Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS. The term
REALTOR is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate
professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS
and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are eight reasons why
it pays to work with a REALTOR.
1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually
requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents,
insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A
knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid
delays or costly mistakes.
2. Information and opinions. REALTORS can provide local community
information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They'll also be
able to provide objective information about each property. A
professional will be able to help you answer these two important
questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home
or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am
ready to sell?
3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you
are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and
it will take some investigation by your REALTOR to find all available
properties.
4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but
not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and
inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In
addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you
to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property
before you are bound to complete the purchase. A REALTOR can advise you
as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn't sell due to advertising
alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result
of a practitioner's contacts through previous clients, referrals,
friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a
REALTOR, you do not have to allow strangers into your home.REALTORS will generally prescreen
and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD,
you can understand why it's important to work with a professional who is
immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime,
usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you
have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS, on the
other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course
of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security -
it's not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and
selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is
the biggest purchase they'll every make. Having a concerned, but
objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and
financial issues most important to you.