How to Elevate Your Real Estate Career: The Benefits of Earning a GRI Designation

If you’re a real estate professional looking to take your career to the next level, then you might want to consider pursuing the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. The 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.

Buying property is a complex and stressful task, and real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. 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. The GRI designation can help you meet these challenges and set yourself apart as a master of the real estate profession.

What is a GRI Designation?

The GRI designation sets a REALTOR® apart by indicating they have completed a minimum of 60 hours of education. They have developed a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate the current real estate climate—no matter what its condition. GRI designees are recognized nationally and are committed to serving their clients and customers with the highest ethical standards.

REALTORS® with the GRI designation have in-depth training in legal and regulatory issues, technology, and professional standards, as well as the sales process. The GRI program consists of a variety of courses designed to enhance REALTORS® market knowledge, increase business skills, and allow those with the GRI designation to have the opportunity to network with other GRI designees. GRI graduates are usually the top performers in most real estate offices.

Why Should You Care If a REALTOR® Is a GRI?

The GRI designation is widely recognized as a symbol of excellence within the real estate industry and is to real estate what the CPA designation is to accountants. These agents are considered the elite of the business. Only REALTORS® who successfully complete a minimum of 60 hours of comprehensive training can be called a GRI. They are set apart as masters of the real estate profession, possessing advanced skills and techniques, making it easier for them to provide the best service possible to their increasingly sophisticated clients.

Earning Your GRI in Mississippi

To earn the GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation in Mississippi, one must complete a minimum of 60 hours of in-person instructor-led coursework within 5 years through the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute. Divided into three sections, the first section covers legal and ethical aspects of real estate transactions such as contracts, agency relationships, fair housing laws, and safety considerations. The second section provides practical skills and knowledge for managing risks, marketing properties, improving business practices, understanding foreclosures, and utilizing technology in real estate. The third section requires 20 hours of coursework in any of the Designation/Certification courses such as ABR, SRS, RENE, CRB, C-RETS, The Right Start, and Real Estate Professional Assistant, to gain specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of real estate.

After you have completed the requirements, you will be granted the GRI certification, which you can showcase proudly on your website, business cards, and marketing materials. And, you will be eligible for exclusive perks, including specialized training, networking events, and marketing resources.

If you are interested in pursuing your GRI designation, take a look at our list of coursework and requirements in Mississippi or contact the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute (MRI) for more information on the coursework and application process. Take your real estate career to the next level with a GRI designation and join the ranks of the top performers in the industry.

Now is the time to earn your GRI Designation

Obtaining the GRI certification requires completing a rigorous training program that covers a wide range of subjects, including technology, professional standards, legal and regulatory issues, and the sales process. The program aims to enhance your knowledge of the market and business skills. Its curriculum includes topics such as marketing, finance, contracts, ethics, agency relationships, and risk mitigation. Getting your GRI designation can be a great way to set yourself apart from other real estate professionals and demonstrate your commitment to providing the highest level of service to your clients. With advanced knowledge and skills in legal and regulatory issues, technology, and professional standards, GRI designees are recognized as leaders in the real estate industry.

Celebrating Fair Housing Month with the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute

What is Fair Housing Month?

Fair Housing Month is an annual event in April that commemorates the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislation made it illegal to discriminate in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, familial status, or disability.

The Fair Housing Act has helped to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal access to housing for millions of Americans. However, the fight for fair housing is far from over, and there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to find their perfect home.

What does Fair Housing Month mean for the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute?

At the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute, we are committed to promoting fair housing practices and helping to build more equitable communities. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to find the perfect home, regardless of their background.

To achieve this goal, we offer training and education programs that teach our members about fair housing laws and how to avoid discriminatory practices. We also work closely with local organizations to promote fair housing practices and to provide resources and support for those who have experienced discrimination in their search for housing.

As REALTORS®, we have a unique role to play in the fight for fair housing by promoting diversity and inclusion in our communities. By working together and committing to fair housing practices, we can help to build a more equitable future for all.

To achieve this goal, we work closely with local organizations to promote fair housing practices and to provide resources and support for those who have experienced discrimination in their search for housing. Also, we offer a fair housing course that teaches our members about fair housing laws and how to avoid discriminatory practices. You can sign up for this year’s Fair Housing Summit course or visit our continuing education courses page.

The Mississippi REALTORS® Institute’s Fair Housing course fulfills 3 hours credit toward qualifying for the GRI designation. The GRI designation signifies excellence in real estate, earned by completing 60 hours of comprehensive education. GRI designees possess advanced skills in legal matters, technology, sales, and more. In Mississippi, this involves coursework through the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute, covering legal aspects, risk management, marketing, and specialization in areas like ABR and RENE. With GRI certification, REALTORS® gain exclusive benefits, showcasing their commitment to excellence and client service.

Learn more about our GRI designation program and how it can benefit your real estate career, check out our blog about the benefits of earning a GRI designation. Or you can sign up for this year’s Fair Housing summit by visiting our continuing education courses page.

What can you do to support fair housing?

As a consumer, you can support fair housing by educating yourself about your rights and by speaking out against discrimination when you see it. If you have experienced discrimination in your search for housing, you can report it to the appropriate authorities and seek legal assistance if necessary.

As a REALTOR® you can support fair housing by committing to education and training programs that teach you about fair housing laws and practices. You can also work to promote fair housing in your community by partnering with local organizations and by advocating for policies that promote diversity and inclusion.

Join Us in Promoting Fair Housing: Building an Equitable Future

Fair Housing Month is an important reminder of the progress we have made in the fight for equal access to housing, as well as the work that still needs to be done. At the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute, we are committed to promoting fair housing practices and to building more equitable communities. We invite you to join us in this important work and to help us create a future where everyone has the opportunity to find their perfect home.

 

Fair Housing Resources

• Mississippi REALTORS® Institute – Fair Housing Course

• Fair Housing Justice Center

• Mississippi Real Estate Commission

• National Fair Housing Alliance

• NAR Fair Housing Month Tookit

 

As a real estate professional, staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations is crucial. Continued education is a necessary component to remain competitive in a constantly evolving market. Continued education ensures that REALTORS® know about changes in the industry, including new laws, updated regulations, and emerging market trends. As a result, continued education provides REALTORS® with a competitive edge that benefits their clients, their businesses, and the industry as a whole.

Real Estate Continuing Education in Mississippi FAQs 

If you’re a REALTOR® or planning to be one, continuing education is your best way of keeping yourself abreast of the latest trends in the industry. Mississippi REALTORS® Institute is here to answer all of your questions regarding continuing education for REALTORS® to give a clearer picture of what you need to know.

How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a license in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the Real Estate Commission requires REALTORS® to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their licenses. REALTORS® in Mississippi must complete eight hours of required law classes: 4 hours of agency law, 2 hours of contract law, and 2 hours of license law, in addition to 8 hours of elective continuing education classes. 

Can continuing education for Mississippi REALTORS® be completed online? 

Fortunately, REALTORS® in Mississippi can complete their continued education online. Online courses provide flexibility and convenience, allowing REALTORS® to fit their coursework into their busy schedules.

How many hours of education are required to earn a real estate license in Mississippi? 

Individuals must complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education and pass the state licensing exam as well as work under the supervision of a Mississippi real estate broker. Learn more and sign up for courses on our Salesperson Pre-license page.

How many hours of post-licensing education is required to maintain a real estate license in the first year?

Individuals must complete  30-hours of post-licensing education within 12 months after being issued the temporary salesperson’s license. To meet these qualifications, sign up for our Salesperson Post-license classes – available online or in-person.

Become a REALTOR® in Mississippi Today | Continued Education Courses at MS REALTORS® Institute  

Continued education is essential for real estate professionals. For REALTORS® seeking a top-notch education experience, the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute is the best solution. The Institute offers a wide range of courses that meet the Real Estate Commission’s requirements and provide REALTORS® with the tools they need to succeed.

We offer online and in-person courses that are engaging, informative, and designed to equip REALTORS® with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s market. All courses are taught by experienced real estate professionals. By investing in continued education, REALTORS® can stay ahead of the curve and provide their clients with exceptional service. Review our course offerings and book your next continuing education course online today.