ABR offered by NAR at no Cost

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If you saw the announcements this week that NAR is offering the popular Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation course available to REALTORS® at no cost, we would like to take a moment to share come common questions coming in to the staff.  Local associations learned about this when you did, and are working to transition currently scheduled courses to free, taking advantage of NAR reimbursements.  For those that paid and just went through the live / hybrid ABR program we held in the Berkshires, we are not able to receive any NAR reimbursement or assist in making that program count, we are sorry to report. We checked. And we asked again.  We were just too proactive on this one.  Given that status, we do have an upcoming elective program Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) virtual and live course planned for 3/11/2024.  This would be a great opportunity for all who are considering the ABR to get a one day elective out of the way right now!  Make sure you read about this program and see if this elective is a good addition to the ABR mandatory coursework for you.

Please note, the ABR has many benefits, especially when the industry is embracing buyer agency agreements and articulating their value in a clear and transparent way.  The roll out was a little rocky and many of the scheduled online sessions sold out almost immediately. NAR continues to add new classes so keep checking back.  There is also a self-paced program you can take.

Finally, we are working together with other Massachusetts associations that have yet to offer the program but have one scheduled. Those will be free of charge as well.  What is the difference?  There is a value in having a Massachusetts perspective when taking this national program. That was one of the main reasons why we selected an instructor that was familiar with our market and our unique business process.  We were also able to ensure an accredited school and instructor so those courses qualify for 10 CE credits towards license renewal in Massachusetts.  We are working together to create a master list of programs and electives that might suit your needs and will share it as soon as it is available.

Earning your ABR isn’t just one class:  

  • Complete the two-day core designation course.
  • Complete one of the ABR® elective courses.

Work Experience

  • Documentation of five completed transactions in which you acted solely as a buyer representative.

Professional Affiliation

  • Membership in good standing in REBAC
  • Membership in good standing in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
    • Exception: International members of REBAC do not have to be members of NAR.

Exam

  • For the online course only, pass the ABR® core designation exam with an 80% or better score. The exam is also required by some states for continuing education (CE credit).
  • For the online course only, pass the exam for the ABR® elective of your choice with an 80% or better score. The exam is also required by some states for continuing education (CE) credit.

Application

  • Submit the designation application along with documentation of five completed transactions.

Cost

  • Cost of the course. Note: The online version of the course will be free through December 31, 2024.
  • REBAC Dues
    • First year of REBAC membership is free
    • Second year is $110, but prorated based on the month you joined REBAC
    • $110 per year thereafter

Get started at become.abr.realtor.  Or stay tuned here as we roll out information specific to Massachusetts offerings.