Why do I need a residential expert?
Buying or selling a home is one of the most crucial financial transactions of your life. In what can be a confusing and sometimes difficult process, it pays to leave as little to chance as you can. But with the help of a professional, you can navigate unknown territory with ease.
To fill the specific residential needs of homebuyers and sellers, the Residential Sales Council of the National Association of Realtors instituted a class of expert real estate professional: the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

How can a CRS help me?
Every CRS has undergone a rigorous, specialized course of detailed training, aimed at making residential transactions as smooth and worry-free as possible.
A CRS brings special qualifications to your needs:

• Membership in a local Board, State Association, and the National Association Realtors. Every CRS is part of a much larger network of real estate professionals.
  
• Successful completion of the courses leading to the Certified Residential Specialist designation - one of the most successful residential real estate educational programs in the country. Every CRS is a real estate professional equipped with special expertise, thanks to advanced study in listing, selling, investment, taxes and more.
  
• A history of demonstrated sales performance through the documented execution of residential sales transactions.
  
  What this means is that when you work with a CRS, you're working with someone who is more connected, more knowledgeable, and more experienced.
  
  What if my needs are special?
  If anything about your transaction is special, seek out a specialist. It's as simple as that. Only 4% of all Realtors and REALTOR-ASSOCIATES have earned the right to be called a CRS. Only 4% have developed special residential sales skills and enhanced their residential sales knowledge through study, dedication and experiences.
  A CRS can help you optimize your transaction by identifying better prospects, clarifying investment potential, and helping you understand tax ramifications. It all adds up to one thing: better service.
  
  What special qualifications does a CRS bring to my transaction?
  Your trust in a CRS is well-earned, thanks to these distinctive credentials:
  
• A professional designation of residential specialty, the highest in the industry
  
• A higher level of education in residential sales
  
• Professional affiliation with thousands of other real estate professionals on the local and national levels
  
• Up-to-the-minute industry information, with respect to taxes, investment, legislation, and other areas of critical importance
  
• Local market knowledge - special residential expertise unique to your area
  
  The CRS designation: our badge of expertise and your shield of assurance. Look for the CRS Shield when considering your next residential transaction.
  Put your trust in the best. Get the job done right with the help of a Certified Residential Specialist.

An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today's consumer really wants.

What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional.

More privacy

Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web isn't just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust.

That's why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.

Less hassle

Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:

• On-line home tours
• Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data
• Extensive property listings
• Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria
• Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information——even potential buyers——from other e-PROs
• Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area
• Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail
• Advanced software, PDAs, and laptops to find you answers on the spot

The result: you get more information, more easily. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.

Less expense

An e-PRO's access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you're likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings——and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.

Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you're in town——or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you've decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.

Should you use an e-PRO? Yes - especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want - and need.