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.
Comments