What is a buyer’s representative?
Defined most simply, a buyer’s representative (also buyer’s rep, or buyer’s agent) is an advocate for the buyer—not the seller—in a real estate transaction. Real estate laws and regulations vary from state to state, but buyer’s representatives usually owe full fiduciary (legal) duties, including loyalty and confidentiality, to their buyer-clients and work in their clients’ best interests throughout the entire transaction.
How does an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) differ from other buyer’s representatives?
An ABR® is a buyer’s representative who has completed advanced training and who has proven experience in serving the special needs of buyer-clients. In addition to knowing the dynamics of their local market, an ABR®-designated buyer’s rep can help you make informed decisions throughout the entire home buying process. An ABR® is also a REALTOR® (a member of NAR) and must abide by a strict Code of Ethics.
What services are provided by a buyer’s representative?
If you’ve established an agency relationship with a buyer’s representative, common services include:
- Helping you clarify your priorities.
- Suggesting sources of financing and other service professionals, such as inspectors and exterminators.
- Providing sources of accurate and lawful information on neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
- Selecting and arranging property showings.
- Explaining forms and agreements.
- Suggesting contract contingencies to protect you, rather than the seller.
- Assisting in the negotiations for a favorable price and terms.
- Keeping all information confidential that could weaken your bargaining position.
- Monitoring the entire purchase process, assisting with issues that arise through closing.
The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field.
What is a Certified Residential Specialist?
The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education. A certified Residential Specialist is a Realtor who has earned certification from the Council of Residential Specialists by completing a rigorous course of advanced training and by meeting significant experience requirements. It’s this rare combination that makes a Certified Residential Specialist more than just another real estate agent. It’s the ability to make a real difference in the purchase or sale of your home that places them among the best in the business.
e-PRO® is the only technology certification to be officially recognized, endorsed, and conferred by the National Association of REALTORS®.
With 85% of the buyers in the marketplace using the internet and social media to identify and research their future property, we feel this is an extremely important area to concentrate time, energy and assets.
In addition to this, we are proficient in many of the software platforms that are paramount in marketing, such as: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash and Acrobat.
Agents with NAR’s e-PRO® certification demonstrate:
- Advanced training in using the latest technology and social media to promote your property or find your next home.
- A clear understanding of the ways that e-office strategies, rich media and social networking can benefit today’s consumer in a real estate transaction.
- Excellence in adopting, implementing, and promoting technology best practices.
- Ethics with commitment to use technology in fair and responsible manner.
- Professionalism by completing an education program designed to keep one’s technical knowledge and skill sets up-to-date.
GRI, which stands for Graduate REALTOR® Institute, is a nationally recognized professional real estate designation.
The GRI designation is a real estate industry designation similar to various industry designations such as:
o CPA – Certified Public Accountant, an accounting industry designation
o CSEO – Certified Senior Escrow Officer, an escrow industry designation
o CLU – Charter Life Underwriter, an insurance industry designation
o CFP – Certified Financial Planner, a financial industry designation
The GRI designation is considered the nation’s number one real estate designation.
This designation may only be earned after successfully completing a rigorous educational program. This program requires 92 hours of live course instruction from a statewide faculty selected because of extensive experience in their own areas of expertise.
This designation is available only to members of the local, state and National Association of REALTORS®
GRI is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professionalism and knowledge
The GRI designation is granted through the California Association of REALTORS® whose courses of study meet the standards established by the National Association of REALTORS®
RSPS is recognized as an official NAR certification and allows buyers and sellers to have confidence in the ability of a REALTOR® who specializes in resort and second-homes to assist them with their search.
REALTORS® who facilitate the buying, selling, or management of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination are involved in this market niche.
By earning the SRES® Designation, your REALTOR® has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home. Your SRES® has received special training, gets regular updates, and is prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life changing decisions.
