Why use a REALTOR®

Many times people use the term REALTOR® in a generic way. REALTOR® is a trademarked word, and should only be used when referring to a member of the local, state or national association. A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® , is a member of his or her local and state associations of REALTORS® , and subscribes to the association's strict code of ethics. The term "Real Estate Agent" is a gener ic term. It is a sales person or agent who is responsible to a real estate broker and who is liscensed by the state real estate commission to assist the broker in his business of buying, selling, exchanging, appraising, and managing property.

THE REALTOR® OATH UPON JOINING THE REALTOR® ASSOCIATION, A REALTOR® PLEDGES THE FOLLOWING:

To protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it; To be honorable and honest in all dealings; To seek better to represent clients by building his/her own knowledge and competence; To act fairly towards all in the spirit of the Golden Rule; To serve well his/her community, and through it his/her country. To observe the REALTORS® Code of Ethics and conform his/her conduct to its lofty ideals.

SELLING YOUR HOME? WORK WITH A REALTOR® !

Selling your home is a complex transaction requiring time, effort, patience and know-how. Selling it fast at its full value requires the expertise and experience of a real estate professional - especially a broker or agent who is a REALTOR®

HERE'S HOW A REALTOR® CAN HELP YOU:

A REALTOR® knows the current real estate market and can help you set a realistic competitive price. A REALTOR® also is familiar with the local home loan market and can help you decide on financing that's best to expedite your sale.
A REALTOR® knows how to figure the approximate net proceeds from your sale based on types of loans, outstanding loan balance and closing costs.
A REALTOR® can suggest how to add sales appeal to your home at low or moderate cost.
A REALTOR® knows where to find prospective buyers. Most homebuyers prefer to work with a real estate agent. Serious prospects are "qualified" as to their affordable price range before your home is shown.
A REALTOR® can tap an even larger market, if necessary, through referrals, marketing techniques and the Multiple Listing Service.
A REALTOR® frees you from problems associated with showing your home. The REALTOR® handles all phone inquiries, makes appointments, shows your home and follows up, leaving your time for you.
A REALTOR® maintains objectivity in responding to possible criticisms by the buyer and in presenting offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.
A REALTOR® knows how to help the buyer meet local financing requirements and go about obtaining a mortgage loan.
A REALTOR® can familiarize you with closing procedures by explaining them in advance. A REALTOR® usually attends the closing with you.
HERE'S HOW A REALTOR® CAN HELP YOU

"It's probably the biggest investment you'll ever make, with long-term financial ramifications. It calls for many informed decisions and for good advice from a real estate professional. When buying a home, you can learn from the knowledge and skill of a REALTOR.® "

A REALTOR® helps you determine how much home you can actually afford. Often a REALTOR® can suggest additional ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods.
A REALTOR® can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, accesibility to schools, transportation, shopping, and other personal preferences.
A REALTOR® has access to a listing of available homes, can evaluate them in terms of your needs and affordability, and doesn't waste your time on unsuitable homes.
A REALTOR® often can suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.
A REALTOR® can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.
A REALTOR® most often acts a a liaison between you and the seller to present offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.
A REALTOR® can tell you if local law requires an attorney at closing and most can provide you with a list to choose from if you don't have one.
A REALTOR® usually knows the local money market and can tell you about financing. A REALTOR® also can tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan.
A REALTOR® can help familiarize you with the closing process by explaining it in advance.
WHY PAY A COMMISSION?

Before making a costly mistake, consider the benefits you receive from working with a trained real estate professional. The agent:
pays all advertising costs supplies you with all standard forms to speed the transaction for both buying and selling a home frees you from handling the many details in selling or buying a home is experienced in marketing, financi ng, negotiations and more!
Has financial knowledge and is aware of the many options for available financing understands and can explain real estate language will do homework on how to best market your home or find you a home will schedule and handle all showings and appointments keeps your best interests in mind - it's an agent's job!
Will be up-to-date on real estate laws that affect you most often has access to the Multiple Listing Service - the most effective means of bringing together buyers and sellers can handle all price and contract negotiations has a network of contacts that can produce potential buyers qualifies buyers will do a market analysis to establish a fair price range can accompany you to the closing saves you time!

© 2024 Clare Gladwin Board of REALTORS® | Carrie's Creations Inc.