Over the years, Elizabeth has made it a priority to obtain several designations in order to further her education and stay on top of the continually changing real estate laws and business practices. Originally she took the Salesperson Examination and after passing, she became a REALTOR, which is one of the easier credentials to obtain (but one of the hardest to live up to). A REALTOR is a real estate agent that belongs to the National Association of REALTORS and agrees to follow the Realtor Code of Ethics. She recently obtained her Broker's license which is known as the "PhD" of real estate. The Brokers License – is the highest designation that a Realtor can obtain and Elizabeth is very proud to have this designation. Here is a brief description of the designations that Elizabeth has acquired.

Broker Associate:

Becoming a Broker is harder to obtain than REALTOR. In California, for example, a broker license is required to be able to operate your own real estate company. An agent must have their license for 2 years and complete over 600 hours of real estate education prior to applying for a broker’s license. The broker’s license is granted upon completion of an exam administered by the state. Brokers are basically real estate agents with advanced educations. A real estate person holding a broker license that chooses to associate or affiliate with another sponsoring broker rather than opening their own brokerage office. They want the added knowledge and status of a broker, but do not desire to operate an independent office. Elizabeth is a Broker Associate under Village Properties, who is her Broker.

EcoBroker®:

As Santa Barbara's first EcoBroker, Elizabeth is part of a nationally accredited designation committed to the environment and her clients. The EcoBroker designation assists real estate agents in working through issues that may arise in real estate transactions, such as mold, radon, and poor indoor air quality, providing real solutions. An EcoBroker understands the value of energy efficiency, environmental technologies, reduced liabilities, and sustainable design in real estate. Elizabeth's family ranch has its own well, wildflower planted sod roofs, rain collectors, a wind generator, solar panels and other green practices that have all educated her about and contributed to her passion for the environment. Elizabeth is happy to provide you with alternative suggestions and resources to learn more about green living in Santa Barbara.

Green Designation:

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Green Designation is the definition of green professionalism, excellence, and leadership for today’s real estate practitioners. Specifically designed to address the educational needs of practitioners in residential, commercial, and property management markets, this training program is a true cross-over designation and the only green designation recognized by NAR.

GRI Graduate REALTOR® Institute:

Members involved in residential real estate who want a solid base of information for their practice will want to participate in the REALTOR® Institute program and earn the GRI designation. Approved by the National Association of Realtors and offered through state Realtor associations, agents who desire a GRI designation must complete a minimum of 90 to 95 hours of coursework pertaining to the state that licenses them, and pass the exams. Education covers law, practice, finance, taxes, exchanges and more. Less than 50% of agents have this designation.