In the late 1960s the Institute saw a need for education in specialized areas of brokerage and established commercial-investment and residential divisions. By 1974 the residential division began developing residential sales courses and a designation program. These plans were fully realized in 1977 with the establishment of the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist Designation.

Since the development of the designation program, the Council has focused even more on the specific needs of its members. In 1985, the Institute established the Residential Sales Council (along with the Real Estate Brokerage Council and Commercial-Investment Real Estate Council) with its own bylaws and governing powers. In 1986, the Council opened its doors to two new groups of members: general members and affiliate members.

Now the Council continues to work toward the advancement of residential sales professionals. Composed of over 42,000 Certified Residential Specialists and members, the Council helps members advance in their careers by developing education, products, books, a residential sales course series, and services designed to help sales professionals serve the public better, to excel in the competitive market, and to realize their personal and earning goals.