Why Choose a REALTOR®?
Many consumers consider buying or selling their home directly but eventually turn to a qualified REALTOR®. These buyers and sellers realize they need the expertise in contract negotiations, legally completing the transaction, and coordinating with other professionals in the process.
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®.
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®. They proudly display the REALTOR "R" logo on their business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties in 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. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.
REALTORS® are Experts
The home price for sellers who use an agent is 16% higher than those who do not, according the NAR’s Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and nine out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent in the search process.
REALTORS® are Part of the Community
REALTORS® are neighbors, church members, and friends within your community. They also work to end housing discrimination during April (Fair Housing Month) and all year long.
REALTORS® Know People
REALTORS® obviously enjoy working with people which leads them to come into contact with many different people. Studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of an agent’s contact through previous clients, referrals, friends, family, and personal contacts.
REALTORS® Protect You
To be a member of NAR and a REALTOR®, a real estate agent must abide by a set of professionals principles and serve clients fairly.
Why Choose a Buyer’s Representative?
Buying real estate property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, transactions have become increasingly complicated.
A real estate Buyer’s Representative represents only the buyer who is purchasing property in a real estate transaction.
They buyer’s representative works for, and owes fiduciary responsibilities to, the real estate buyer and has the buyer’s best interests in mind throughout the entire real estate process. They will:
- Evaluate the specific needs and wants of the buyer and locate properties that fit those specifications.
- Assist the buyer in determining the amount they can afford (pre-qualify) and show properties within that price range and locale.
- Assist in viewing properties – accompany they buyer on the showings or preview the properties on the behalf of the buyer to insure that the identified specifications are met.
- Research the selected properties to identify any problems or issues to help the buyer make an informed decision prior to making an offer to purchase the property.
- Advise the buyer on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.
- Present the offer to the seller’s agent and the seller on the buyer’s behalf.
- Negotiate on behalf of the buyer to help obtain the identified property.
- Assist in securing appropriate financing for the selected property.
- Provide a list of potential qualified vendors (i.e. movers, painters, attorneys, carpenters, et cetera) if services are needed.
- Most importantly, fully-represent the buyer throughout the entire real estate transaction.