"For real estate consumers, the one credential to look for is the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation from the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council of the National Association of REALTOR'S®"   - Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine -    

CHOOSING A REALTOR  

Smart home buyers only work with a buyer representative, whom they hire specifically to represent them.  Especially members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who have achieved the ABR® designation, which stands for Accredited Buyer's Representative. State law governs the duties real estate licensees owe to consumers.

WHAT IS A BUYERS AGENT?

A real estate Buyer's Agent represents the consumer, purchasing  property in a real estate transaction.  The agent owes full fiduciary responsibilities, duties and loyalty to the real estate buyer, thereby promoting and protecting exclusively the buyer clients interests.

This is can only be accomplished through a Written Agency Agreement  identifying the parties involved, principals and agent, manner of agent compensation and the responsibilities of the parties.

In Utah, the Division of Real Estate regulates licensing of real estate practitioners. Utah Department of Commerce, R162-6, covers Licensee Conduct. Improper Practices are covered in 6.1 of this section, with the requirement of written agency agreement provided as follows:

"6.1.11. Failure to have written agency agreement, defined in writing,  will be considered unprofessional conduct and grounds for disciplinary action by the division."

The rules and regulations have been put in place to protect the consumer and to reduce the potential for misunderstandings.  Unfortunately not all real estate licensees comply with the requirements of the Division of Real Estate and are working without a written agency agreement as an "alleged buyer agent."

This oversight creates significant risk to the consumer and demonstrates a lack of professionalism, ignorance or carelessness on behalf of the agent. 

It is crucial that you clearly understand the concept of agency relationships and who the agent you're speaking with represents.

                                                                                                                QUALIFYING FOR THE ABR DESIGNATION

A REALTOR® must first document successful experience as a Buyer's Agent through his broker's records, transactions in which he served in the capacity of a Buyer's Agent.  And then only after successful completion of a highly specialized training program and the passing of a written exam followed by admission into the Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH AN ABR

• You'll receive objective evaluation of your specific wants and needs. 

• You'll receive extensive research on communities focusing on those specific properties offering the best value, amenities and potential return for your investment.

• You'll receive assistance in viewing properties and benefit of my unbiased observations to insure that your identified specifications and criteria are met.

• You'll receive extensive market data and price counseling when structuring an offer on a property.

• You'll receive insightful advice and as well as having a crystal clear understanding of the legal documents involved. Once our offer is ready, I will  personally present the offer to purchase to the Seller's Agent and Seller in your behalf. 

• Once our offer is accepted and throughout our due diligence process, I will continue to protect your best interests by keeping you informed of our obligations, deadlines and developments. 

• If desired, I can make recommendations and provide assistance in securing appropriate financing for the selected property as well as providing you with contact information for qualified professionals and tradesmen for property inspection services, movers, attorneys, carpenters and any other possible service you may require.  

• Most importantly, you can enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your best interests are being effectively promoted and protected under the guidance of a qualified, competent and knowledgeable professional Buyer Representative throughout the real estate transaction. 

REBAC (Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council) is North America’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate consumer. There are more than 23,000 active members of the organization throughout the United States and Canada with fewer then 1 out of 98 REALTORS®  holding the designation.

CONTACT AN ABR® NOW