Two members of the Arkansas Realtors Association, Kristyn Cooley and Karol Bailes, were recently awarded the Graduate, Realtor Institute, or GRI, designation after successfully completing 60-plus hours of specific education outlined by the National Association of Realtors.
Cooley is a managing broker for Crye-Leike Realtors, a local real estate company in Hot Springs. Bailes is a Realtor for Crye-Leike.
Cooley and Bailes join "other top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the designation across the nation," news releases said.
"The Realtor Institute, which is administered by the Arkansas Realtors Association, was developed to satisfy the need for a more comprehensive and effective learning experience in various phases of real estate by offering courses approved by the Institute. Realtors with this designation become more competent professionals, render broader and more effective service, and elevate the standards of the real estate industry," the releases said.
"The GRI designation sets individuals apart from other real estate agents and is awarded exclusively to Realtors (members of the National Association of Realtors) that fulfill the stringent requirements set forth by the Institute. The designation indicates to the public that these individuals have obtained professional, career specific education that affects them, their clients and customers.
The Realtor Institute has been in existence for more than 25 years "and has graduated thousands of Realtors. Realtors or consumers interested in learning more about the program may visit http://www.Realtor.org/GRI," the releases said.