From the desk of 2017 CRS President Leigh Brown
You’re reading this article because you took the next step in your real estate career. You invested your time and your hard-won dollars in creating a different future for your clients, your business and yourself.
You know that not every REALTOR® is a CRS—although I, for one, sure do wish that all REALTORS® would take this step to realize what a difference it makes! Part of what sets each CRS apart is our desire to always stretch above the norm, raising the bar, REALTOR® by REALTOR®. This is evidenced by the strong outpouring of cheers and support for the new Designation Education Maintenance Requirement
of two hours of CRS education annually!
Now, you’ll know that you’re not only sending referrals to and masterminding with the folks who did the work initially, but that you’re one of the dedicated who know that education makes us better, no matter how good you already are. These two hours can be completed via webinars, attending a live classroom course, taking an eLearning online course, or going to state and local events. The options are extensive! And there are even many free opportunities to achieve your credits. Check out CRS.com/free-webinar-library for more information.
Think about it: No other residential real estate designation has an education maintenance requirement. This is a defining moment for us to showcase to the REALTOR® community, and to the consumers who desire the best, that the best never rest.
I’m so proud to be affiliated with each and every one of you. I’m excited for the future of our industry, with CRS members at the forefront. You are the REALTORS® without fear and without limits. Within the REALTOR® community, it’s already known that the CRS Designation is the mark of the professional. Consumers are starting to get that picture, too, and that will grow as we take on the challenge of rising above the bar.
Let’s get after it—together. 
