Why Work with an ABR

Why Work with an ABR Realtor

ABR is an “Accredited Buyer’s Representative“

*Understand your specific needs and wants, and locate appropriate properties.

*Assist you in determining how much you can afford (pre-qualify your mortgage).

*Preview and/or accompany you in viewing properties.

*Research properties, to identify any problems or issues you should consider.

*Advise you in formulating your offer.

*Help you develop your negotiation strategy.

*Provide a list of potential qualified vendors (such as inspectors, attorneys, lenders, etc.) for other related services that may be needed.

*Keep track of all the details throughout the entire transaction—to closing and beyond.

In other words, a buyer’s rep should make your home-buying experience go as smoothly and successfully as possible.

But not all buyer’s reps are equal. A buyer’s rep who has earned the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation has made an extra effort to raise the bar, with additional training and experience in serving you, the homebuyer. If you work with an ABR®, you can feel more confident that you’ll receive the highest level of buyer-representation services.

Additionally….

There are agents, and then there are agents. Yes, it sounds confusing. That’s because the term “agent” is often used in a casual manner, referring to any real estate practitioner.

But an agent also refers to someone with whom you’ve established a formal agency relationship—someone who represents your best interests in a real estate transaction and owes you fiduciary responsibilities. Agency relationships are usually established in writing with Buyer Agency Agreements and require:

More……

The Birth of Buyer Agency

For many years, real estate was practiced in such a manner that agency relationships were only extended to sellers. Any real estate agent who brought a buyer to the table was actually working as a sub-agent to the seller.

This all began changing in the 1980s, when buyer agency started gaining momentum in residential transactions. Today, agency laws still vary from state to state. But even if you live in a state that recognizes buyer agency, you can’t assume that you will automatically receive fiduciary responsibilities from the agent you’re working with as a potential home buyer.

That’s why it’s vitally important to talk to the agent or broker early in your working relationship about his/her agency status. You may also want to consult your state association of REALTORS® to gain a better understanding about agency laws in your particular state, or contact the agency charged with regulating real estate professionals in your state, often referred to as the state real estate commission.