Real Estate Awards and Achievements

Awarded by the Buyer’s Council of the National Association of Realtors, the ABR designation is the most widely recognized credential for agents who specialize in representing buyers. The job of a buyer’s representative is to advocate for the buyer, not the seller. A buyer’s agent has a fiduciary responsibility to solely represent the interests of the buyer with confidentiality, loyalty and the utmost care. A buyer’s agent is trained to help buyers in the following ways: assist the buyer in identifying home preferences and priorities, suggest financing alternatives, provide information about home inspectors and other professionals involved in the home buying process, provide local community information, show properties that meet the buyer’s criteria, explain forms and agreements, establish contingencies that protect the buyer, assist in negotiations, keep information confidential, and serve as the buyer’s guide throughout the home buying process. To earn the ABR designation, Realtors must complete advanced training on issues that are unique to home buyers, and document a history of successfully representing buyers. Realtors must also abide by a strict code of ethics established by the National Association of Realtors.

Established in 1998 by the National Association of Realtors, the AHWD certification is awarded to Realtors who are trained regarding cultural diversity, outreach, and have made a commitment to a set of diversity principles. The training, built around the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Act, provides information to Realtors about: demographic statistics and trends that continue to shape America into a multicultural society, tips for developing an inclusive business plan that will help Realtors adapt to future market trends, actions Realtors can take to challenge stereotypes, assumptions and biases, information about business etiquette for different cultures, and tips on how best work with diverse clients to achieve positive outcomes. Realtors who have earned the AWHD certification are trained to promote diversity, fair housing and inclusiveness.

Awarded to about 1000 agents in the United States, the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation is the most widely recognized international designation in the real estate industry. CIPS-designated Realtors are focused on working with “international” clients. Some Realtors with the designation assist U.S. clients buy and sell properties in other countries. Other Realtors with the CIPS designation focus on helping foreign clients buy properties in the United States. To earn the CIPS designation, Realtors must document previous experience handling international transactions and complete an intensive seven days course of training, which includes a two-day course on International Real Estate for Local Markets, and three of the following four courses: Europe and International Real Estate; Asia / Pacific & International Real Estate; The Americas and International Real Estate; and The Middle East and Africa & International Real Estate. All CIPS Realtors are trained to understand international economies, capital flow and history of foreign capital, currency exchange rates, economic and social factors in capital investment, market assessment techniques, trends and forecasts, U.S. Tax Laws, tax treaties, state/local regulations, cultural differences, foreign client expectations, transaction problems, etc.

NAR’S GREEN DESIGNATION

 NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS® who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals. Realtors who hold the GREEN designation understand what makes a property green, can assist clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, can distinguish between industry rating and classification systems, know how to list and market green homes and buildings, and can advise buyers and sellers about financial grants and incentives available to homeowners.