In this Buyer's Market, as an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) I find that there is a great mis-understanding about my role in the minds of many when purchasing a new home. So I thought I would clear a few things up.

As an Accredited Buyer Representative, I have completed an extensive course with an exam and have demonstrated the experiential requirements to earn the industry-coveted ABR® designation. Not all REALTORS® are ABR®.  ONLY 20% of REALTORS® have this designation. So I consider myself unique in this regard.

This designation means that when I am acting as your buyer representative, I owe fidelity in all transaction matters to you, the buyer. In contrast, the seller-representative (listing agent) is the agent of the seller. It is not advantageous as many may think, to work with the listing agent to negotiate the purchase of your biggest investment.

The advantages to you as a buyer when using a REALTOR with ABR® are many.  As your ABR®, I am your advocate and can therefore be assertive on your behalf to negotiate the best terms and price. It is my role to help you select the best property. I have access to the entire market and not just properties that have been listed for sale. For instance, I can work with a for-sale-by-owner, or bank owned property, FHA/VA foreclosures, auctions, and new construction. If necessary, I can promote your search for an appropriate property through a "property wanted" promotion to seller representatives and directly to owners of properties that may be of interest to you through broadcast emails or personal phone calls.

I assist in acquiring and interpreting information about the property and its condition as well as seeking out the seller's motivation. 

My fiduciary duties to you require me to exercise reasonable care and diligence to protect your interests. Some of the things I do to protect your interest include obtaining a seller's property disclosure, recommend inspections, include protective clauses such as procuring acceptable insurance and mortgage rates (caution-more clauses may make an offer less likely to be accepted).  I also prepare a comparative market analysis to help you make a more informed purchase offer and can provide price counseling. I provide lists of other professionals you may need, suggest financing alternatives, home warranty information, and other issues that may affect the value of the property such as deed restricitions, homeowner covenants, schools, and plans for future developments in the community. Together we review additional charges such as property taxes, impact fees, CDDs, utility charges and other fees that impact the cost of homeownership.  Other information that may impact your decision to buy a particular house may include traffic loads and patterns at rush hours, special needs such as access to medical or recreational facilities, shopping, public transportation. We may also need to explore any negative influences such as landfills or certain manufacturing plants, sport stadiums.

So when you want someone to represent your best interests in the purchase of your home, the best way is through an exclusive buyers broker agreement with a REALTOR®ABR®.

Call me or Email me Today to be your Accredited Buyer Representative .

Expect the Best!  Kathleen Floryan ©2007 All Rights Reserved.