Massachusetts Association of Buyer Agents

MABA members offer home buyers real estate services without the conflicts of interest. Why should that matter so much?

Because in 2005, it became legal in Massachusetts for one agent in an office to fully represent a seller while another agent in the same office represents the buyer. This practice is called "designated agency." Offices which practice designated agency create an environment where the office supervisor holds confidential information of both the buyer and seller. MABA policy requires that our offices exceed the legal standard in order to avoid conflicts of interests: Read our pledge. We pledge to never represent both the buyer and the seller of the same house.

MABA (Massachusetts Association of Buyer Agents) is a nonprofit organization of real estate professionals who hold themselves to a strict standard of professional care. Our goal is to get our clients the best home for the possible lowest price. We specialize in providing focused buyer services that protect confidentiality while saving buyers time and money. We also provide educational programs for consumers and buyer agents throughout the state.

Buyer Brokerage (also called buyer agency) became popular in the 1990s when residential buyers realized that they could get client-level services, like commercial buyers. Buyer agents began to work with home buyers in the late 1980s, buyer agents began to help home buyers. The benefit was obvious, buyers wanted an agent to search the entire market for the best possible home and negotiate on their behalf for the best price and terms. Buyer agents also help find the best service and terms for a mortgage loan, the least expensive and most effective attorney representation, the best qualified home inspectors, and the least expensive home insurance.

MABA buyer's agents work in offices which stay more free of conflicts of interest than is required by law. Since MABA is the first organization of buyer agents in Massachusetts, we have a wealth of experience in how to do it right for our clients. If you want a buyer's agent who does not have divided loyalties, choose a MABA buyer's agent.

Services / Duties Provided	Seller Agent	Buyer Agent
Arrange property showings	X	X
Assist with financing	X	X
Provide property data	X	X
Explain forms / agreements	X	X
Monitor closing	X	X
Prepare property value study		X
Represent buyers on MLS listed properties PLUS bank properties, auctions, FSBOs, new construction		X
Promote and protect interest of the buyer at all times		X
Advise the buyer even if it means pointing out reasons not to buy		X
Disclose all research about property history & liens		X
Negotiate in favor of the buyer for best price & terms		X
Structure offer with the buyer's best interest in mind		X
Keep buyer's financial capabilities / thoughts confidential unless authorized to disclose		X

Finding the home is only part of what we do. We can help you evaluate a town Contact us for a relocation package. We have members throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and southern New Hampshire and in Southern Vermont. So if you are considering a first or second home in the Berkshires, Cape Cod, the Islands, Greater Boston, Worchester, North Shore, South Shore or most anywhere in between, we can help.

MABA provides no-cost home buyer counseling and a list of agents for your area. Call or email 7 days a week for 1-800-935-6222. MABAHQ@SkyForInc.com

If you are a licensed real estate agent who wishes to make a referral to a MABA member, please click here.

WHY CHOOSE A BUYER AGENT FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF BUYER AGENTS?