What’s the difference between an ABR® and a Buyer’s Rep?
A buyer’s representative (or simply buyer’s rep) is a licensed real estate professional who represents prospective home buyers 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.
A buyer’s rep should make your home buying experience smooth and successful. However, not all reps offer the same level of service.
Specifically, an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) completes extra training and gains specialized experience helping homebuyers. Therefore, working with an ABR® gives you a higher standard of representation.
Buying a home ranks among the largest and most complex financial decisions you’ll make. That’s why you need a qualified real estate professional. In fact, ABRs master advanced skills in advocacy, negotiation, and transaction management to protect your interests.
By choosing an ABR® before house hunting, you ensure you have strong representation—not sales pressure. As a result, your goals take priority. A REALTOR® with an ABR®, like our team, provides expert guidance, proven experience, and a strong commitment to homebuyers.
The ABR® designation is awarded through the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), founded in 1988 to promote superior buyer representation skills and services. REBAC is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
