Why you should work with a RealtorŪ
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORSŪ. The term REALTORŪ
is a registered trademark. It identifies a real estate professional
who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORSŪ and
subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why
it pays to work with a REALTORŪ.
1. You will
have an expert to guide you through the process.
Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms,
inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds,
and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will
help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. You will
receive objective information and opinions.
REALTORSŪ can provide local community information on utilities,
zoning, schools, and more. They will also be able to provide
objective information about each property. A professional will be
able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the
property provide the environment I want for a home or investment?
Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Your
RealtorŪ will help you find the best property out there.
Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively
advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by
your REALTORŪ to find all available properties.
4. You will
benefit from your Realtor’sŪ experience. There are
many negotiating factors including, but not limited to: price,
financing, terms and date of possession as well as inclusion or
exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the
purchase agreement should provide a period of time during which all
the inspections and investigations into the property should be
performed. The results of these inspections should be disclosed to
you before you purchase the property. Your agent can advise you as
to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. You will
receive the marketing power that comes with a licensed RealtorŪ.
Real estate does not sell due to advertising alone. A large share of
real estate sales come as the result of a practitioner’s contacts
through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family.
6. Your
RealtorŪ knows how to speak the “language” of real estate.
If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it is
important to work with a professional who is immersed in the
industry and knows the real estate language.
7. REALTORSŪ
have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a
few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between
each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations
change. REALTORSŪ handle hundreds of real estate transactions over
the course of their career and keep informed about the changes in
regulations.
8. Your
RealtorŪ understands that buying or selling a home is emotional.
A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just
four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can
be an emotional undertaking. For most people, a home is the biggest
purchase they will ever make. Having a concerned yet objective third
party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial
issues most important to you.
9. You will
receive ethical treatment from your RealtorŪ. Every
member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORSŪ makes a commitment
to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics which is based on
professionalism and protection of the public. When working with a
REALTORŪ, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all
transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORSŪ to take
the Code of Ethics orientation. RealtorsŪ are also required to
complete a Code of Ethics refresher course every four years.
