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We’re Different. We’re REALTORS®

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®. Founded in 1908, the NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120, to more than 1 million members. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. You’ll know you’re working with a NAR member by looking for the REALTOR® “R” on business cards, yard signs and if members are wearing their REALTOR® pin.

We’re Held to a High Standard

REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics that have been in place for over 100 years. This code of ethics ensures consumers working with a REALTOR® are treated professionally and ethically.

As part of this code of ethics a REALTOR® pledges

  • To protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it
  • To be honorable and honest in all dealings
  • To seek better to represent clients by building knowledge and competence
  • To act fairly towards all in the spirit of the Golden Rule
  • To serve well, their community, and through it their country
  • To observe the REALTORS® Code of Ethics and confirm their conduct to its lofty ideals.

Don’t Take Real Estate Transactions Lightly

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®.

We’re Looking Out for Your Financial Interests

REALTORS® are experts that have a fiduciary responsibility to you and will do everything in their power to protect you. A REALTOR’S® knowledge of the market allows sellers to set a listing price strategically and they’re equipped to effectively initiate, carry out and follow through on the complex process of selling a home. For home buyers, A REALTOR® can help you determine how much home you can afford and may have suggestions to accrue the down payment or alternative financing methods. Additionally they’ll use their knowledge of the market to ensure buyers are paying a fair price.

We’ll Help You Find the Home you Love

A REALTOR® begins by showing buyers only homes best suited to your needs – size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, etc. Your REALTOR® has no emotional ties to the homes you look at and will be objective when pointing out features and drawbacks. They’ll also help you consider more than just the aesthetics as REALTORS® are savvy about features of home construction and their corresponding value and efficiency levels; which have significant long-term implications for a home buyer. A REALTORS® is knowledgeable of taxes, utility costs, municipal amenities within a community and how current and planned area developments could affect your resale value and decision to buy as well. Ultimately, a REALTOR® is sensitive to the importance you attach to this major commitment you are about to make and give you the information you need to make a confident home buying choice.

We’re Your Advocate in Negotiations

REALTORS® are skilled negotiators who provide insight on terms like price, financing, date of possession and whether to include repairs, furnishings or equipment. Real estate transactions likely involve contracts that can be 50 pages long, plus addendum and riders. REALTORS® can help you navigate these complex documents and craft an attractive offer that makes sense for you. They are trained to present your situation in the best light and hold your information confidential from competing interests. Your REALTOR® is your advocate and will bring an objective voice to a very subjective situation.

An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

 

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