Why Use a REALTOR

1. A real estate transaction is complicated

In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Selling or buying a home is time consuming

In today’s market, homes often stay on the market for 60 days or more... and it usually takes another 30 to 60 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted.

3. 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 someone who speaks that language.

4. REALTORS have done it before

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. That’s why having an expert on your side is critical.

5. REALTORS provide objectivity

Since a home often symbolizes family, rest and security, not just four walls and roof, homeselling or buying is often a very emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you keep focused on both the business and emotional issues most important to you.

6. REALTORS subscribe to a stringent code of ethics

Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors, a trade organization of nearly 1 million members nationwide. Realtors subscribe to a stringent code of ethics that helps guarantee the highest level of service and integrity.

7. REALTORS provide legal representation

When you are represented by a buyer’s agent, you have someone legally obligated to look out for your best interests. It’s a fiduciary relationship, just like a lawyer-client relationship.

8. The seller usually pays for it

Where else do you get legal representation and have someone pay for it! In most cases your buyer’s agent is paid a commission by the seller as part of their listing contract. If you aren’t represented by your own agent that portion of the commission doesn’t go to you... it goes to the seller’s agent.

Most information taken from REALTOR Magazine Online by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.