to attract new buyers and sellers.

One word answer Tabitha Rector-Richardson - NO! 

I do like those designations - never went for it as I do not find much value in it.

By far the most valuable are the CRS and the GRI. Both of these help you grow your business and work smarter.