RISMEDIA, December 17, 2010—Each year, REBAC strives to provide the latest tools and resources to help agents build their buyer business through its Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation program. Agents who complete the education required to earn the ABR® designation not only join a group dedicated to the advancement of buyer representation in today’s market, but they receive a wealth of member benefits to help them along the way. Here are just a few:
Social Media
From establishing a social media presence on Facebook and Twitter to providing useful publications and marketing materials, REBAC keeps members abreast of the latest happenings in buyer representation and provides the tools necessary to reach consumers more efficiently. A new iPhone app, featuring financial calculators, useful articles from issues of Today’s Buyer’s Rep Newsletter, and consumer resources, is just the latest benefit available to REBAC members. Members also profit by being part of a larger network of experienced buyer’s representatives who share practical advice with one another through our ABR® Network Online community.
Marketing Tools
The ABR® designation not only gives agents the skills and knowledge to guide a buyer through the home-buying process, but it comes with a wealth of resources and tools to help today’s agents adapt to a continuously changing market. Among various marketing tools, REBAC members have access to a Home Buyer’s toolkit, a comprehensive home buying guide as well as consumer one-sheets to use at buyer counseling sessions and customizable marketing materials to promote the value of working with an ABR® designee.
Online Resources
REBAC.net is filled with resources for consumers and agents alike. ABR® designees can build referrals through the online member directory, while consumers are able to find home-buying resources or search for a designee to help them along the way. Members can also look forward to other online resources, including online webinars, an Ask the Expert feature and a comprehensive topic list of information to help build their business.
Continuing Education
Agents interested in earning their ABR® must successfully complete the two-day Accredited Buyer’s Representative Designation Course as well as an elective course based on their area of specialty. While courses are available in both live lecture and online formats, agents can choose the curriculum that best fits their day-to-day business. Upon completion of the coursework, agents must show documentation verifying five completed transactions in which the agent acted solely as a buyer representative to apply for the designation. Like all certifications and designations offered through the National Association of REALTORS®, only those agents with active and good membership status with NAR and REBAC qualify for the ABR® designation.
Students interested in learning more about the ABR® Designation Course can visit www.coursecalendar.com to find a course in their area or log onto rebac.net to learn more.
Marc Gould is the executive director of The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC). A wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), REBAC is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer. With more than 40,000 active members, REBAC awards the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation to REALTORS® who work directly with buyer-clients. To learn more, please visit REBAC.net.
