Why You Should Hire An Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)?
Because the best way to be certain that a real estate sales agent is working in your best interest is to enter into a buyer representation agreement with them. Although state laws vary, typically a sales agent is obligated to owe fiduciary responsibilities to the real estate seller even if they aren't the listing agent.
Before Looking For A Home, Look For The ABR Designation
These three letters after an agent'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 (Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council) to those REALTORS® who have met the specific educational and experiential criteria needed to provide the highest level of quality service.
What Does A Buyer's Agent Cost?
Like any other real estate fee, the commission for a buyer's agent is usually built into the purchase price of a home and paid by the seller at closing. Hence, there is generally no additional cost for a homebuyer to use a buyer’s agent. As a matter of fact, studies suggest that professional buyer's agents help buyers save both time and money.
What Other Advantages Does Using A Buyer's Agent Have?
By hiring a buyer's agent you'll see the entire inventory of properties meeting your search criteria, not just the listings held by a particular agent. Buyer's agents have an obligation to show the entire inventory of properties available including:
- Properties listed in MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
- For sale by owner (FSBO) properties
- Bank-owned properties
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- Properties offered at auction
- New construction projects
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Often, an experienced buyer's agent creates a network of real estate related professionals who have done quality work for their clients in the past. You will benefit this referral network when it comes time to find:
- Attorneys
- Mortgage professionals
- Appraisers
- Engineers
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- Architects
- Contractors
- Home inspectors
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Additionally, a buyer's agent's due diligence and intensive research help to eliminate costly mistakes or hidden surprises for the homebuyer. Essentially the job of a buyer's agent is not to sell any particular property, but to represent the best interests of the buyer/consumer throughout the home buying process. A buyer's agent helps consumers make smart decisions as they negotiate the home buying process toward closing day.
If this day finds you considering making a move into a future, or out of a present home, please contact me. It has been my good fortune to work with innumerable home buyers and sellers over the years and it will be my pleasure to work with you too. I look forward to working with you!