More than 80 Minnesota real estate professionals earned their Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI) designation in 2019. That number reflects a 25% increase over 2018. Offered by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the curriculum is designed to help agents become more competitive by increasing their professionalism and expertise. In Minnesota, GRI training is administered exclusively through Minnesota Realtors®.
“Of the 24 residential real estate designations offered by NAR, the GRI is the most comprehensive, providing a broader scope and depth of training,” said Laurie Ganz, director of Professional Development at Minnesota Realtors®. “Using materials that go beyond real estate licensing courses, GRI instructors help agents gain confidence and work more successfully with buyers and sellers alike. That’s why more Realtors® are entering the program each year.”
GRI training in Minnesota includes state-specific material with key national topics. During 60 classroom hours Realtors® explore legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, marketing, business skills, the sales process, and risk management. To date, over 2,100 Realtors® in Minnesota have earned the designation. Graduates report increased earnings, improved customer service, and ability to attract more clients.
“It’s a way to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace,” said Jessica Seidlitz, a Realtor® at Edina Realty in Savage who graduated from the GRI program in 2018. “It shows future clients that I'm serious about this business and can act as an expert when helping them make major decisions. It definitely helps me compete.”
Brandon Johnson, a Realtor® at Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors in Alexandria enrolled in the GRI course because he wanted to improve his marketing and expand his client base. The classes gave him an array of tactics he has integrated into his business since graduating in 2017.
“Every class had several ideas I could adapt. It helped me establish specific plans and attack strategies for growing my business. I learned about many new tools for marketing scheduling and content creation. GRI is a no brainer. I would encourage all Realtors® to pursue it as a natural progression in growing their business,” Johnson said.
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About Minnesota Realtors®
Serving more than 21,000 real-estate professionals, Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) unites and empowers Realtors® throughout the state so they can thrive. Dedicated to helping Realtors® build their careers and grow their businesses, MNR provides a wide range of services and resources that include legal services, community education, government affairs, and code of ethics and standards of practice support. Founded in 1919, MNR is a non-profit organization. For more information, visit my.mnrealtor.com.
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