Why Use A Realtor?

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What is a REALTORŽ? Only real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSŽ (NAR) can call themselves REALTORSŽ. All REALTORSŽ adhere to NAR's strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. That's why all real estate licensees are NOT the same.

Dedicated to serving America's property owners at both local and national levels, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSŽ, The Voice for Real EstateŽ, is the largest professional association at over 800,000 members strong. So, whether you're buying or selling a home - it pays to work with a RealtorŽ. Look for the REALTORŽ logo when choosing your real estate agent.

When Buying A Home - Why Use A REALTORŽ?
REALTORSŽ provided critical assistance with the home buying process.
A REALTORŽ:

Has many resources to assist you in your home search.

Can help you determine your buying power.

Can help you negotiate.

Can provide objective information about each property.

Provides guidance during the evaluation of the property.

Can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

The 2002 NAR Survey on Home Buyers reports:

Two out of three home buyers reported that the most important service provided by a real estate agent is helping buyers find the right home.

Nearly four out of five home buyers used a real estate agent as an important information source and to assist in the transaction.

Nearly seven out of ten home buyers used a real estate agent and/or broker to complete their transaction.

The 2002 NAR Survey on Home Sellers reports:

The median sales price of an agent-assisted home was 27% more than one sold FSBO (For Sale By Owner).

Nearly four out of five homeowners sold their previous home with the assistance of a real estate agent.

The top three home seller expectations of real estate agents are: 1) find a buyer for my home (29%); 2) sell my home within a specific timeframe (26%); 3) properly price my home (20%).

Forty-seven percent of respondents would use the same listing agent for their next home sale.

REALTORŽ Designations - The Mark of Expertise and Service

The National Association of REALTORSŽ also offers designations and certification programs to its members, including the ABRŽ and GRI designations, and the e-PROŽ certification program.
ABRŽ - Consumer demand for buyer representation has changed the relationship between buyers and real estate professionals. REBAC (Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council) awards the ABRŽ (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation to REALTORSŽ who meet education and experience requirements to better prepare them to represent buyers.
GRI - A REALTORŽ with Graduate REALTORŽ Institute (GRI) designation is trained in many areas, including legal and regulatory issues, professional standards, the sales process and technology. A minimum of 90 hours of training is required to achieve the GRI designation.
E-ProŽ - e-ProŽ certification indicates that a REALTORŽ has been trained on Internet business principles and the technologies required throughout the real estate transaction.
TRC - Transnational Referral Certification (TRC) is earned through coursework on how to make and receive referrals using the Transnational Referral System developed by The International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Through a multilateral agreement and using specific business protocols, ICREA assists members (and their clients) to do international real estate business.
CIPS - The Certified International Property Specialist Network (CIPS Network) is the specialty membership group for international practitioners of The National Association of REALTORSŽ (the world's largest trade association). The CIPS Network is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals who deal in all types of real estate and are also focused on the "international" market. Whether travelling abroad to put deals together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets, CIPS members are consumers best resource to insure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate.