The education is worthwhile for certain. B$ Real Estate I used to have a card for my Telephone biz. At the end of my name were the initials DMAT much like the SRES initials. People would ask what kind of doctor are you? To which I would respond I'm not and they would say "Then what is DMAT?" My response, "Doesn't Mean A Thing."  But is good to let people know your skills.

  The cost of the course, then a $99 per year annual renewal fee?  Not for me, thank you.

I had that designation for years while I was marketing 3 subdivisions of 55+ condos..... seniors liked it after I explained what it was!!!!  didn't teach me anything I didn't already know.... I, too, was a senior!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always think there is benefit in taking classes.  Whether the designation itself has any significant value is questionable IMHO.  You could get just as much traction out of promoting yourself as specializing in helping seniors buy and sell real estate, when that is your target demographic. It's all about perception.  I guess what I'm saying is you can probably create the same perception without the actual designation.  

Is it worth the initial investment and ongoing membership fee?

I have thought about it - but I haven't done it because I'm a senior now! It shouldn't make a difference yet it does for me.

I had it for a couple years over 5 years ago. Didn't renew. I don't think it made any difference. It might have been improved some over the last 5 years, but I have my doubts. I still work with seniors and don't need any special designation to do so.

I am definitely not the right person to ask about such designations.  I hope you get the feedback you are looking for from others.  

I serve many seniors and do not have that designation. 

If you work and sell condos 55+ community - why not?

I remember when everybody was getting SRES in our resort/retirement area. But I cannot remember a single agent saying that it provided something that they did not already know. Having said that, the median age of Realtors is down 3 years from 2015. WE are seniors, but younger agents are coming in that may not have the natural ability to understand elderly folks. For them it could be valuable.

Then again, home buyers are getting much younger. Maybe there needs to be a class for us to deal with them!

Change the S to Snowflake! LOL

I've been one for almost two decades. I get calls from seniors who call me because of this designation. At the end of the day, you can always learns something new and whether the designation works for you depends on how make hay with it.

I have the SRES designation and took it because my market is comprised of a large 55+ population and so it gives me a bit of an edge. The education and knowledge gained is good - some things you already know and then there is insight that you are being made aware of and sensitized to.  You have to evaluate whether it will help you in your business to have this "official" designation. 

The education is good. So is the SRS designation from the National Association of Homebuilders.

If that is the next logical step go for it!  A

I say go for it Steve Penner , it may not draw people to you but it will make you more confident and that will draw more people to you.

I like to learn. 

Every time I go to a class - want to find something new. 

Most of the classes are boring and no new information. 

But if I would work with Seniors - I'd get it. 

I have a Bachelor of Science but it is what you do with it that makes it count

It was popular many years ago when many agents got it. I personally will not pay annnually for a designation.

SRES applies to a very specific audience. The agent who can leverage the designation to an advantage will benefit.

However, most purchased letters appended to an agents name are placards of vanity. Not even as beneficial as DMAT.

My suggestion is to exploit SRES AND collaborative business owners who specialize in life plan LAW.

I think it is a waste of money, the public does not know what the many letters mean. My thought is though, if it teaches you a new aspect of real estsate, than that is more important

I have the SRES designation. I feel education is extremely important and I am always looking to advance and educate myself. 

The education may be important but I would not place any marketing value on the designation.

Create relationships with the retirement communities in your area for good referral resources. If you want the best results with seniors, you may need to offer downsizing and moving assistance.

I have the SRES designation and as Nina Hollander said it depends on your marketing whether it adds value to your practice. For me, it has been advantageous.

If your target market is working with seniors, then I would says it would be good to have, so show them that you are an expert in serving their needs. Sometimes third party validation is helpful especially with the senior population because (sadly) they are often a target for financial crimes.

Could be some good, yet overpriced, knowledge involved.

A few real old timers. The ones focus on human connection gets the grease.

All education is good but the annual renewals make it seem worthless in my opinion. 

I'm too old for this designation.

Do not like the annual fee.

My wife had it, we have senior clients, it has only come up in one listing presentation in my time and that seller still hasn't listed yet. Knowledge never hurts, but we didn't keep up the dues to maintain the designation. 

I don't have it but know of people here on ActiveRain and in real life who are SRES. Worth it? Not for me but you know yourself and your future plans.

Designations don’t make anyone more educated than they already are.  Why pay dues for something that really doesn’t make a lot of difference.  

Took it years ago but it had no impact.

Absolutely a benefit - never stop learning! 

I'd say go for it, Steve...and good luck!

I have the designation SRES. I did learn a great deal in taking the course. The best takeaway is to schedule an extra hour - or 2- when you meet with a senior. They are from a generation that is not in a hurry to get down to business. Take some time to enjoy the conversation and the photos of the kids and grandkids and great grandkids. Smile, listen and learn. They will lead you to business and are so appreciative for our patience.

Hi Steve Penner. I successfully took the SRES class a couple of years ago & pay the annual fee for the designation (for now). While I cannot point to specific clients as a result of having it, I enjoyed the class, learned some things, confirmed others, and do appreciate their newsletter & available marketing information.

That said, I'm sure the class will be beneficial whether or not you continue with the ongoing annual fee (the 1st year is included so you'll get a feel for it's benefits).

Good Luck!
Bruce

Good to have the information in your knowledge base. Many of my clients are seniors, so it makes good business sense to me Steve Penner.

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

I have my SRES. I live in Florida and market to the senior communities so I think it looks nice. I have not received any referrrals yet from SRES networks. So over all I would say not really worth the money. 

Why not? I was going to take it too when I have more free time  since it is an easy and not time consuming one. Also they do not charge annual fee I believe. 

In general I think the education is worthwhile, but does not need to come from NAR.  I think the designation is worthless.  Get the training and call yourself a "Senior Real Estate Expert" and you'll be fine.

If you work with primarily 55+ clients, think it could be a good idea.

I am not sure about designation any more.

Taking the class is good, but i have never in 22 years been asked for designations

I think it’s a way for some school to make money.