Ken Jansen CRS, CIPS, ABR, CLHMS, e-PRO, CSP — what does that mean, and how can it help you find a Realtor?
Realtors’ qualifications
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): CRS is the highest credential for residential real estate agents, awarded by the Council of Residential Specialists under the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It requires advanced training in residential sales, proven transaction volume, and adherence to a code of ethics. Fewer than 4% of Realtors hold it, and they close nearly twice as many deals annually as non-CRS agents.
- CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist): CIPS, offered by NAR, trains Realtors in global real estate transactions, covering currency issues, cross-cultural practices, regional markets, and tax considerations across areas like Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. Realtors who are designated as CIPS complete core courses plus electives and gain access to a network for international referrals, helping serve foreign buyers who often pay cash premiums.
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): ABR designation from the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) equips agents to represent buyers exclusively, with training on buyer agency agreements, contracts, and negotiations. It emphasizes ethical practices and knowledge of buyer needs, distinguishing ABRs as specialists in purchase-side transactions.
- CLHMS (Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist): CLHMS, part of the Global Luxury Real Estate Guild under NAR’s Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, certifies agents in marketing high-end properties through advanced strategies, global networking, and luxury market analysis. Holders of this designation demonstrate expertise via sales volume in the top 1% of their markets and complete targeted education.
- e-PRO: e-PRO is NAR’s technology certification for Realtors, focusing on digital tools like online lead generation, virtual tours, cybersecurity, and data analytics to enhance client service. e-PRO agents stay current with tech trends in a digital-first real estate landscape.
- CSP (Certified New Home Sales Professional): CSP, granted by the National Association of Home Builders, trains agents in new construction sales, covering builder processes, customization options, incentives, and market dynamics unique to new homes. It requires coursework and exam passage, targeting specialists in developer partnerships.
Which certification do you need?
The first question is whether you want to buy a home or sell a home. If you’re in the market for a new home, an ABR is the ideal choice. An ABR will focus on your needs as a buyer, without feeling any need to compromise. If you’re looking to sell a high-end home, a CLHMS can make certain that you get the price you should have. In both these cases, choosing a Realtor with specialized training and proven skills lets you relax and feel confident.
Ken Jansen is a sextuple threat
Ken sports all six of these special qualifications. You don’t have to pick and choose among the special skills — you can pick and choose Ken and know you’re working with an exceptional agent. If you’re buying or selling in Johnson County, Kansas, you’ll also benefit from Ken’s remarkable expertise. Ken knows, loves, and lives in Johnson County.
Beyond certifications
Certifications are objective proof of qualifications. Beyond that, however, you should also look for effectiveness. How many of the homes your Realtor has listed have actually been sold? Ken has sold more than $55,000,000 worth of homes for clients, but sales volume is less important than effectiveness from the home seller’s point of view. In 30 years — including COVID lock down, recessions, and all kinds of market conditions — Ken has had fewer than 10 homes that did not sell. He has brought more than 550 homes to closing. That means that unsold homes make up just 1% of Ken’s experience. Some Realtors complete fewer than half of the transactions they begin.
Call Ken at (913) 908-2215 and you will have found your Realtor.