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. When looking at
all the factors that an agent influences, it’s easy to see how important it is to choose the right one
for you. There are factors that affect you financially and emotionally, as well as security issues.
Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
1. Navigate a complicated process.
Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage
documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable
expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. 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 most likely have a good resale value
when I am ready to sell?
3. Help finding 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. Discuss with
the Realtor what sources they use: MLS, new construction, FSBO, etc.
4. Negotiating skills.
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. Someone who speaks the 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. Experience.
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.
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. Objective voice.
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.
