Realtor Certifications
In North Carolina, realtors are required to take hours of continuing education and coursework that is intended to equip them to be knowledgeable about real estate and receive their license. At GreyBeard Realty, one of our core values includes constantly striving to grow and improve. In addition to continuing education, many of our Greybeard realtors are regularly taking additional steps to provide the best service possible to clients. Our brokers have a variety of specialties and certifications in place.
Second Home and Luxury Home Certifications
GreyBeard Realty is known as the region’s second home specialist, due in part to its property management division, which manages over 600 homes. Brokers are uniquely equipped to assist second-home and luxury home clients.
- Resort & Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) Certification
This certification has been developed for realtors who regularly assist with the purchase, sale, or management of properties that are used for investment, development, retirement, or second homes. Courses are available through the National Association of Realtors.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Rhonda Turpin, Sara McGee, Clay Arnold, Rosie Johnson, Chip Craig, Kirstie Conner, Jeannie Conner
- Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS)
The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing was established in 2003 to provide training and designation for real estate professionals who are involved in the luxury home market. The Luxury Home Marketing Specialist certification is designed to equip agents who are working in this sector. The Institute publishes a monthly Luxury Market report.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Rhonda Turpin, Sunday Grant, Ali Whitman, Sara McGee
Other Featured Certifications
- At Home With Diversity (AHWD)
The At Home With Diversity certification, provided by NAR, is designed to equip realtors to build a business that is sensitive to all client profiles and effectively serves clients in the diverse real estate market.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Kirstie Conner, Clay Arnold, Matt Lutz
- Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
The Military Relocation Professional educates real estate professionals on how to best serve and work with current and former military service members and helps them find housing solutions in addition to taking advantage of military benefits and support.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Kirstie Conner
• Workforce Housing Specialist (WHS)
The Workforce Housing Specialist certification is awarded by the NC Realtors Housing Foundation and is designed to equip real estate professionals with a knowledge of available programs and resources to assist buyers in need of affordable housing. Benefits include access to additional downpayment options and education on issues affecting homeownership affordability.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Clay Arnold
• Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
This designation is for real estate professionals who have a passion for working with buyer-clients and want to take their excellence and service to the next level. ABR agents receive professional tools, knowledge, and training to become stronger advocates and negotiators for their clients, bringing transactions to a successful close. ABR agents in good standing are members of the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC).
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Clay Arnold, Matt Lutz, Jeannie Conner
• Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
This designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for seller advocacy. SRS designees represent a global community of REALTORS® who use their advanced training and expertise to go above and beyond their clients’ expectations. Designees receive a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training, and resources to help represent the interests of sellers in today's marketplace.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Clay Arnold and Nicole Eso
• Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)
Agents with this certification are trained to assist clients in maximizing the effectiveness of their pricing strategy through creating market analyses, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values. PSA certificate holders are best positioned to help clients understand pricing and valuation terminology, how to identify and adjust appropriate comparables, and the impacts of market fluctuations on competitive pricing.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Clay Arnold
• Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE)
This certification is for real estate professionals who want to sharpen their negotiation and client advocacy skills. Agents with this certification are equipped with the tools and strategies necessary to best negotiate all aspects of a transaction on their client's behalf.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Clay Arnold and Nicole Eso
• Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI)
The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. New technology, laws, procedures, and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. GRI designees have developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate the current real estate climate, are recognized nationally, and act with professionalism and a commitment to serving their clients and customers with the highest ethical standards.
GreyBeard Realty Brokers with this certification: Clay Arnold
Other Designations and Accolades, Licenses
- Asheville Top Brokers
Our Greybeard real estate agents work diligently to earn clients' trust and work hard on their behalf. Over the years, four Greybeard brokers have been awarded for their tireless efforts and service to clients. Chip Craig, Ameliah Davidson, Sunday Grant, and Rosie Johnson have all been named as one Asheville's top producers, some having won several years in a row.
- North Carolina Residential Appraiser and Mortgage Loan Officer – David Begley
- Guild Designation of Luxury Home Marketing Specialist – Sara McGee and Sunday Grant
- Asheville Office Managing Broker – Clay Arnold
- Lake James Office Managing Broker – Byron Bailey
- Old Fort Office Managing Broker – Jeannie Conner
- Black Mountain Office Managing Broker – Chip Craig
In addition to the knowledge that comes with years of experience in real estate among our team of 30+ brokers, many of our sales agents are equipped with a variety of certifications, which only aids in our depth of knowledge. Our brokerage is known for its team spirit. We recognize that our clients hire a particular broker, but they also hire the brokerage— our approach is one that, at the end of the day, is meant to serve the client above all.