Hi there! As per my introduction, I'm going to start explaining the various designations and ceritifications a realtor can receive. This week, I would like to take a look at the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designation. I've personally taken the course for this designation so I feel confident I can accurately describe this. First of all, it is a two day course, followed by an exam at the end of the 2nd day. Once the course is taken and the exam has been passed, and any chosen elective courses are taken, then the realtor has to acquire five buyer transactions to officially receive the ABR designation, or any previous approved transactions count towards this.
So, you could have taken the course and passed the exam but like in my case, if you've not gotten your five approved buyer transactions yet, cannot claim this designation. The course involves learning about everything from buyer's agent strategies to new laws and a plethora of information on negotiation, REOs & various other types of transactions related to serving the buyer.
Now one thing I did not go over last week was how to best check on these various designations. The best place to verify if a realtor does have these designations is on Realtor.com. Realtor.com actually does check these designations through the National Assoc. of Realtors once a realtor inputs this information into their profile. As well, through this site, you can also find realtors with this designation, or any other desired designations.
To learn more about the Designations/Certifications that might be helpful to you in a realtor, check out the following link: http://www.car.org/education/designations
If you are a buyer and would like to help me to attain my first five buyer transactions, let me know, I'm happy to help & never too busy for your referrals.
Have a great week!