With all the advertising you’re bombarded with all day and all the hype you hear everywhere, it’s hard to know just which real estate agent you should choose. You do, of course, want to hire the one who will do the best job for you, but how do you know just which one that is? Much as with choosing a doctor, it helps to look at training and experience as represented by those letters at the end of the name. So let’s see how real estate certifications will help you choose the right agent in Ventura County.
Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
This one of the real estate certifications is for realtors who have been accredited by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers and is a designation recognized by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). To earn the SRS certification, agents have to complete rigorous coursework pertaining to real estate sales, as well as submitting proof of successfully completed transactions in which they served solely in the capacity of sales representative. The SRS certification is something sellers should definitely look for in an agent.
Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)
ABR is one to the real estate certifications that buyers should be on the lookout for when choosing the right agent in Ventura County. This accreditation is conferred by the Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, which falls under the umbrella of the NAR. It is another certification that involves rigorous coursework, as with the SRS. And again candidates must provide documentation of successful closings in which they served as buyer’s agent only, with dual agency disallowed.
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Conferred by the Council of Residential Specialists, the CRS title goes only to the top tier of agents, managers, and brokers. The CRS is outstanding among real estate certifications because it represents what is known as a “triple threat.” That is, agents with this certification have over agents without it an average of triple the time in the business, three times the number of transactions, and three times the sales revenue generated.
Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS)
If you’re an investor and not looking to buy or sell a primary residence, this certification will definitely be of interest to you. An agent with CIAS certification can help you skirt the many investing pitfalls and assist you in realizing a return on your investment.
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES)
If you’re involved with probate and are an executor charged with selling a probate property, then this is one of the real estate certifications that will help you choose the right agent in Ventura County. Agents with CPRES certification get their training through the US Probate Services.
Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
Recognized by the NAR, this important one of the real estate certifications can be a boon to current or former military personnel facing relocation –especially today when so many people are returning from a recent deployment. Real estate agents with this certification are thoroughly familiar with the requirements of Permanent Change of Station moves, and they are conversant with VA financing.
Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
With our growing older population, this is one of the real estate certifications that is becoming increasingly more important. SRES certification provides agents with the training they need to advise clients about reverse mortgages and to ensure they are treated fairly in any transaction. So if you’re over 50 and need to buy or sell, seek out an agent with the SRES letters appended to her name.
So real estate certifications can indeed help you choose the right agent in Ventura County. Now you just need to know where to find the agents with these certifications. We’ve got you covered there. Contact us today! 805-232-8503