I have a state of California real estate salesperson license.   That helps...a lot.  

In my opinion, NO, they do not help. I let my CDPE expire and don't miss it in the slightest.

ADD, OCD, OMG, LOL, and WTF.

They've all come in handy and are a huge part of my success.  

The one that will help your career is the one you feed. That means nobody in the consumer sector knows what Anthony Acosta PDQ means.

However, if you have defined your market to be within the 90 market place, those who find themselves in need of instant remedy...PDQ suggests  a message you can run with.

The reality is, none are of value to anyone except the agent who acts on the education some of them present.

Flash the following graphic to any citizen and ask them to identify "ONE" that means anything to them. Then you realize, you are in the food chain.

My Juris Doctor degree is my only remaining designation.

CPM was probably my most helpful designation for many years.

when I was active, I had 9 of them....they were a reflection of the fact that I was educated....no one knew what the initials meant....

CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES. CMRS, SFR, SPS, CDPE and unlike many, I do believe they help my business because I know how to "make hay" as to the value of these designations when dealing with prospective clients. I also have an MBA in Finance, a Broker's license and a Broker-in-Charge license.... these are invaluable in terms of my knowledge base.

It's interesting that the agents that have no designations always pooh, pooh it.

This is not about the consumer recognizing what the designation letters stand for.  I choose professionals that have designations, because I only want to do business with those that are knowledgable and have taken the initiative for higher education.

No one asks me what all the letters mean, but because I AM EDUCATED I can speak intelligently about all aspects of real estate.  

Yes, if I am competing against someone else, my knowledge from these advanced classes always wins.

Eve

Anthony,

In commercial real estate, we did not have any other than our licenses.  And we did well.  Among our clients, the designations that clients find recognized by their clients, are MBA, CPA, and JD.  The rest is alphabet soup when it comes to the public perseption.  A

I don't think the public cares about our ABC's.  

i really think people (the public) 1) dont know what they are and when WE have to explain it, it takes away. 2) they dont care... i think its like a pretty dress for a woman..it is usually to impress other women..not men :)

1 class/2 exams between me and CCIM. The skillsets are invaluable, and the level of clientele and referrals from being an Institute member have been worthwhile for my business, and I am not even pinned yet. It is expensive and tough. Many of the other letters are far easier and less valuable. But is ANY education worthless? Nope.

Anthony Acosta Broker and it has helped a lot.

GRI , ABR , CSP        My wife has CRP, GSM ,  CRS , SRES

CSP - taught me how to be a site agent for a new construction development

CRP - brought us a ton of RELO business (ERC designation )

CDPE got me through 7 years of a depreciated market as an expert and sought after short sale agent. (But, the reality was more so was the 2 years of distressed/auction/investor property college courses I took in Glendale, AZ at Noveau Riche University).

Certified Military Relo has provided me with military clinets for the last 10 years of my career.

e-Pro has not earned me a thing, but it represents how tech/online & gaget savvy I am as I incorporate a lot of tech in my marketing and sales.

CRS is next for me. I have a lot of friends I respect in CRS.

I have a lot of initials, but I don't publicize them as them as lead generation tools. The experience and the knowledge is the worth to the public.

I learned  alot from the courses.

A handful and yes the ones taken have enhanced my carreer.

ACF, Forester, Yes, they do.

A few years back my CRS was the most valuable, and probably still is.   The e-Pro sure prepared me for the Internet and CNE helps with the negotiations.

My JD has been helpful. The rest were a source of knowledge but cost a lot to maintain.

 I used to have some designations  pertinent to this industry I did not see where it really helped.

Good morning Anthony. Unfortunately the public could care less, I never share them.

The education has helped me in my business and I have gotten some referrals because I was a CRS.

I have never had a potential client ask me about certifications or designations so I no longer advertise them although I have three. The knowledge gained from the classes has been useful on many occasions so it was definitely time and money well spent.

I have a few certifications - short sale and probate ... which was helped me get business. No "designations" and it has not hurt my career.

The schooling from them helps but I have never been asked for them

They are worth what you put into them and can be a great value or no value at all.

Gri, CRS, luxury.  Luspzury is probably the most useful 

None people do not get acronyms. I don't believe in all those added classes.

Broker, GRI, ePro.  Broker yes the other 2 no.

The general public has no idea what the designations are unless you market your expertise.  I earrned the SRES and it HAS helped my business. Some of the designations carry respect, in my opinion.  Even though I do not have the CRS, my co-op transactions with agents that do are generally very good.  Some of the designations are "earned" with $295 and a 4 hour class and are not worth the paper they are printed on. I have been thinking about creating a new designation, the MDRE...Meaningless Designations in Real Estate. Send me $495 and I will send you a Certificate!

I second Michael Jacob's answer, only mine is with Florida.

RSPS has made a difference for my business. On Kauai resort and second homes defines my luxury homes niche.

CICP, CRISC, CISA, OTAD (One Truely Awesome Dude).  I'm also certified in most of the NAR disciplines by my company.

Certificates are great for your knowledge expansion.  They suck for getting a listing because the "hiring manager" (aka seller) doesn't know what they mean.

I take them more to learn then just having them after my name.

In my case, it's more numbers than letters.  My clients like that I have over. 30. Years experience and the bank has been here in Virginia for over. 100. Years as a local lender.  I do have my chamber of commerce Board member plaque in my office to show local pride but everything from the President"s award to college sheepskins are in the file cabinet.  My best credentials are the referral source that sent me this client. 

Only licenses. To get a broker licence I needed to do additional courses, one of them in appraisal, which was very helpful. Regarding designations - not sure.

I am in consent with the most. Never earned a client because I have a particular designation. However I did learn something new from the class. Example MRP - Military Relocation Program I learned alot.  Biggest return has been my broker license. 

           BROKER

                  It makes a world of difference!

I dropped my ABR. CRS has been the best in terms of ongoing education and training, networking, learning from other top agents, and referrals. And I share why it is a benefit to my buyers and sellers.

It depends on the designation or certification.

Results don't lie....thats all I know and that is all they should know

I have none.  I don't think it does anything.  I haven't lost a listing because the seller said I didn't have any letters after my name.

Real Estate Broker

Many, many others - and have let the ones that have a recurring annual fee lapse...