Alphabet Soup

Have you ever seen a realtor's business card and noticed an "alphabet soup" of letters after their name? You may have thought it was a secret code or some sort of language only real estate agents understand. In reality, these letters stand for various designations and accreditations that realtors can achieve.

For instance, my PSA designation stands for Pricing Strategy Advisor. Realtors who have achieved the PSA designation have received specialized training on pricing homes for sale and helping buyers get the best deals. A realtor with a PSA designation can help you determine the best listing price for your home, or negotiate the best deal for a home you want to buy.

The C2EX designation stands for Commitment to Excellence. This certification is given to realtors who have demonstrated a commitment to high ethical standards and professional development. Realtors who receive the C2EX designation are knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable agents who will work hard to ensure you get the best deal in any real estate transaction.

Additionally, my LuxBHGRE designation shows that I have completed the required course and fieldwork in the highly specialized field of "luxury" homes and the clientele who purchase and sell them.

In short, these designations help the consumer by showing them which realtors have the best training and experience. A realtor with a PSA designation can help you get the best price on a home you're buying or selling, while a C2EX designation shows that a realtor has the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. So keep an eye out for these designations when you're looking for a realtor – they can make a big difference!

Cathy Hirsch, REALTOR®; PSA, C2EX, LuxBHGRE