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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 five
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. Your agent 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. Your REALTOR® 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. |
