An Acredited Buyer's Representative

Looks out for their Buyer's best interests.

In years past, when a buyer wanted to purchase a home, the only agent involved was the agent listing the home for sale.  As a result, the listing agent had the responsibility to the Seller alone.  Although Realtors adhere to a code of ethics, the fact remained that seller's agents were under contract with the seller, and the buyer had no representation.

Now, a consumer has the option of listing a home with a listing agent, buying a home with a buyer's agent, or using one agent on a limited basis for both sides of a transaction. 

When you contract with a buyer's agent (or a listing agent), they have a fiduciary duty to you.  A fiduciary duty is the highest duty known to the law.   In the case of Real Estate, these duties are:

1) Loyalty - to represent your best interests

2) Obedience - to obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the client

3) Disclosure - disclose all relevant and material information that pertains to the scope of the agency

4) Confidentiality - to keep confidences

5) Reasonable care and diligence - just what it says

6) Accounting - to account for all money, property, and documents related to the client's transactions

The ABR is an extra training and certification a Realtor earns to provide a higher level of service to their buyers.