That was my experience Dan. Yes, i can go take a class online, read the material and test out.  But, sometimes being in the class with an instructor with other experiences... well it can be like this blog, so much more informative and I learn something to take away with me for my business.

shelly

Yes, I adored Curtis and count him among my FAVORITE teachers.

There are some classes you should take belly to belly; ABR is one of them.

You can't understand the full effect of ignoring risk assessment/reduction without seeing and hearing the stories in person.

Rob, there is no way you can protect yourself from all the possible things that may go wrong in real estate transactions. All the designations in the world won't save you or your client because every transaction has a different twist and turn. I have taken different courses and like the real estate course and state exam for getting a license, they are nothing like the real world. They are all important steps to help you learn how to deal with the issues at hand. High School was an important step and so was College. I would even say that Trump (as in Donald Trump) on-line business school would be an important step. Because you should always be out to learn new stuff. One day (I hope) the light will go on and I'll know what I should be doing and how to do it.

I believe it was Plato's Allegory of the Cave that explains just how much we know we don't know. Of course, someone else here at P2A will tell me I missed the point. But, that is what going to those classes is all about. Not getting it. It is a great world we live in that allows us to even notice the apple falls down to earth, or, that humming bird can fly backwards.

The shame of it is, thinking those designations mean anything. No one has ever asked me what the initials even stand for. Because, on their own, they can't stand. People either like and trust you, or, they don't.

Mike may rally around "local", but it is more about trust.

Now? It's time for bed.

How long was the class?  Is there more than one that you must take for the ABR designation?  Is there an annual renewal fee that you have to pay to keep it?

Michael, it is a 2 day course, then you have to take one elective.  I paid for the course and it included my free one year membership.  After this year, I will have to pay a yearly dues to keep the designation and keep that magazine coming, LOL!!  What would I do without that magazine?  

Shelly

Shelly, there's more! Your name gets on their web site, too. Wait! There's more. For a few dollars more you can link your web site to their web site under the zip codes of your choice. Wait! There's more. No. I think that's about it. But, they are neat letters. (:

Your right Greg!!  It would be worth it if they offered up some mayo...don't you think?