Above The Crowd?

Having recently completed the last of three required courses to earn the “coveted” GRI (Graduate Realtor® Institute) I’m a bit under-whelmed by the fact that almost two dozen other agents in Gillespie County will receive their designations at the same time as I do.

The website www.realtor.org website describes GRI as:

The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.

Impressive, eh?

While it’s true that valuable information is contained in these courses, is the designation “worthwhile” if everyone has it?  I guess that remains to be seen.

I’m certainly a big believer in continuing education.  How else does one stay on top of industry development, legal updates, etc.  What will distinguish a good agent from a successful agent are the intangibles like market knowledge, past experience, personality and an ever-expanding SOI (that’s industry double-talk for sphere of influence).

When looking for an agent to help you buy or sell real estate in Fredericksburg, TX, research your choice the same way as you would shopping for a new car.  Search the internet, ask questions, seek referrals…interview more than one agent.

If you’re comfortable trusting the purchase or sale of a major asset to your sister’s boyfriend’s cousin…go for it.  If not, dig a little deeper and look for a professional.

Fredericksburg Texas Property For Sale