Why use a Buyer Agent with the ABR® designation to help with your home purchase?

This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council ("REBAC") of the National Association of REALTORS® who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.

"For real estate consumers, the one credential to look for is the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation from the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council of the National Association of REALTOR'S®"   - Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine -     

There are five major requirements to attain and use the ABR® designation...

1. Meeting the REBAC® education requirement -- Completion of a 2-day ABR core course through an accredited course provider, Completion of one elective course. Current members who have already obtained the ABR® designation are grandfathered as to the elective course requirement.

2. Passing a written examination on legal and practical aspects of agency representation.

3. Practical experience requirement of acting as a buyer's representative in 5 documented and verifiable transactions. (Valid transactions are those that occurred anytime prior to and up to 36 months after the date the course was completed.)

4. Must, at all times, be a member in good standing with REBAC®

5. Must, at all times, be a member in with National Association of REALTORS®.

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ABR ® |GRI® | ePRO® | REALTOR®

Why select a REALTOR® with the GRI® designation to work with?

Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.  So it's more important than ever that you work with an agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business. The GRI program has helped the best and the brightest in the industry achieve that level of understanding.

GRI designees are:

• Nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry

• Professionally trained

• Knowledgeable Dedicated to bringing you quality service

When you see the letters "GRI" after an agent's name, you can count on receiving the knowledge and guidance you need to make your transaction go smoothly. In short, you can count on getting the best service available from a real estate professional.

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ABR ® |GRI® | ePRO® | REALTOR®

What is an e-PRO and why should you use one?

When you're on the Internet, you don't have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle... so chances are you'd like a real estate agent who:

• Responds to e-mail promptly and professionally.

• Respects your on-line privacy.

• Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home. 

An e-PRO ® is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO ® training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today's consumer really wants.

The benefits of working with a certified Internet professional include:

• More privacy: Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web isn't just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust. That's why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.

• Less hassle: Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include: On-line home tours: Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data.

• Extensive property listings: Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria.

• Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information - even potential buyers - from other e-PROs

• Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area.

• Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail

• Advanced software, PDAs, and laptops to find you answers on the spot.

The result: you get more information, more easily. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.

Less expense: An e-PRO's access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you're likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.

Relocating?... An e-PRO ® is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you're in town or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you've decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.

So how do you find an e-PRO ® ?... Look for the e-PRO ® symbol , or "e-PRO ® " after the agent's name.

Should you use an e-PRO ® ? Yes - especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO ® is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO ® , it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want and need.

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ABR ® |GRI® | ePRO® | REALTOR®

  When is a Real Estate Professional a REALTOR ® ?

When they are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®. The Voice for Real Estate^® -- the world's largest professional association.

The term REALTOR^®is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today's 1,000,000+ members. NAR is composed of REALTORS^® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS^®. They can join one of our many institutes, societies and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS^®are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Working for America's property owners, the NAR provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.