Should real estate agents still get the ABR Designation? In this article we will review what the ABR designation is and if it’s really worth it in 2023.
Today’s real estate market heavily favors sellers, and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon.
With low inventory and tons of competition, buyers need to have a Realtor on their side capable of getting their offers accepted and being able to negotiate and be an advocate for them.
While some of the skills needed to be a stand-out buyer’s agent are only learned through experience, others can be taught through the Accredited Buyer’s Representative Designation.
But, with a $295 price tag, is the ABR designation worth it?
SKIP AHEAD
What Is The ABR Real Estate Designation?
The Accredited Buyer Representative is one of the many designations offered by the National Association of Realtors.
It is designed for agents who work with buyers and want to provide the highest quality of service to their clients.
Through the coursework required to get this designation, a Realtor will become highly skilled in representing buyers.
The knowledge they acquire will be sure to give them a leg up on their competition, which may be extended depending on what market you work out of.
Should You Get The ABR Designation?
If most of your real estate business is on the buyer’s side, the ABR is an excellent designation to get.
Not only will you be able to market yourself as an ABR, which shows that you are an industry leader, but your skills will speak for themself.
Once you have completed the course work and requirements, you will have access to ABR marketing materials like postcards, brochures, and social media copy.
You will also have access to materials you can pass on to your buyers, like informative videos created by the NAR, as well as checklists and buyer consultation forms.
These tools can be valuable in setting yourself apart from other Realtors.
Further Reading: Should You Get The SRS Designation?
What Are The ABR Designation Course Requirements?
The ABR coursework consists of a two-day, twelve-hour course that covers all the bases of what a buyer’s agent needs to do to succeed.
The course covers everything from how to create an agency relationship to how to conduct a buyer counseling session.
You will also be required to complete an elective course.
The elective is usually a one-day course on a topic of your choosing. There are dozens of approved electives to choose from, so you can attend a class with a topic you are interested in learning more about.
This can be a very valuable course that will help you expand your business.
Lastly, you will need to maintain good standing with NAR and the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council.
You will also be required to prove that you have completed five transactions where you represented the buyer to receive this designation.
Is Getting Your ABR Designation Worth It?
The ABR designation is one hundred percent worth it, as long as you put in the work to market it and put into practice the skills you learned through the coursework.
Doing these activities will make your clients happy. Happy clients leave five-star reviews for everyone to see and refer you to their friends and family members who need to purchase a home.
Speaking of happy clients (or at least impressed clients), here are some other best real estate designations you can consider.
How Long Do I Have To Take The ABR Designation Course?
For most states, you will need to complete the ABR Course within twelve months of purchase and unfortunately, they don’t offer extensions.
But honestly, that should be way more than enough time for any real estate agent.
Where Can I Get The Accredited Buyer’s Representative Real Estate Designation?
You can get the ABR designation at the “Center For REALTOR® Development.
Here is a direct link to the ABR Designation Course.
View All Real Estate Designations Here
Occasionally you might be able to get a discount on the ABR real estate designation course. You can check the prior link.
Further Reading: Is Getting Your Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification (PSA) Worth It?
Best of luck in your real estate career and getting some new designations!
About The Author: This article was researched and published by Tim Schroeder. As a husband and wife real estate team residing in Florida, Tim Schroeder brings deep expertise with over 8 years of experience as a licensed real estate agent.
Deb and Tim Schroeder have earned numerous real estate industry awards and recognitions. They have been recognized by Orlando Magazine as a “Top 100 Real Estate Professional” as well as earned Top Producer Designations with the Orlando Realtor Association for 6 years straight.
One Response
Hello to my fellow real estate agents! I hope you enjoyed this ABR Designation review. If you decided to take the Accredited Buyer’s Representative course or already completed it, please let us know your thoughts and feedback on this specific course by leaving a comment below!