ABR - The Accredited Buyer Representative
A buyer's agent represents the buyer in a real estate transaction for a fee; just as a seller's agent is hired to obtain the price and sale terms sought by the seller. Offered through the National Association of Realtors Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 648-6224. http://www.REBAC.net
ARM - Accredited Residential Manager
The certification awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) to specialists who manage residential properties. For more information, contact IREM at 312-329-6000. http://www.irem.org
CAI - Certified Auctioneers Institute
CCIM - Certified Commercial Investment Member
CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management, valuation, and investment analysis. The CCIM designation is offered by the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 621-7027. www.ccim.com
CAHR - Certified Affordable Housing Member
Awarded by the Columbus Board of Realtors to members who have committed their time and obtained experience in working the affordable (priced $95,000 and below) housing market. For more information, contact Lynn Hackworth at the CBR, (614) 475-4000.
CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist
Realtors who hold the CIPS designation have been involved in a number of international real estate transactions. The CIPS designation is offered by NAR's International Section, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 354-2831
CPM - Certified Property Manger
Realtors who earn the CPM are property management specialists who have successfully completed intensive training in a variety of property management skills and situations. The CPM is offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 837-0706. http://www.irem.org
CRB - Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
The CRB designation is recognized in the real estate profession as the symbol of management excellence and is awarded to brokerage owners and managers. The CRB designation is offered by the Real Estate Brokerage Manager's Council, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 621-8738. http://www.crb.com
CRE - Counselor of Real Estate
Real estate professionals who hold the CRE designation provide objective real estate advice to investors, builders and financial institutions. The designation is awarded to all members of The Counselors of Real Estate, an NAR affiliate that offers membership by invitation only, on either a self-initiated or sponsored basis. Members include practitioners of prominent real estate, financial, legal and accounting firms, as well as government and academic leaders. The Counselors of Real Estate is located at, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 312/329-8428. http://www.cre.org
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
Residential salespeople who hold the CRS designation specialize in listing properties, selling, and investing, as well as mortgage financing and computer applications. The CRS designation is offered by the Residential Sales Council, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (800) 462-8841. http://www.crs.com
EBA - Exclusive Buyer Agent
320 W. Sabal Palm Place, Ste. 150, Longwood, FL 32779 (407) 767-7700. http://www.naeba.com/
e-PRO - Internet Certification Program
The e-PRO Certification Program is designed to keep agents on top of changes and help them thrive in the world of online real estate. For more info, visit http://www.epronar.com/
GRI - Graduate, Realtor Institute
Awarded to REALTORS who complete the 90-hour course which provides sound fundamental training in the critical skills and knowledge areas of the real estate business. Awarded by the Ohio Association of Realtors, 200 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4648, (614) 228-6675. http://www.ohiorealtors.com
LTG - Leadership Training Graduate
Awarded to Realtors who have completed courses in personal and professional development. Offered by the Women's Council of Realtors (800) 245-8512. http://www.wcr.org/
MAI - Member Appraisal Institute
MAI professional membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties and advise clients on real estate investment decisions. Offered by the Appraisal Institute, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60611-1980, (312) 335-4100. http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/
RAA - Residential Accredited Appraiser
Members who hold these accreditations are state certified appraisers and must meet a specific number of hours of experience and education that exceed the state requirements. NAR's Real Estate Appraisal Section is located at 430 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 (800) 874-6500 ext. 8393. http://www.realtors.org/ and put 'RAA' in the Search field.
REBAC - Real Estate Buyers Council
Designates members of the Real Estate Buyers Council which focuses on all aspects of buyer representation. For more information, contact REBAC at (800) 648-6224. http://www.rebac.net
RLI - Realtors Land Institute
RLI was established in 1944 as a trade association for REALTORS® who specialize in the brokerage of land and currently serves over 1600 members in the United States, Canada and Mexico. There are five land categories that RLI members specialize in: 1) Brokerage of farms and ranches; 2) Brokerage of undeveloped tracts of land; 3) Brokerage of transitional and development and; 4) Subdividing land and wholesale brokerage of lots; and 5) Site selection and assemblage of land parcels. Members may earn the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation which only 1000 members have earned since its inception. Contact 800/441-LAND (5263). http://www.rliland.com
SIOR - Society of Industrial and Office Realtors
The SIOR designation recognizes a specialization in commercial real. To earn the designation, members must complete two educational courses, provide five years of documented, full-time work experience and meet a specific dollar-volume in sales and number of transactions annually, as set by the local SIOR® chapter. The SIOR is offered by the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, 700 11th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 449-8200. http://www.SIOR.com
SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist
This course of study addresses the special needs and concerns of maturing Americans when buying or selling residential or investment properties. For more information, contact the SENIOR Advantage Real Estate Marketing Program, P. O. Box 1260, Murphys, CA 95247, (800) 500-4564. http://www.seniorsrealestate.com/