Mimi,

We did not ever subscrible to renting designation.  The course work is no doubt helpful.  However, the public does not understand lots of alphabet soup.  A

I'm letting my expire, as we speak, also.

I feel the same... never had a referral, the public doesn't understand, other Realtors don't give a .... fig.  I just don't see any reason to continue to send money year after year after year.

That is understandable Mimi Foster I suppose it's like a garden, you reap what you sow. I expect from it, but I work in it. I didn't do it for the public, I did this one for me, it had been a goal of mine.

I give referrals out 4-5 times per month on there.

I have not received a referral yet.

I do take some of the webinars.

But I'm in less than a year. 

Doesn't sound like you are using your CRS to get your CRS benefits. It's a contact designation, I think you have to work it or it doesn't produce much. But, I'm new to the designation last November. Let's see how I feel after a couple years in.

I have seen a few rainers really work the designation and gain referrals and plenty of networking time.

I gave up my ABR and my SRES but not the CRS. I have benefited from my CRS

Why so hard to let go ... fear comes to my mind. Fear of what might happen if you do let it go.  You have listed all the reasons to let it go ... you don't need it and your life won't change without it ... let it go!!!

Mimi, if there's no benefit then yes, let it go.

I think Jeff Dowler would be a good source for an answer to that question....

when I was actively working, I had 9 designations and kept all of them up to date every year... paid for all of them .... only I knew what they represented, but the general public knew I put an effort my real estate education....again, I had 9 of them!!!!

I took a class last year and was disppointed to learn that it didn't count for my continuing education. However, the gentleman I sat next to gave me a referral and I closed on it within 2 months of receiving the referral. So, it was worth taking that class!!!

Let's face it, the information in the courses is helpful for our knowledge and skills.  The designation part of it is really internal to the industry and cocktail parties.  You know, mine is bigger than yours bragging rights.  And it generates ongoing income to the association. 

The public doesn't know and really doesn't care. 

I am having the same dilemna Mimi Foster but I have until the end of the year to decide. There are a few faithful CRS members here, Jeff Dowler, Anna Bannana - I maybe have gotten a referral or two but I don't work it. I actually just got a call for a referral last week and I think I lost it because I told her I am managing broker and the referral would work more directly with my husband, who is awesome, got his license at the same time as me, has tons of experience, has sold more homes than I have now that I stepped away from actively selling all the time, that he is a broker as well, BUT he isn't a CRS.....sigh...Anyway, sounds like it is what you make of it and if you use it, go to the events, network and meet people it is worth it, but if you don't it is throwing money down the drain yearly to have three letters behind your name that the public doesn't care a lick about.-Kasey.

Anna Banana Kruchten, CRS Jeff Dowler

I'd heard it was great for referrals, but we're 2+ years in and nada so far.  One call for a possibility, then crickets.

I never pursued that donkey's tail so I can'd hold a valid opinion. Have a great Monday!

I let mine expire

Thanks for sharing your decision. It can be very difficult to justify the annual dues for designations.

Only you know if it's right to make that decision. 

I have never had a designation which required a renewal fee.

I let two IT certs go this year that I was holding onto "just in case."  Even though I was paying nominal "non-practicing" maintenance fees only on them.  Didn't like the politics of the organization when I went to renew and realistically I have two years to renew them w/o any real penalty. 

   Paying for designations is like buying leads.  It works for a very few people; for most others it is money down the drain.  Do what you think is right.

I never received a referral from my dsignations either!

A big fan of some designation courses for the knowledge. Not a big fan of continued membership. Have dropped many designations bcause membership had no benefits and a high cost of renewal!

I have let all and any go. The consumers of the world have no clue what they are and what they mean. They do not get me 1 extra clients and money and time got to be better spent for me. 

I would have mix feeling about dropping it.  I think ten years ago it was worth it but not so much now.

In almost 20 years no one has ever asked me for mine

I feel like it is the most valuable of the designations. What about your free Inman subscription that is included and the free education? I use the referral network to find quality agents and get referral too. It is one designation I will not be giving up.

I might do it too.

Hi Mimi Foster!  It's certainly your call...but, I have to say, if I had to let all of my designations all go but, one, I would keep my CRS. I love the seminars, the education and the quality of agents who receive and send referrals is absolutely top notch. 

I would also suggest tweaking your CRS profile - to reflect more of YOU, Mimi - we all love you and if other CRS agents saw what we see, you would get all of the CRS referrals for your area!  Show them what you've got!

Mimi that is the one designation that I'll keep  as I do refer out and have received many referrals from other CRS agents around the country. If I had not gotten any referrals I'd be thinking twice about  1) is there anything I could do create biz with other CRS folks or 2) maybe it's time to do what I'm doing because that brings in clients and let it go.

You will have an annuity of additional profit every year by not renewing.  If it doesn't serve a purpose, don't renew.

Let it go. You can always takes steps to reinstate it if you decide you miss it.

Yes Mimi years ago & I could care less & it didn't cost me any business whatsoever. They guilt you into paying year after year. It's a good mind trick they've done on you.

DO IT -- I think like Nike!

I'm with you.