Paige Takach, a sales associate with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Shore Drive – Coastal office, has earned the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.

The CRS designation recognizes that Takach is an expert in working within the residential market using a variety of proven tools such as networking to deliver the highest quality and professional service possible to today’s homebuyers and sellers. CRS designees hold a high level of professional experience and sales, subscribe to the strict Realtor code of ethics and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.

“Earning the CRS designation has contributed to the enhancement of my skills. The real estate industry is ever evolving, so to be of continuing value to my clients, my skills must continue to evolve. The educational opportunities that a CRS member enjoys are extremely valuable, as well as the varied networking opportunities,” Takach said.

Realtors who receive the CRS designation have completed advanced professional training and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate. Only 32,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Out of more than 1 million realtors less than 3 percent are Certified Residential Specialists.

Takach earned a Bachelor of Art degree in art and marketing from Virginia Tech and has a background in graphic design and marketing. Other designations she holds are Accredited Buyers Representative, Graduate Realtors Institute and Short Sales & Foreclosures Resource. Takach was recruited by former Long & Foster Managing Broker Ann Randolph, in 2009 and has been with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Shore Drive – Coastal Office ever since.

Long & Foster Real Estate is the nation’s No. 1 independent real estate brand by sales volume. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.