I decided to earn my CRS designation just a year ago for a number of reasons.

• First, education has always been important to me...perhaps instilled by my parents. Guess that's why, in part, I decided to go to graduate school in psychology (that's a story for another time). I had heard great things about the classes that are offered and felt that it could contribute much to my knowledge as a REALTOR. I have found the classes that I took (referral, technology, listing strategies, buyer strategies) to be terrific learning, with great instructors. Our industry has been criticized for a long time about the quality of many of its practitioners, and many agents themselves feel that the licensing process in many states is too simple, and that many who practice real estate are not qualified to do so. I feel the CRS classes go a long way toward advancing the skills and knowledge of those who earn the designation. The classes I have taken provided me with substantial knowledge and techniques to better serve my buyer and seller clients, Adan to further my real estate business. With the changes that have occurred in the market and the use of technology it it critical that our classes continue to be modified and updated, to reflect current conditions and issues.
• I also saw a value in the networking potential, among an elite group of practitioners nationally - yet another way to learn more about the business and share ideas with REALTORS from other states, in different markets, and with other issues. The annual Sell-a-Bration Convention is a great example of the networking, and continuing education, possibilities. 
• Finally, the opportunity to share referrals, in both directions, is enormous, and the many stories of CRS members who have found others to refer to or who have received referrals, is testimony to the success of the CRS referral network. I have a particular interest in relocation, having done so 4 times myself and from assisting many others move around the country.

Visit the CRS website for more on the Value of Becoming a CRS.

So why did YOU decide to become a CRS?