Using a Realtor? They're Simply Indispensable!

During the best of times or the worst of time, home buyers and home sellers -- even the sophisticated and computer savvy ones -- consistently turn to Realtors for professional guidance.

As it turns out, Realtors are more important than ever, which comes as somewhat of a surprise even to a few real estate industry types who thought the explosion of the Internet and on-line access to property listings would make more people believe they could manage a transaction on their own.

As it turns out, pursuing a "For Sale by Owner" was more manageable a decade or two ago before the dawn of the Worldwide Web and the explosion of multiple state laws, city ordinances, and a raft of rules and regulations.

A short while ago when homes were selling within days at ever higher prices, Realtors were needed to manage the breakneck pace of the complicated transactions and the sometimes dozens of multiple offers from buyers.

As sales have slowed, if a listing is to receive proper attention and sell quickly at a desirable price, the services of an experienced real estate professional are simply essential.

Throw in the possibility of a short sale or a foreclosure and buyers and sellers with prior real estate experience realize they are no match in negotiations with a bank officer.

Today's market is so fraught with pitfalls that even inexperienced buyers and sellers realize that most full service Realtors truly earn their commission.

Yes, let's admit that some agents do not earn their keep, either through incompetence or inexperience.

Hopefully, those will be purged by current market forces or that they will change their ways. Still, it's incumbent on every buyer and seller to choose wisely when it comes to selecting the person responsible for one of the most important transactions of a lifetime.

If an answer comes easily for most of the following questions, going it alone might be an option.

Otherwise, stick with a Realtor:

* How do I know if a potential buyer can qualify to buy my home?

* What legal documentation must accompany a purchase offer contract?

*  What are the consequences and what are my options if a buyer backs out of an offer?

* What inspections are required?

* Which escrow company is best?

* How do I pick a title company? And, who pays for all of their fees?

* What must be done to toilets, water heaters and gas meters before a home is sold?

* What protection do I have if a lawsuit appears a year after closing?

* Who does a home warranty policy really protect?

* What is the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor?

Those simple, basic questions would stump even experienced buyers and sellers, which is why Realtors -- who, unlike a mere real estate licenses, agree to abide by a strict code of ethics and can be disciplined for violations -- are more in demand than ever.

Not only will a savvy Realtor help evaluate a property and what it's worth, they also will explain financing options, manage dozens of contacts and multiple negotiations, and guide the transaction through the closing process, making sure each hurdle is cleared in a timely manner.

The benefits are endless, yet there's another, less tangible, reason why using a Realtor makes perfect sense: Realtors provide objectivity.

Buying or selling a home symbolizes family, stability and security, not just wood, bricks, four walls and a roof. A home purchase is a highly charged emotional transaction.

Having a concerned, yet objective, third party keeps everyone focused on the important practical and business issues while mixing in just the right proportion of emotions.

It can be a delicate balance.

Choosing a Realtor also means that buyers and sellers have selected someone who is committed to continuing education, professionalism and integrity -- attributes we need more of in every aspect of modern life.

In short, sure, some buyers and sellers think they don't need professional representation, but most truly believe that Realtors are indispensable.

Call your Realtor today -- you won't be sorry!