All real estate licensees are not the same.
Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate through continuing education requirements. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA?
If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the
help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it
would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.
But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more
reasons to use a REALTOR®.
1. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you current information on what’s happening in your marketplace. A market analysis will provide you with the
price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties. These are the key factors
in getting your property sold at the best possible price, quickly as possible.
2. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents as well as
the public. The single most powerful marketing tool is the skillful use of the Multiple Listing Service.
3. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your agent's experience will
help you spend your money where it will do the most good.
4. When your property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you will
never have to show your home to strangers. Your REALTOR® will assure that only qualified buyers are looking at your property.
5. Your REALTOR® will help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal
without compromising your position. The initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls.
6. When buying a home, your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in
your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available, but not
actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find
all available properties.
7. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a
variety of informational resources not available to the public.
8. Your REALTOR® is a professional negotiator. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the
inclusion or exclusion of repairs.
9. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation
of the property. Your agent will assist you in finding and scheduling qualified
professionals to do the appropriate property inspections. Your agent will examine the
various reports and review them with you, making you aware of any potential serious problems.
10. Your REALTOR® will work with a Title Company to ensure you receive a unencumbered title. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your agent, can help
you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
11. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options
and provide you with a list qualified lenders.
12. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly. Typically, between the initial sales agreement
and closing, many questions arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to
obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help
you resolve these issues.
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