Buyer Agent Credentials
When looking for a buyer agent to work with it is recommended to look for one that has specialized training as a buyer agent. There are a few real estate organizations that provide this training. Below is a description of the different programs and their credentials.
Only with the CEBA (and NAEBA membership) and the MCBA, MGBA (and MABA membership) are you assured that your agent is working in an office that practices true fiduciary agency and that no one else in your agent's office will be representing the seller of the home you want to buy.
Certified Exclusive Buyer Agent (CEBA)
CEBA is a designation received from the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA). Before receiving the distinguished CEBA designation, the applicant must be a NAEBA member in good standing, complete specific requirements in hours and/or points for experience, education and service to the industry. The CEBA designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. At the time of credentialing, these agents pledge to act only as true fiduciary agents. Active NAEBA members who have CEBA never practice designated agency.
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)
ABR is a designation received from the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) which is an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. Realtors must meet specific educational and practical experience criteria before awarded this National designation. Agents with ABR credentials are free to practice designated agency. Ask an ABR whether their office practices designated agency or whether all agents act as true fiduciary agents.
Accredited Buyer Representative Manager (ABRM)
ABRM is the only Buyer Representation Designation for managers, brokers and owners awarded by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council affiliated with the National Association of Realtors. The ABRM course was developed in partnership with the Council of Real Estate Managers (CRB) Agents with ABRM credentials are free to practice designated agency. Ask an ABRM whether their office practices designated agency or whether all agents act as true fiduciary agents.
Certified Buyer Representative (CBR®)
This was the first nationally recognized buyer agency designation, sponsored by REALTOR boards and associations. Less than 1% of real estate professionals hold this designation. The goal of this 3-day course is to provide the most practical, thorough, and current information to students. The CRB designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advance educational and professional requirements, and is a not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
MABA Certification Program
The Massachusetts Association of Buyer Agents (MABA) implemented a certification program in the late 1990s. The program was recognized as one of the best available at that time. Most other buyer agency certification programs consist of one to three days of training. MABA's program was far more stringent in terms of class hours and actual number of transactions. If you find a buyer agent with these designations they have many years of experience as a buyer agent.
At the time of credentialing, these agents pledge to act only as true fiduciary agents. Active MABA members who have MCBA or MGBA never practice designated agency.
MABA Graduate of Buyer Agency (MGBA)
This designation requires that the licensee have at least two years' experience as a real estate licensee, 10 closed transactions, two in which the agent contractually represented the buyer as a client; it also requires completion of 15 hours of MABA approved courses. The licensee must affirm that he/she practices under a written in-house Agency Policy.
MABA Certified Buyer Agent (MCBA)
This designation requires that the licensee have 20 closed transactions that include a minimum of 10 transactions in which the agent contractually listed the buyer as a client; it also requires completion of 30 hours of MABA approved courses. The licensee must affirm that he/she practices under a written in-house Exclusive Single Agency/Buyer Agency Policy that does not offer disclosed dual agency.
Click here to find a certified buyer agent for your area.
As part of Community Services, it has been noted that providing helpful information about communities improves the overall quality of life. Represnting Home Buyers, the Massahusetts Association of Buyer Brokers assist in transactional analysis of Buyer Broker to further match a community to a buyer.
Broad categories represented on this page may include the following:
- Fire
- Police
- Services for Buyer Broker
- Aging
- Building Permitting
- Real Estate Transactions
- Telephone
- Internet Libraries.
Please contact us if you think other information for Buyer Broker should be available for prospective home buyers in your town or city.
