frequently asked questions
Why should I earn the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation?
Earning the SRES® designation equips you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve the growing market of clients ages 50 and above. This designation enhances your credibility, expands your client base, and provides access to exclusive tools and resources tailored to senior real estate needs.
Will I have to pay a fee every year to maintain my SRES® designation?
Yes. Annual renewals are $99, and you must be a member in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS®.
You can renew your designation in the payment portal.
Renewal payments are non-refundable.
When can I begin using the SRES® designation/logo in my advertisements and my representations to the public?
Only REALTORS® who have been awarded the SRES® designation and maintain their membership with NAR are permitted to call themselves an SRES® designee and use the SRES® logo.
Please note: If your designation lapses, you will no longer be able to use the SRES® logo in your marketing materials and will lose access to your exclusive credential resources.
How do I print my renewal receipt?
Log into the Payment Portal and click on the tab called ‘My Orders’. Navigate to the ‘Paid Orders’ section and click the link for the renewal order you’d like to print.
What credential resources do SRES® designees receive?
- Use of SRES® logo and name
- Listing in the SRES® directory & differentiation on nar.realtor and realtor.com®
- Personalizable marketing materials & press release
- The SRES® Professional digital publication with senior-centric real estate news and tips
- Access to the SRES® networking & referral Facebook group
Do I have to be a member of NAR to earn my SRES® designation?
Yes, you must be an active member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to earn and maintain the SRES® designation. If your designation should lapse for two (2) months, a $50 reactivation fee will be assessed in addition to the current year’s renewals.
Failure to maintain the SRES® designation for five (5) consecutive years or longer will result in having to retake the SRES® Designation Course. After you retake the course, reach out to sres@nar.realtor. Exceptions for certain situations will be considered if we are notified prior to your absence and it is noted in your record.
I'm an international student. Can I still take this course?
International students can purchase this course at the NAR member price by becoming an International REALTOR® Member.
Is CE credit available for the online course?
Continuing Education (CE) credit is not available for the online course. For in-person courses, check with your local provider to verify availability of CE credit.
How do I become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)?
Follow these steps:
- Complete the SRES® Designation Course (online or in the classroom).
- Maintain your designation with active membership status with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Note: Your first year of SRES® designation is free and begins upon successful completion of the SRES® Designation Course. Each designee is eligible for only one free year. Retaking the course will not restart the free year period.
Annual renewals are $99 each year thereafter.
See requirements for International REALTOR® Members.
Does the SRES® Designation Course count toward the ABR® designation?
Does the SRES® Designation Course count toward the SRS designation?
I'm ready to get started with my coursework. Where do I begin?
Start by registering for Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) Designation Course.
For the online course, visit learning.realtor, the Center for REALTOR® Development’s hub for online learning. For classroom courses, visit crd.realtor.
How long is the course?
- The classroom course is two days.
- The online course will take approximately 12 hours.