RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE DESIGNATIONS

ABR - ACCREDITED BUYERS REPRESENTATIVE

WHAT DOES “ABR” STAND FOR – AND WHY INSIST ON USING AN AGENT THAT HAS EARNED THAT DESIGNATION?

Simply put, ABR is the acronym for Accredited Buyers Representative.  It is a professional designation awarded by the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS^®.

Fewer than 10% of REALTORS^® nationwide (only about 6% in Tucson) hold this distinction.  To attain this designation, a real estate practitioner must complete an extensive classroom training program on buyer agency practices and procedures, pass a written examination and submit evidence of practical experience as a buyer’s representative.

Purchasing real estate is a complex and major transaction with many details to be handled.  The best way to be certain that a real estate agent is working in your best interest is by signing a Buyer-Broker Agreement ensuring that the agent represents the buyer who is purchasing the property and not the seller.  Research by the National Association of REALTORS^® has shown that when a buyer’s representative is used, the prospective buyer found a home one week faster and examined three 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 those 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 – accompanying 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, inspectors, escrow officers, etc.) if these services are needed, and

• Most importantly, fully represent the buyer throughout the real estate transaction.

Why not work with the best of the best?  Call one of our exceptionally qualified experts for your next real estate transaction.

For more information:

http://www.rebac.net/Home.aspx