Education is never a waste of time... Yes I did...

I do not have the GRI Designation however, any additional education makes YOU that much better in serving your clients ... and that ultimately equates to additional income. Best to You Teresa Cripps 

I took my GRI designation the first year, ( as I didnt know anything and didnt have  sales) It taught me about things that affected HOW to do business, and gave me new friendships that I would never have made. I feel my business increased because of what I learned and put into action.. Have taken many classes, learned a lot, but sadly, life got in the way and I havent implemented all that I was taught! 
Will you see an increase? Maybe... It isnt a magic pill, rather an additional tool in your toolbox. 
My customers dont care what alphabet I  can add to my already long enough name, the DO care , that I know what it took to gain that alphabet!

I don't have the GRI but my feeling is that designations and certifications should be taken for the knowledge and not with the expectation of increased sales. I have heard that GRI is a good designation to have but have not pursued it yet.

As most of us know, when you get out of real estate school you know very little except how to pass a test.

I got my GRI very early in my career not so much for the designation itself but because it was the most comprehensive set of classes to get good at my job. There are a lot of designations that are a waste of time and money, but if you're relatively new, I think this is an excellent one to pursue.

Can't help Teresa Cripps . I'm retired now but I never pursued any designations because I was always busy. I did become a broker and owner of a company. I would recommend going for your brokers license.

1. There is more to the aspect of earning a GRI designation than increasing sales. I believe in continually refining my skills and knowledge. At the end of the day that does translate to more sales...you just can't link them directly.

2. Real estate school to get your basic license really teaches you very little about how to be a real estate agent. GRI program (or at least the one I took 20 years ago) provides a lot of that initial practical aspect. And if you haven't been in real estate for very long, you really don't know yet what you don't know.

3. When I send referrals to other agents, I do take a look to see if they have invested in themelves and their education by earning a designation such as a GRI. And I know I've received referrals from other GRI's because I am one, myself.

4. When I meet with prospective clients, I "sell" my GRI. I explain to them that getting my license is like getting a high school diploma. Getting my broker's license is like earning a BA and my GRI is like earning my MA... you know what? They get it!

I think I would like to have that $900 back.

I feel like it was money well spent.  I enjoy all their benefits plus the classes they offer are good. . .  the more you know the further you can go.  Also they do have some good connections within your city and at National Convention

Clients probably do not care, but if you learn new skills then the designation may be worth it.

Never got it, but the education is valuable!

Worthy question Teresa....

Certifications should only be pursued for the knowledge.  They mean precious little to the public, just like being a "realtor" means precious little to them.  They have no way to know if you really even have them or what they mean.  The only thing they know is "Broker" is better than "Realtor", so that is what I would advise you to focus on.

No, & I can never get those hours back.

It was two fold for me Networking and getting Associate Broker license.

If you take GRI I - IV you do not have to take the broker course and you get the designation, plus it counts for continuing CE hours. Well worth it!

Don't make hope of more money in the pay envelop the sole reason for the adding the letters to your name. Throwing money at anything hoping for a return is the wrong reason for education Teresa Cripps IMHO. Just my .02.

I believe it's worthwhile, Teresa. I'm a big believer in continued education.

It's very difficult, IMHO, to tie sales to a specific designation.  The knowledge and increased professional self confidence you gain through the course material is what will increase your business. 

Not sure if it added any silver to the chest of gold, but it was worth the added information. What will do more for you is getting your broker's license

Not the GRI but I got a lot of other education that helps me in my business.

I earned my GRI about my third year in the business.  I found the knowledge gained in the drilling down of subjects for one entire day was fantastic.  My business did do better as I was going through the classes, but I think it was the knowledge gained, not the designation itself.

Theresa I took it so long ago but I do recall it being a very business bulding format but I don't recall if my numbers went up due to getting it. I am a big propenent of education including GRI, CRS, CRB etc.  Go for it!

For your knowledge and personal satisfaction mostly. 

In our area, phd(stanford), JD esq, mba(Harvard) matters. 

An increase in sales? Not at this point, but I did enjoy the process. I work with the Virginia Assocaiton of Realtors as a Professional Development Committee member. In VA, we're the ones who tune up the GRI program, so last year, I sat through a lot of classes to see what improvements could be made to make it more effective. Overall, I thought it was very good. Most changes would be minor, but there were a few. In VA, we're adding two hours of finance to the Working with Buyers class. We thought it would be good for agents to have a little more knowledge of the finance side when talking to clients. It's not to replace a lender or even to cross over the line, but it's designed more to help agents help clients better understand the finance side of a deal. The agent spends more time with the client than anyone. So, they could be a great resource and compliment for the lender.

What you learn is important but consumers do not care about your designations.

Education and knowledge is always good. 

Teresa,

As commercial real estate agents and brokers, we had no designations.  We did very well and kept busy.  A

GRI was the best education I have had in Real Estate. The hours also counted for my Brokers license as well. Well worth it in my opinion.

Most consumers have no clue what the letters mean after ones name. The one thing I have learned, is if the classes leading up to teach you something new, then they are worth it. 

No and no, I don’t need letters after my name to learn how to be better each day

No idea...

Going to real estate school does not prepare you for the real world of real estate.  the GRI designation does, and many different aspects.  I would highly recommend it.   It will give you the knowledge to help your clients, and they will tell other friends/colleagues.

It is good for new people to take, it opens up your mind

Early in my real estate career I know that I needed to know as much as possible about my new business. GRI courses were of special value. I felt that the knowledge gained and the designation, itself, set me apart from many of my fellow newbies.