Accredited Buyer Representative® Designation

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR®) Designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation demonstrates to peers and consumers your commitment to providing outstanding service for real estate buyers. This course examines agency theory and practice, standards of care in the delivery of buyer agent representation, and strategies to target niche markets and build your buyer representation business. You’ll also receive instruction on how to successfully handle offers and negotiations as a buyer agent, and learn about disclosure requirements, vicarious liability and other risk management issues.

The ABR® course is the first step toward earning the ABR® designation and focuses on the key information and skills we need today when working with buyers, including how to:

• Walk buyers through written buyer representation agreements.
• Advocate for our clients’ best interests throughout the transaction.
• Articulate their value to the buyer-client.
• Work with data to complete insightful market analyses.
• Explain the range of financing options available to clients.
• Stay on top of emerging trends.
• Build relationships that carry beyond the closing 

You'll Learn in the ABR® Course

• Buyer Representation Agreements and Buyer Counseling Sessions
  Lear how to create a buyer representation agreement, conduct a successful buyer consultation, and communicate your value to clients.
  
• Navigate Each Step of the Buyer Side Transaction Process
  Understand every piece of the transaction puzzle, including the search-showing-selection process, offers and negotiations, appraisals,  and closing on the property.

• Communicating Your Value as A Buyer's Representative
  This course covers how you can promote yourself in the buyer's market as a buyer's rep and grow your business using ABR® designee member benefits.

ABR® FAQs

ABR® Course Options

ABR® with GBAR

As part of NAR promotions, GBAR is offering the ABR® Designation Course at no cost to our REALTOR® members. 

This course differs from NAR's online options by being offered with a local instructor, covering Massachusetts-specific info, and offering 10 CE credits.

Earn 10 Massachusetts Continuing Education Credits when you take ABR® with GBAR!

• RE02R06: Buyer Agency
• RE57R07: Brokerage Relationships
• RE35RC03: Offers
• RE36R05: Conducting Open Houses and Developing a Safety Plan
• RE90R14: Designated Agency 

ABR® Designation Requirements
• Complete an ABR® Course and pass the exam
• Complete 1 ABR® Elective Course and pass exam, available online here: https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications/abr
• Present 5 completed and verified transactions as a buyer’s agent within 36 months before or after taking the ABR®
• Be a member in good standing with REBAC® and NAR® Please note: You receive a FREE one-year membership to REBAC® when you take the course (for member benefits visit www.rebac.net)

ABR® with NAR

Live Virtual *Please register for only one class* July 15–16 July 30–31 August 6–7 August 13–14 September 10–11 September 24–25 October 1–2 October 15–16 October 28-29 November 13–14 November 18–19 December 3–4 December 18–19

Online | Self Paced (no cost)

Justifying You Value & Commission 

In nearly any market agents and brokers can be asked to justify their commission, but that may be especially true in high-interest rate environments where every dollar matters. The association offers many resources to help REALTORS® explain their services and justify their value.  At competition.realtor, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the 179 Ways Agents Who Are REALTOR® Are Worth Every Penny of Their Compensation to build your list of services.

There are also separate Infographics that illustrate:
• Buying a Home is Easy If You Work With a REALTOR®
• Selling a Home Is Easy If You Work With a REALTOR®
• Why Hire an Agent Who Is a REALTOR®. 

Additional Resources

• 7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®
• How Real Estate Compensation Works