Peggy Shanklin, a sales associate with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Lake Monticello office, has earned the Graduate, Realtors Institute (GRI) designation.

Awarded by the National Association of Realtors the GRI designation recognizes that Shanklin successfully completed a 60-class room hour course of study, that puts emphasis on topics such as legal liabilities, professional standards, brokerage relationships, contracts and special areas such as appraisals, negotiations and house construction. The course provides a solid base of information designed to further expertise within the real estate industry.

“Knowledge is power, and I strive to increase my knowledge every day so I can best serve my clients,” Shanklin said.

Shanklin also holds the At Home with Diversity Designation and is currently working towards her broker’s license.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 real estate company as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.