Why should you seek out Realtors® that have GRI, ABR and e-Pro designations? Because you want an agent who is a committed professional, and who has invested the time and effort to knowing every aspect of the real estate business. New York State requires only 45 hours of classroom time for agents to receive their licenses. That is a very small investment on an agent's part when you consider the size of your investment in your home!

Agents with the GRI, ABR and e-Pro designations understand that their clients deserve more. An agent who has gone beyond the basic state requirements to achieve the GRI, ABR and e-Pro designations has the knowledge to provide you with the best possible customer service. Knowledge is power. When it comes time to face all the details of a real estate transaction, from interpreting complex contracts to handling delicate negotiations, you want an agent that has that power.

Accredited Buyer Representative
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. The designation is achieved through accelerated course work with a focus on understanding issues critical to a buyer, including disclosure, conflicts of interest, contracts, services provided, and negotiating. If an agent has an ABR it means they have successfully completed a two-day ABR designation course and passed an examination, completed elective course work and passed an examination, and have a proven history as a buyer representative.

Knowing that your Realtor® has made the commitment to better their skills - and better represent you - is an added layer of comfort when you decide to make an investment as important as buying real estate. Keep in mind that this commitment to professionalism can also benefit you when it comes time to sell.

Graduate Realtor® Institute
Why use a Realtor® with a Graduate Realtor® Institute (GRI®) designation? The GRI is the mark of a real estate professional who has made a commitment to provide the best possible service with a strong educational foundation. The GRI designation requires 90 hours of credits, and is obtained by attending intensive classroom instruction covering subjects in contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, and risk reduction. The subject matter has been chosen to educate agents about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them, their clients and customers. Only about one fifth of Realtors® have this designation.

When it comes to buying or selling your home, you need a professional with the up-to-date knowledge to handle real estate transactions that are becoming increasingly complex. New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. It's more important than ever that you work with an agent who has a keen understanding of this business. The GRI program has helped the best and the brightest in the industry achieve that level of understanding. GRI's are nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry, professionally trained, knowledgeable and dedicated to bringing you quality service.

e-Pro
The e-Pro designation means that your Realtor® understands the incredible marketing potential of the Internet, and that Real Estate is an industry uniquely suited to newer technologies. As home buyers increasingly shift their focus to web-driven media, Realtors who have earned the e-Pro designation ensure that they stay in step with technology as it develops. An e-Pro Realtor® has the training to capitalize on the power of the Internet to find the perfect home for you - or to sell your home - faster and more effectively.