It is sometimes referred to as "alphabet soup" - all those letters after a Realtor's name on his or her web site, business card and anywhere else it will fit!

But what do those letters mean and how does it help a Client Buyer or Client Seller?

These letters DO tell a great deal about a particular Realtor and the education and experience he or she possesses. In turn, these acronyms should be very important to BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS!  

C.R.S. - The "Ph.D of Real Estate"

Although it is common practice for agents to list their designations in alphabetical order, the CRS is the most privileged and demanding designation to achieve.

Patsy is a member of an distinguished group of experienced and educated Realtors in San Antonio who hold the designation of, Certified Residential Specialist, or CRS. This designation is considered the "Ph.D of Real Estate."

Less than 4% of all Realtors in the United States hold this designation, which is the highest designation a Realtor can earn!

So? How will it help me, you ask?

When a Realtor chooses to become a Certified Residential Specialist, it is a commitment to education and professionalism. There is a network of professionals who are knowledgeable and have the highest commitment to excellence. The experienced CRS agent benefits his or her real estate client making a large purchase both as buyers, sellers and investors.

A.B.R. = Buyer's Agent

The following statement is from the Real Estate Buyer?s Agent Council at www.rebac.net/
"The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR?) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council ("REBAC") of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS? who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria."

Patsy and Ron are both Accredited Buyer Representatives, meaning they are recognized and experienced Buyer?s Agents.

G.R.I. - Comprehensive Education

RE/MAX International defines the GRI as:

"The Graduate Realtor Institute designation, conferred by the National Association of Realtors, is presented to Realtors who have completed a comprehensive education program in residential real estate. The program's focus is on practical real estate training.

Why Choose a Realtor? With a GRI designation? 

From www.Realtor.org ?Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest investment people make in their lifetime. And real estate transactions have become more complex. New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. So it's more important than ever that you work with an agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business. The GRI program has helped the best and the brightest in the industry achieve that level of understanding... In short, you can count on getting the best service available from a real estate professional.?

Earning this designation puts strength behind TEAM OAKLEY's experience - and behind our Clients.

e-PRO: "Future of Real Estate"

The e-PRO Realtor is on track with the latest technology and software. Ron has earned this designation and keeps TEAM OAKLEY on top of the latest advances, both on the computer and online. TEAM OAKLEY is committed to be current on Internet trends, e-marketing and information gathering. We use this medium to stay in touch with just about every single one of our clients. e-PRO is the only certification program of its kind recognized nationwide and endorsed by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS? (NAR). The e-PRO website is www.epronar.com