ABR® vs. Buyer's Rep: A REALTOR®
Designation
Copyright REAL ESTATE BUYER’S COUNCIL. Reprinted from REBAC.net with permission.
A buyer’s representative (or simply buyer’s rep) is a licensed real estate
professional who represents prospective homebuyers in their property
transaction. If you’ve formalized an agency relationship, typically by signing a
buyer’s rep agreement with a buyer’s rep, you can expect him or her to:

  • 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 homebuying 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®) REALTOR® 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.


Buying a home is no small matter. Besides being the largest financial transaction you may ever undertake, it’s
probably also the most complex. There are many good reasons to work with a qualified real estate professional—
especially a trained professional who has earned the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation,
representing best-in-class buyer services.

When you look for an ABR® before you look for a home, you’ll be served, not sold. Your interests become their
interests. And you’ll be working with someone who has gone the extra mile by completing specialized training in
delivering the best in buyer-representation services. Plus, a REALTOR® who has an ABR® Designation also has an
established track record, with proven experience in representing the concerns of homebuyers.

The ABR® Designation is awarded through the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, or REBAC, which was founded in
1988 to promote superior buyer-representation skills and services. REBAC is an affiliate of the National Association
of REALTORS® (NAR).
Why Use an ABR®: REALTORS® Experienced in Buyer
Representation
Copyright REAL ESTATE BUYER’S COUNCIL. Reprinted from REBAC.net with permission.