Why use
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 "®"
logo on the business card or other marketing and sales
literature. 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. 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 $500,000. If you had a $500,000 income tax
problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of
a CPA? If you had a $500,000 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 one:
1. Your
REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that
is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If
you give a REALTOR® 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. 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.
3. 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. REALTORS® can provide local community information
on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things
you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the
environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the
property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
4. Your
REALTOR® 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. Your
agent can advise you as to which investigations and
inspections are recommended or required.
5. Your
REALTOR® provides 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. Your REALTOR® can 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. Your REALTOR®, title company or
attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems
at a later date.
6. Your
REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing
options and in identifying qualified lenders. 
7. Your
REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make
sure everything flows together smoothly.
8. When
selling your home, your REALTOR® 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. Your
REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents
and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend
repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the
salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets 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. Your REALTOR® acts 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. The REALTOR® Code
of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative
relationships when they benefit their clients.
10. Your
REALTOR® 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. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and
accompany qualified prospects through your property.
11. Your
REALTOR® can 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. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding,
win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through
the process.
12. Your
REALTOR® can 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. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively
help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to
closing (or settlement).
___________________________________________________________________________________________
As a Realtor ® and your trusted, professional real
estate partner, I will help you find the best home in your
area within your price range. Together we will sell your home,
for as much as the market will bear, and as quickly as
possible. Buying and selling a home is one of the biggest
events in your life. I have the energy and dedication you are
looking for. Please let me help.
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