What is a REALTOR®?

All real estate professionals are not created equal. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® estimates that over 2 million people hold real estate licenses in the United States, but only about 1 million of them have earned the REALTOR® distinction. Through membership in their national, state and local REALTOR® associations, REALTORS® gain numerous opportunities to enhance their educational and professional development. They also are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.

Why Use a REALTOR®?

Selling a home is a complex process involving what‘s likely to be your most prized financial asset. Enacting a smooth transaction for your home‘s full value requires the expertise of a REALTOR® whose extensive training has prepared him or her to generate the best possible results on your behalf. Just like you shouldn‘t treat a broken leg without a doctor or handle a major legal dispute without an attorney, it‘s unwise to sell your home without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

Naturally, every seller wants to reap the highest return from the sale. It‘s tempting to sell the home on your own, thereby saving the REALTOR®'s fees. However, a study conducted by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® found that 82 percent of real estate sales result from REALTORS®‘ contacts with previous clients, referrals and other sources. Additionally, NAR concluded that most homes sell for 3 to 9.5 percent more when sold through a REALTOR®.

Selling your home with a REALTOR® yields abundant advantages, including the following:

• REALTORS® have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS) to disburse information about your property to thousands of consumers via their REALTORS®. They also have other marketing vehicles at their disposal, such as open houses and referral networks. Through your REALTOR®‘s marketing efforts, a much broader range of qualified buyers will be informed of your property‘s availability.

• As a seasoned pro at negotiation skills and tactics, your REALTOR® can maintain objectivity in assessing buyers' proposals and developing offers and counteroffers. Throughout the transaction, including appraisals, inspections and legally binding agreements, you can depend on your REALTOR®'s know-how to avoid any pitfalls.

• Sales transactions comprise intricate legal and regulatory requirements. REALTORS® are familiar with the regulations and can help you understand and adhere to them.

• REALTORS® work with their clients to address home improvements and tips that will enhance the home‘s salability.
  
• REALTORS® offer extensive, professional sales training.

Qualifying the Buyer - REALTORS® qualify prospective buyers to determine in advance their financial ability to purchase. Pre-Qualification also helps a buyer understand what they can afford and what they can realistically look at buying. This saves both buyers and sellers a lot of time and aggravation and ensures that the process is as smooth as possible.

Advertising - REALTORS® have access to several forms of advertising including newspapers, homes, magazines, relocation networks and the Multiple Listing Service--a cooperative sales system which contains all the properties for sale in your market area.

Housing Trends - REALTORS® have current market information on comparable selling prices for specific types of homes, allowing sellers to establish realistic prices while obtaining fair market value for their property.

Sale Negotiations - REALTORS® are trained professionals who can answer the many questions posed by potential buyers and should work to alleviate any doubts buyers have about the process.

Financing - REALTORS® will continually gather information on the latest and best methods of obtaining mortgage money and be prepared to assist the buyer to assure a speedy sale.

Continuing Education - REALTORS® are constantly upgrading their professional abilities by keeping informed about market trends, the latest industry innovations, new legislation and civil rights. Members of the National Association of REALTORS® have the right to earn professional designations by completing additional education.

Personal Service - REALTORS® work cooperatively with the affiliate members of the MLS to provide information on title and conveyance documents, termite inspections, home warranty programs, etc. REALTORS® also make suggestions to sellers on how to make a home more salable.

Protection for Buyers & Sellers - REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and accept the responsibility of promoting the interests of buyers and sellers by protecting them from fraud and misrepresentation.  

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