Why you should use an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) 

A buyer's representative represents the consumer who is purchasing property, not the seller or the new home sales agent.  Although state law varies, a buyer's representative usually works for and owes fiduciary responsibilities to the real estate buyer.   It is the buyer representative that has buyer's best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate transaction.

Depending on the laws in your state and the business arrangement you have with a licensed real estate agent, that agent may actually be negotiating for the seller or the new home builder, not you the buyer. The best way to be certain that an agent is working in your best interests is by signing a buyer representation agreement with an agent.
  
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).

               


15 BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE

1. Locating suitable properties.
2. Previewing properties.
3. Verifying the properties’ condition.
4. Suggesting necessary inspections by experts.
5. Helping buyers determine what they can afford.
6. Verifying property taxes and utilities.
7. Verifying the value of the property.
8. Advising clients on structuring an offer.
9. Presenting the offer to the sellers’ representative.
10. Negotiating favorable contract terms for the buyer.
11. Explaining legal documents needed for closing and helping secure them.
12. Assisting in securing financing.
13. Assisting buyers and their attorney in clarifying title, zoning, building codes, and access easements.
14. Referring them to qualified vendors.
15. Analyzing the future salability of the property.

6 Reasons You Need a REALTOR®

1. A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.
 
2. Selling or buying a home is time consuming. It usually takes 30-60 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted.
 
3. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with someone who speaks that language.
 
4. REALTORS have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. That’s why having an expert on your side is critical.
 
5. REALTORS provide objectivity. Since a home often symbolizes family, rest, and security, not just four walls and roof, home selling or buying is often a very emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you keep focused on both the business and emotional issues most important to you.
 
6. REALTORS are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, a trade organization of more than 1 million members nationwide. REALTORS subscribe to a stringent code of ethics that helps guarantee the highest level of service and integrity.