When you choose a REALTOR®, you’re choosing a real estate professional you can count on. Working with a REALTOR® means your agent is a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and held to a high level of professional standards, ethics, and practice.
From condo experts to luxury home specialists, there are also dozens of certifications and special REALTOR® designations based on experience, specialties, and professionalism REALTORS® can choose to earn.
These are just a few of the designations you may encounter when searching for a REALTOR® in Canada, and how they can help you.
1. At Home With Diversity (AHWD)
The At Home With Diversity (AHWD) certification is offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), offering REALTORS® insight and knowledge to better serve their diverse clients.
“Some of the topics we cover include embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity and equality, and combating biases,” explains Jason Hafso, a REALTOR® with MaxWell Challenge Realty in Edmonton, Alberta, who has achieved this certification. “Essentially, it’s about understanding and helping clients buy and sell real estate, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, disability, race, and more.”
“Everyone deserves to buy or sell a home without discrimination,” Hafso explains. “The AHWD certification seemed to be a perfect fit for me. I believe it’s helped me better serve the diverse needs of my clients.”
2. Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
REALTORS® who often work with older generations may look to obtain the designation of Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES). This professional certification is for REALTORS® who specialize in working with clients over the age of 50.
According to Sunny Brar, a designated SRES REALTOR® with RE/MAX Realty Services Inc. in Brampton, Ontario, this certification benefits buyers and sellers in several ways:
• Expertise and market knowledge—SRES-designated REALTORS® have been trained with specialized knowledge in addressing the unique needs and concerns of older clients, such as downsizing, retirement housing, ageing in place recommendations and financial considerations. SRES REALTORS® are well-versed in the local real estate market and trends specific to seniors.
• Seniors’ resources—they can provide valuable resources and referrals to senior living communities,
estate planning, and other services.
• Empathy—they are trained to approach transactions with a deep understanding of the emotional,
physical, and financial challenges that seniors may face.
3. Certified Condo Specialist® (CCS®)
Certified Condo Specialists® are educated in the unique aspects and elements of condominium real estate. This includes the legal aspects of condo ownership, how to market them, and properly handling all transactions.
“A CCS® has advanced their knowledge of condos by successfully completing the CCS® course, which was established in 2006 by the Calgary Real Estate Board,” explains Maulin Parikh, a REALTOR® and CCS® with Real Broker in Calgary, Alberta. “When it comes to homeownership, condos are different from single-family homes.”
If you’re buying or selling a condo, looking for a REALTOR® with the CCS® designation can be extremely beneficial.
“This certification enables buyers to make informed decisions, taking into account not only the property itself but also important factors such as condo associations and anticipated future costs,” Parikh says. “Sellers gain from efficient marketing techniques designed to accentuate the special qualities of their property. I have the ability to scrutinize deals at a granular level and it empowers me to educate clients about potential pitfalls, contributing to the seamless buying and selling of condos on their behalf.”
4. Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS®)
We’ve all done it. We’ve looked at luxury homes and thought to ourselves “one day I’ll win the lottery and buy this.” If that day ever comes, consider using a REALTOR® who’s a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. CLHMS® REALTORS® have met strict sales performance standards and successfully list luxury properties in the top 10% of their market.
“For buyers, it means access to a curated selection of upscale homes and a guide who understands their discerning taste,” explains Brandon Hebert, a CLHMS® with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Toronto Realty in Toronto, Ontario. “Sellers benefit from a tailored marketing approach, attracting serious luxury buyers and maximizing their property’s value. Luxury clients have unique needs, showcasing their properties in the best light, and ensuring a seamless experience.”
5. Accredited Land Consultant (ALC)
Buying land whether to build your own home, rent it to others, build a commercial space, or just to own as an investment is a bit different than a typical real estate transaction. There’s no front door to walk through. Buying and selling land requires a specific skill set, which is where the Accredited Land Consultant designation comes into play.
“Think of it as a symbol that says, ‘I’ve got the expertise and experience to handle land deals with an open imagination past the regular real estate transaction,” says Mike Bolger, a REALTOR® and ALC with Chestnut Park Realty West in Waterloo, Ontario. “For buyers, it means having a guide who can navigate the ins and outs of zoning, environmental factors, and the potential of the land. Sellers, on the other hand, get a marketing maestro who knows how to showcase a property’s unique value and attract the right buyers, basically maximizing what your land is worth.”
6. Commercial REALTORS®
If you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent a commercial property, keep an eye out for the Canadian Commercial Network logo. These REALTORS® have met national criteria to be recognized as a commercial REALTOR®®. According to Katie Zoladek, a commercial REALTOR® with William Wright Commercial Real Estate Services in Vancouver, British Columbia, this network “provides a sense of credibility and trustworthiness.”
“Commercial and residential real estate differ in terms of their purpose, use, investment strategies, and the regulations that govern them, explains Zoladek. “It means access to a wealth of resources, tools, and educational support tailored specifically to the commercial real estate landscape. This includes market insights, trends, legal updates, and professional development programs designed to enhance skills and update our knowledge.”
While there’s no official designation between a commercial and residential REALTOR®, Zoladek says finding someone who has experience with commercial real estate, and who’s part of the Canadian Commercial Network, is crucial when looking to buy, lease, rent, or sell.
There are a couple of ways to determine which designations your REALTOR® has, the easiest of which is by asking them! Most REALTORS® will list their certifications on their website, but if you’re curious you can always reach out for more information.
In the end, every REALTOR® is already equipped with the knowledge required to provide support, expertise, and exceptional service during a real estate transaction. But understanding the additional designations may help you find your perfect match sooner.
— REALTOR.ca