Team Up With A Realtor! It’s a Wise Investment
Southland Regional Association of Realtors®

Despite the potential lifelong impact on finances, buyers and sellers fail to fully appreciate the value and expertise a Realtor® represents.

Too few are aware of, let alone appreciate, the differences between a real estate licensee and a Realtor. Both pass state-mandated real estate tests, both carry the same real estate license, and both must follow state laws. Yet both are not created equal.

If an owner willingly spends thousands of  dollars preparing a home for sale — painting, planting flowers, fixing anything that’s broken — doesn’t it makes sense to put more effort into picking the best professional representation? Isn’t it possible that choosing wisely might just yield even greater rewards?

For example, when buying a home:

• A Realtor can help determine buying power.
• A Realtor has unique, valuable resources to assist in a home search.
• A Realtor can assist in the selection process by providing objective information about each property.
• A Realtor can help negotiate.
• A Realtor provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property.
• A Realtor can explain the different financing options and help identify qualified lenders.
• A Realtor can guide a transaction through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

When selling a home:
• A Realtor can give up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace, such as the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting a property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
• A Realtor markets property to other real estate agents and the public.
* A Realtor will know when, where and how to advertise a property.
* A Realtor can help objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising marketing position.
• A Realtor can help close the sale of a home.

Those are key reasons why using a Realtor is a wise investment.

Beyond that, and perhaps of equal importance, anyone who invokes the title of “Realtor” willingly takes on added responsibilities and duties -- abiding by a strict code of ethics, completing continuing education courses, and promoting diversity in housing to ensure that all Americans have an equal opportunity buy a home of their own. If you’re looking to buy or sell home, team up today with a Realtor!

When Is a Real Estate Agent a Realtor?

A real estate agent is a Realtor® when he or she becomes a member of the National Association of Realtors, the world’s largest professional association and agrees to abide by its strict code of ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. NAR is composed of Realtors who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Members belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations — including the Southland Regional Association of Realtors — and 54 state and territory associations of Realtors and can join one of the many institutes, societies, and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. Realtors are pledged to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice.
Working for America’s property owners, the NAR provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members.

This column is a service of the 11,800-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors, one of the nation’s largest local associations. Send questions to David R. Walker via e-mail to DavidR7944@aol.com.

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