I am a REALTOR® and subscribe to a strict “Code of Ethics” and maintain a high level of knowledge of the
process of buying and selling real estate. A very important part of the “Code of Ethics” is that, as your REALTOR®,
I am required to always put my client’s interests above my own.
But if you're still not convinced
of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:
1. AS YOUR REALTOR®
I CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE YOUR BUYING POWER -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you
give me some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best
qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.
2.
AS YOUR REALTOR® I HAVE 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 to find all available properties.
3. AS YOUR REALTOR® I CAN ASSIST YOU IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY PROVIDING OBJECTIVE INFORMATION ABOUT EACH
PROPERTY. As a REALTOR® I have access to a variety of informational resources. I can provide local community
information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc.
4. AS YOUR REALTOR® I CAN HELP YOU NEGOTIATE.
There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the
inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. 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.
I’ll be happy to advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5.
AS YOUR REALTOR® I PROVIDE DUE DILIGENCE DURING THE EVALUATION OF THE PROPERTY. Depending on the area and
property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and
well tests, just to name a few. I will assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations
and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. 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. The title company attorney can help you
resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
6. AS YOUR REALTOR® I CAN HELP YOU
IN UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT FINANCING OPTIONS AND IN IDENTIFYING QUALIFIED LENDERS.
7. AS
YOUR REALTOR® I CAN GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE CLOSING PROCESS AND MAKE SURE EVERYTHING FLOWS TOGETHER SMOOTHLY.
8. WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME, AS YOUR REALTOR® I CAN GIVE YOU UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON WHAT IS HAPPENING
IN THE MARKETPLACE AND THE PRICE, FINANCING, TERMS AND CONDITION OF COMPETING PROPERTIES. These are key factors in
getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
9. AS YOUR REALTOR®
I WILL MARKET YOUR PROPERTY TO OTHER REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND THE PUBLIC. I will recommend repairs or cosmetic work
that will significantly enhance the salability of your property and market your property to other real estate agents and the
public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent
other than yours brings in the buyer. As your REALTOR® I will act as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information
about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks,
open houses for agents, etc.
10. AS YOUR REALTOR® I WILL KNOW WHEN, WHERE AND HOW TO ADVERTISE
YOUR PROPERTY. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals,
friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to
allow strangers into your home. I always ensure that a REALTOR® will accompany qualified prospects through your property.
11. AS YOUR REALTOR® I WILL HELP YOU OBJECTIVELY EVALUATE EVERY BUYER'S PROPOSAL WITHOUT
COMPROMISING YOUR MARKETING POSITION. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections
and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. As your REALTOR® I will provide a legally binding, win-win agreement that
will be more likely to make it through the process.
12. AS YOUR REALTOR® I WILL HELP CLOSE THE
SALE OF YOUR HOME. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may 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. As your REALTOR® I am the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and
move the transaction to closing (or settlement).
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 "®" logo on the business card or other marketing
and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. An independent survey reports
that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.
