Not all real estate professionals have the same level of experience or dedication.

Realtors who go to the extra effort of putting in the time and experience and expense to acquire designations are not only showing special interest in their business, they are demonstrating a desire to achieve a higher professional image in the eyes of the public. It is these Realtors who have more experience in real estate specialties such as buyers' agency, relocation, property management, and more.

That is not to say that you wouldn't be as well served by someone who is new to the field, or a veteran who doesn't have extra credentials, but the chances are greater that a higher degree of professionalism will be demonstrated by someone who has gone the extra mile.

For one thing, people such as the members of the RS Council (CRS) tend to make more money, have more years of experience, experience fewer complaints and get higher prices for sellers than other agents.

The members of the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council have special expertise in buyer's agency through educational and networking programs sponsored by the organization.

Members of NAR affiliate organizations and real estate industry trade organizations are able to bring networking skills to each other which are invaluable to consumers. With a quick e-mail, a CRS can contact another CRS and get the exact information you may need for your transaction. They refer clients to each other in relocation situations, as "insurance" that the client will be cared for by the same standard as the agent would him/herself.

The following list is provided courtesy of RE/MAX International, and it will help you understand which agents have the special education to best suit your needs.