From the desk of 2018 CRS President Gary Williams
When I’m out talking to REALTORS® about the value of becoming a CRS, sometimes I have trouble being succinct. For me, the quality education the Council offers and the networking opportunities for designees has been career-changing.
Joining the Council allowed me to achieve levels of success in real estate that never would have been possible without it.
This issue of The Residential Specialist is all about measuring that value. When looking for a high return on investment, there’s no better value than earning a CRS Designation. Let’s break it down:
- Education: Taking a course from the Council can provide you with the skills to grow your business. Convert one or two leads, land a new client or negotiate higher prices for your sellers because of something you learned in class, and your investment just paid for itself. I decided to travel and take classes in different states. In doing so, I met other CRSs along the way who became referral sources for me—making them even more valuable
- Referrals: As part of your dues, you have a complimentary listing in Find a CRS and the Print Referral Directory, but you also have free access to the Qualified Consumer Leads program. You don’t have to do anything other than maintain your membership, but by investing a little more of your time to get engaged with the Council and your colleagues, or by attending events like Sell-a-bration® and meeting your fellow designees, your referral possibilities increase. I can’t tell you just how many referrals I have received by going to Sell-a-bration® year after year. Giving or receiving just one referral can pay for years of dues.
- Resources: Use the resources available to you, take time to read articles, listen to webinars or podcasts or utilize the Your Home newsletter as another touch point with your sphere, and I am positive you will be rewarded in return!”
There’s no doubt in my mind that being a CRS is worth every penny I’ve invested. Sometimes it’s important to take a step back, do the math and continue to invest in yourself. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain and, of course, you’ll be way ahead the game. 
