Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Why You Should Work with a Realtor

The following blog post is a direct excerpt from the National Association of Realtors.

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 nine reasons why it pays to work with a Realtor

1. Expert Guide
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. 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. Finding the best property
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. Or worse, it can advertised on third party websites but no longer on the market. Take advantage of the knowledge and expertise a Realtor can provide when searching for your next home.

4. 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.  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. There is a distinct difference between passive and active marketing.

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. They are professionals
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 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. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. Having a concerned, but objective, single agent who is dedicated to your (and only your) best interests is incredibly valuable.

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. 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.

Not every real estate agent is a professional Realtor. Make sure you thoroughly examine and vet your next real estate agent to make sure they are a professional Realtor before asking them to sell your home or find your brand new dream home.

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