The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (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. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment a person will make in their lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.
New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers requires real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism
The GRI Designation from the National Association of Realtors focuses on building a solid foundation on technical subjects as well as the fundamentals of real estate.
Earning a GRI can make a difference in your business and potentially boost your income. REALTORS® with at least one designation:
- Earned a median of $61,000 while those without the designation earned a median income of $33,500, a difference of $27,600. (Source: 2013 NAR Member Profile)
- Reported that they were better able to serve and protect their increasingly sophisticated clients because of their understanding of new technology, laws, and procedures.
How do I complete the GRI?
The state of Hawaii curriculum consists of 54 credit hours of required courses, 6 credit hours of elective courses, field work and a $55 GRI processing fee.
Required Courses
The following required courses provide a basic foundation in law, professional standards, finance, sales, property management, business planning and technology:
- Run Your Business Like a Business (6 credits)
- Legal Issues (6 credits)
- Representation, Practical Ethics & Fair Housing (6 credits)
- Strategies of Listing: Getting the Listing (3 credits)
- Strategies of Listing: Establishing Market Value (CMA) (3 credits)
- Strategies of Finance, Know the Borrower (Basics) (3 credits)
- Strategies of Finance, Loan Choices (Advanced) (3 credits)
- From Contracts to Closing (6 credits)
- Condominiums & Planned Communities (6 credits)
- Property Management & Landlord/Tenant (6 credits)
- Residential Tax Rules, 1031 Exchange & Foreign Investors (6 credits)
Elective Courses
Students are required to take 6 credit hours of approved electives from any NAR designation or certification courses; OR Strategies of the Purchase Contract. For the Strategies of the Purchase Contract, GRI credit will only be given to students who have taken the course after December 31, 2019.
Below are courses that are readily available as electives to GRI students:
Analysis of Investment Real Estate (6 credits)
Accredited Buyer’s Representative Designation / ABR® (12 credits)
At Home With Diversity Certification / AHWD® (6 credits)
NAR’s e-PRO® Day 1 OR Day 2 (live or online version) (6 credits each)
NAR’s Green Designation / GREEN (12 credits)
Military Relocation Professional Certification / MRP (6 credits)
Pricing Strategy Advisor: Mastering the CMA Certification / PSA (6 credits)
Seller’s Representative Specialist Designation / SRS (12 credits)
Seniors Real Estate Specialist Designation / SRES® (12 credits)
Field Work
Documentation of the following is required:
- Completed and signed Listing Agreement of copy of your active MLS Listing OR Completed and signed Purchase Contract
- CMA, a market analysis
- Signed acknowledgement of field work on GRI Application by your Principal Broker
Processing Fee
A one-time $55 processing fee is required at completion of the required courses and field work. There are no annual GRI designation fees.
GRI classes are offered through HBR and reported to HAR. HAR tracks completion of requirements for the GRI designation. Contact HAR's Education Administrator at 733-7060, ext. 103 for a report of GRI credits completed and to confirm if you have completed the requirements for the GRI designation.
