REALTORS
® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS
® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTOR
® difference for home buyers:
1. Ethical treatment. Every REALTOR
® must adhere to a strict code of ethics which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR
®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.
2. An expert guide.Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.
3. Objective information and opinions.REALTORS
® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORS
® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, REALTORS
® can point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about that might suit your needs better than you thought.
4. Expanded search power.Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR
® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings showing up as available online but are no longer on the market.
5. Negotiation knowledge. There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR
® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement allowing enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.
6. Up-to-date experience. Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS
® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.
7. Your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. For most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.