NAR Announces New Path for RSPS Certification
May 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – As part of an effort to increase member benefits, the National Association of REALTORS® announces changes to the courses required to obtain NAR’s Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) Certification. Applicants no longer need to complete the RLI Tax Deferred (1031) Exchange course, but can use it towards elective credit if they have already completed the course.
Launched in 2006, the RSPS Certification was created by the National Association of REALTORS® to better serve the growing second-home and resort real estate market and now has over 700 elite members. RSPS is recognized as an official NAR certification and allows buyers and sellers to have confidence in the ability of a REALTOR® who specializes in resort and second-homes to assist them with their search.
“REALTORS® who earn their RSPS certification not only gain the education and training necessary to serve their resort and second-home clients better, but they join a network dedicated to providing resources and tools to help them in the process,” said Carol Kairis, managing director of NAR’s Resort Group. “NAR offers a variety of member benefits for RSPS certified agents, including customizable marketing materials, social networking tools, access to exclusive networking events at our annual Resort Symposium and Webinars to keep you informed of the latest news in the resort and second-home market.”
Applicants interested in obtaining the RSPS certification will need to complete NAR’s Resort and Second-Home Markets course either online or in a classroom setting. As part of the ‘Right Tools, Right Now’ initiative, NAR will offer the two-day Resort and Second-Home Markets course on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12 at the 2009 REALTORS® Conference and Expo in San Diego at a reduced rate. Courses are also offered throughout the year and can be accessed by visiting www.coursecalendar.com.
In addition to the required core course, applicants will need to complete two elective courses. The following electives will now be accepted:
- Any CIPS course
- Attendance at any NAR Resort Symposium
- CCIM Introduction to Commercial Investment Real Estate Analysis
- CRS 204 Creating Wealth Through Residential Real Estate Investments
- e-PRO® Certification
- IREM-01 Introduction to Real Estate Management
- NAR’s Green Designation Core Course
- REBAC e-Buyer Course
- NEW! RLI Tax-Deferred (1031) Exchange Course
- Short Sales and Foreclosures: What Buyer’s Representatives Need to Know
- SRES® Seniors Real Estate Specialist Course
Applicants who have already taken the education and training necessary to earn a designation may qualify for credit towards their RSPS certification. NAR is now accepting the following designations in place of the required electives:
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)
- NEW! Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
- Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
- Certified Property Manager® (CPM®)
- Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
- NEW! Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB)
- NAR’s Green Designation (GREEN)
“These new requirements will help foster networking and referral opportunities between members of the CCIM Institute, the CRB Council, and NAR's Resort and International Groups,” said Kairis. “This is just one way we hope to continue to build our RSPS community and to provide the tools to help our members maintain their success.”
For more information on the new requirements for obtaining your RSPS certification or for general inquiries, visit www.realtor.org/resort or call 312/329-8393.
