The Accredited Buyer’s Representative is an official designation from the National Association of Realtors. This designation provides an agent with proof of experience and additional training in representing real estate buyers. Earning this accreditation shows that an agent has gone above-and-beyond typical agents with an emphasis in acting as a buyer’s agent.
How Agents Earn the ABR
Earning the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation requires completing a two-day Accredited Buyer’s Representative Designation Course and passing an exam. Once an agent passes the exam they have three years to complete five buyer representative transactions where they only represented the buyer in a transaction.
After completing the Accredited Buyer’s Representative exam, agents are also required to complete an additional Accredited Buyer’s Representative elective course, such as Buying and Selling Income Properties, Effective Negotiation for Real Estate Professionals, Networking and Referral Systems, or one of many other relevant courses that teach the newest trends and buyer’s agent practices.
Agents earning and possessing an Accredited Buyer’s Representative accreditation must also be an active member in good standing with the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) and the National Association of Realtors.
How Many Agents Have the ABR?
The Real Estate Buyers Agent Council has more than 40,000 members worldwide and is the largest association focused on buyer representation for agents. Of the REBAC members, over 30,000 have completed the requirements for the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation.
Why Should I Look for an ABR Accredited Buyer’s Agent?
If you’re looking to buy a house, you should seek an agent with this accreditation. Because an agent took the time, effort and expense to earn this accreditation, it shows that they are devoted to the practice of representing buyers and work to excel in it.
What you can expect from an ABR accredited agent:
- Understand your specific wants and needs regarding your new house, and find the properties that fit your requirements
- Determine how much house you can afford
- Assist in getting pre-qualified for a mortgage
- Preview and view properties with you
- Assist in preparing an offer and negotiate with the seller
- Help you find qualified inspectors, attorneys, lenders, or any other service you may need
- Monitor and track every detail throughout the transaction and keep you informed every step of the way
Agents with this accreditation have additional training and experience specifically related to representing buyers, and through their membership in the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council, you can be assured they they have access to all the latest news, laws, and technologies effecting real estate buyers.
How to find an ABR Designated Agent
Are you buying a home and want to be represented by an Accredited Buyer’s Representative designated agent? Look no further than AgentHarvest, where our powerful agent search tool can help you find a trustworthy, qualified agent in your town.
If you are buying or selling a house and are looking to hire a successful real estate agent to help you through the process, take a look at AgentHarvest's list of top-ranking local Realtors in your area. We found these agents by examining their sales track records, awards, rankings, client testimonials and by conducting personal interviews.