REALTOR® DESIGNATIONS

You are getting ready to buy or sell a home, and have gathered up the contact information for real estate professionals who seem like promising choices. You will have a good start on choosing the one best trained for your particular transaction if you can read the alphabet of qualifications after the name on the card.

The letter "R" in a box with the word "REALTOR®" underneath represents the basics. It indicates that the person whose name is on the card has completed the required coursework to earn a real estate license and has joined the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the professional society for the real estate industry. The license signifies that the agent has sufficient knowledge to complete a real estate transaction, while the REALTOR® "R" indicates that he or she has agreed to abide by the rules and ethical principles adopted by the industry.

Agents start REALTOR® graduate school almost as soon as they receive their license. Taught at the Salt Lake Board of REALTOR® and a number of real estate schools in the Valley, continuing education courses enhance an agent's practical experience. The State of Utah nominates topical subjects as core courses, and agents must complete one every two years to keep their license.

The optional graduate courses available to REALTORS® cover every aspect of service to buyers and sellers. Many lead to the designations after names. The letters signify that the agent received training in a specific field and passed the required tests. Standards set by the designating organizations are consistent across the country.

The Salt Lake Board encourages its members to acquire all the major designations, and honors REALTOR® who have made the commitment to continuing education at its yearly awards banquet. All of the awards -- and all of the designations -- are linked to the agent's accumulation of practical experience. While no one would suggest that designations are the only consideration in finding the right REALTOR® for your needs, they are a useful contribution to an informed choice.

Information above provided by the:

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®