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’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 have
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.
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, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most
people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned,
but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and
financial issues most important to you.
