What is an ABR Specialist? | Accredited Buyer Representative
Why
Choose a Realtor® With an ABR designation?
An
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) represents the
buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate
transaction. Research by the National Association of
REALTORS has shown that when a buyer's representative is
used, the prospective buyer found a home faster and
examined more properties than consumers who did not use
a buyer's representative.
The buyer's representative works for, and owes fiduciary
responsibilities to, the real estate buyer and has
buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire
real estate process. A buyer's representative will:
-
Evaluate the
specific needs and wants of the buyer and locate
properties that fit their exact specifications.
-
Assist the
buyer in determining the amount that they can afford
(pre-qualify), and show properties in that price range
and locale.
-
Assist in
viewing properties -- accompany the buyer on the
showings, or preview the properties on behalf of the
buyer to insure that the identified specifications are
met.
-
Research the
selected properties to identify any problems or issues
to help the buyer make an informed decision prior to
making an offer to purchase the property.
-
Advise the
buyer on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase
the selected property.
-
Present the
offer to the seller's agent and the seller on the
buyer's behalf.
-
Negotiate on
behalf of the buyer to help obtain the identified
property -- keeping the buyer's best interests in mind.
-
Assist in
securing appropriate financing for the selected
property.
-
Provide a
list of potential qualified vendors (e.g. movers,
attorneys, carpenters, etc.) if these services are
needed.
-
Most
importantly, fully-represent the buyer throughout the
real estate transaction.
Why
you should use an ABR!
Why should
you look for the ABR designation before looking for a
home? These three letters after a REALTOR's name tell
you that you will be working with buyer representative
who is committed to your best interests. The ABR
Designation is awarded by REBAC to those REALTORS who
have met the specific educational and experiential
criteria needed to provide the high level quality
service required by REBAC (Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT
Council).