Why You
Should Work With a REALTOR®
Not all real estate practitioners are
REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark
that identifies a real estate professional who is a
member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and
subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five
reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
1. You’ll 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.
Get objective information and opinions.
REALTORS® can provide local community information on
utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll 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. 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 REALTOR® to find
all available properties.
4. Benefit from their negotiating
experience.
There are many negotiating factors,
including but not limited to price, financing, terms,
date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of
repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the
purchase agreement should provide a period of time for
you to complete appropriate inspections and
investigations of the property before you are bound to
complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to
which investigations and inspections are recommended or
required.
5. Property marketing power.
Real estate doesn’t sell due to
advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate
sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts
through previous clients, referrals, friends, and
family. When a property is marketed with the help of a
REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your
home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and
accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Real estate has its own language.
If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand
why it’s important to work with a professional who is
immersed in the industry and knows the real estate
language.
7. REALTORS® 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.
And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations
change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of
real estate transactions over the course of their
career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Buying and selling 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.
And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase
they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective,
third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional
and financial issues most important to you.
9. Ethical treatment.
Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®
makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics,
which is based on professionalism and protection of the
public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect
honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related
matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code
of Ethics orientation and they are also required to
complete a refresher course every four years.
