Is your agent a REALTOR®?
Look below to find out why this question is so important!
When you’re ready to start your buying or selling journey,
Make sure your agent is a
REALTOR®
Not all agents are REALTORS®.
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may call themselves REALTORS,® adhering to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics was adopted in 1913, which means when you work with a REALTOR,® you can expect honesty and integrity in all transaction-related matters.
Only REALTORS® pledge to abide by the Code of Ethics, holding REALTORS® accountable for their
ethical behavior and business practices.
They work to protect the public and are members of the nation’s largest professional trade organization, advocating for homeownership and private property rights. That’s the difference when you choose to work with a REALTOR.®
Honesty & Ethics.
A REALTOR’S® first obligation is to you, the client.
A REALTOR® will provide objective guidance during the biggest purchase many people will ever make.
A REALTOR® helps you manage the dozens of forms, reports, disclosures and other technical documents involved in the property transaction.
A REALTOR® understands how to negotiate various aspects of each transaction.
A REALTOR® will advise on important factors when making a purchase offer, such as allowing enough time for important investigations and inspections of the property before you complete the purchase.
A REALTOR® pledges to be honest with you at all times and to not exaggerate or hide information about a property.
Insights & Expertise.
A REALTOR® can provide local information on utilities, community amenities, zoning and more.
A REALTOR® can use this data to help you determine if a property offers what you need.
A REALTOR® can help you find available properties that may not be actively advertised on home search sites or apps.
A REALTOR® has active knowledge of the latest laws and regulations.
Ask your REALTOR® the right questions!
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How long have you been in residential real estate? Is it your full-time job?
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Do you have any designations or certifications?
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What’s your business philosophy?
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How many buyers/sellers did you and your brokerage represent last year?
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What’s the average variation between your initial offers/listings and final sales price?
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On average, how many days does it take you to make a sale?
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Will you represent me exclusively, or might you choose to represent the seller as well?
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Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage or make home repairs?
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How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction?
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How are you compensated for your services?
Seven reasons to work with a
REALTOR®
Buying and selling a home can be stressful. You need an agent who is a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, by your side. Here’s why:
1.
Get the inside scoop.
Real estate professionals have access to exclusive neighborhood and property information to make you a smarter buyer or seller.
2.
Simplify your search.
An agent can educate you on current market conditions and help you find homes that match your criteria using local broker marketplaces - known in the business as multiple listing services.
3.
Navigate a complex process.
A real estate professional can guide you on forms, disclosures, and the lending process to help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
4.
Negotiate like a Pro.
An agent has expertise to negotiate terms, from price to repairs, on your behalf.
5.
Be up-to-date.
You may have bought or sold a home before, but markets and transaction processes are always changing.
6.
Have a trusted ally.
Your agent can talk you through the pros and cons behind big decisions and share their network of trusted home inspectors, lenders, remodelers, and more.
7.
Do the right thing.
Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®. REALTORS® are bound by a strict Code of Ethics based on professionalism, consumer protection, and the golden rule.