Most property transactions are complex procedures, requiring the knowledge and expertise of a real estate professional. There may come a time when you need the assistance of a real estate professional who is specially trained in a specific aspect of the business.

Many people are surprised to learn how many of our members specialize in real estate services other than home sales.

We would like our community to be aware of what specializations are available, so when special real estate needs arise, such as investment, property management, or counseling, they can choose a real estate professional who best will meet these needs.

Early in its history, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recognized a need for specialists to better serve the public and to assist other members in serving their clients with specific interests. Like all association members, those Realtors involved in specializations subscribe to the association's strict Code of Ethics, in addition to the standards and ethical practices set by each of the NAR's seven affiliated organizations in which they may hold membership.

Through membership in NAR's affiliated institutes, societies and councils, members devote themselves to continuous study of the most recent trends in their respective fields. The affiliates award specialty designations that recognize a member's advanced education and experiences in a particular discipline. Courses offered through the affiliates keep members abreast of developments in their specialized fields and better able to address industry issues.

The following are brief summaries of NAR's affiliated institutes, societies, and councils: The Counselors of Real Estate was formed in 1954 to enhance the quality of advice available to the public on property matters. Members are qualified to use the designation CRE (Counselor of Real Estate), and offer competent, independent real estate advice and guidance on a fee basis to consumers.

The Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute (CIREI), the newest of the NAR affiliates, was established in 1990. Prior to that year, it was known as the Commercial Investment Council and was housed with another NAR affiliate -- the Realtors National Marketing Institute. CIREI enhances the professional competence of those engaged in commercial-investment real estate and offers the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), established in 1933 to advance professionalism in property management, awards the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation to property and asset managers who meet its standards of experience, education and ethical conduct. IREM also awards the Accredited Management Organization (AMO) designation to property management firms and the Accredited Manager (ARM) recognition award to on-site managers.

Members of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) specialize in such areas as subdivision development, real estate marketing, foreign investment, urban and investment land, farms and ranches, commercial and development properties and residential sales. Established in 1944 as a trade association for urban and rural real estate practitioners, RLI offers the designation of Accredited Land Consultant (ALC).

The Realtors National Marketing Institute (RNMI), founded in 1923, is comprised of two independent councils - the Real Estate Brokerage Council and the Residential Sales Council - which promote professional competency through education in sales and marketing and real estate brokerage management. Professional designations offered are the CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager) and the CRS (Certificate Residential Specialist).

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), established in 1941 for individuals specializing in all phases of industrial and office real estate activity, is an international organization offering educational courses in marketing industrial and office properties. SIOR offers the designations the SIOR and the PRE (Professional Real Estate Executive), which is earned by corporate real estate executives.

The Women's Council of Realtors (WRC), founded in 1938, provides a referral network, programs and systems for personal and career growth, as well as opportunities for increased productivity and financial security. WCR offers the Leadership Training Graduate (LTG) designations and the Referral and Relocation Certification (RRC). WCR is organized into 340 local chapters and 38 state chapters.

In addition to specialized educational programs and professional standards, each of NAR's affiliates publish journals, magazines, newsletters or reports to keep members informed of recent developments in their particular area.

Affiliates provide one more avenue of education to Realtors to assist them in anticipating and addressing trends and issues in the real estate industry, thus enabling them to serve the public in the highest professional manner possible.