BUYER REPRESENTATION AS A BUYER'S AGENT has been a "niche" market since the 1990's. Since then,  four "designations" specific to this specialty area have been developed while four other designations support the buyer representation concept.  The CBR® was trademarked and patented in 1993 and has been a choice of many local boards across the country since that time. CBR enjoys its independence from NAR with its ability to offer instructional programs that are locally focused rather than a product that is standardized in format and designed to be presented uniformly across the country. CBR feels there is a need for locality specific instruction especially when there are changes in local regulations.   Of the eight following designations devoted to the real estate agent's continuing education and training, CBR is a leader.

AGENCY is the principle that governs buyer representation. The Common Law of Agency specifies that an agent owes the client the "fiduciary duties of loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, and accounting."   Many states have codified agency law with specific requirements.  The Certified Buyer Representative Course recognizes that each state has it's own specific agency interpretations and customizes its instruction to reflect those differences. Acting as a buyers agent, the CBR® always places their homebuyer clients' real estate interests above those of all others...including their own!

The NEGOTIATING and MARKETING techniques taught in the CBR program are what many agents feel sets the CBR trained agent a step ahead of their competition. The competent CBR agent gives their clients' the confidence that they have purchased the home or real estate of their choice on the best terms available and at the best price possible.

A great agent is always striving to differentiate himself from his competition and the earning of a specialty designation is one way to achieve that goal.  Similar to earning the CPA in accounting, or CLU in life insurance, a specialty designation in real estate shows that an agent is serious about serving clients!  Agents with the following designations are in the elite few of the real estate field.     

DESIGNATIONS

CBR (Certified Buyer's Representative)..........< 1% *

C-CREC (Consumer-Certified Real Estate Consultant)......< 1% *