Why Use a Realtor?

When Buying A Home - Why Use A REALTOR^®?
When Selling A Home - Why Use A REALTOR^®?
REALTOR^® Designations - The Mark of Expertise and Service

What is a REALTOR® and why should I use one?

Only real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) can call themselves REALTORS®. All REALTORS® 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 REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, 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 Realtor®. Look for the REALTOR® logo when choosing your real estate agent.

When Buying A Home - Why Use A REALTOR®?

REALTORS® provide critical assistance with the home buying process.
A REALTOR®:

• Has many resources to assist you in your home search.
• Can provide objective information about each property.
• Can help you negotiate.
• Can help you determine your buying power.
• 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.
  

When Selling A Home - Why Use A REALTOR®?

Realtors provide sellers invaluable services, and there are many reasons to work with one. A REALTOR®:

• Can give you up-to-date information about the market, prices, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties.
• Will market your property to other real estate agents and to the public.
• Will know when, where and how to best market your property.
• Can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position.
• Can help close the sale of your home.

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.
  

REALTOR Designations - The Mark of Expertise and Service

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has a variety of affiliates that provide designation acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors.

NAR also offers designations and certification programs to its members, including the ABR® and GRI designations, and the e-PRO® certification program.

ABR®- Consumer demand for buyer representation has changed the relationship between buyers and real estate professionals. REBAC (Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council) awards the ABR® (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation to REALTORS® who meet education and experience requirements to better prepare them to represent buyers.

GRI- A REALTOR® with the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is trained in many areas, including legal and regulatory issues, professionals standards, the sales process and technology. A minimum of 90 hours of training is required to achieve the GRI designation.

E-Pro®-e-Pro® certification indicates that a REALTOR® has been trained on Internet business principles and the technologies required throughout the real estate transaction.

To access information on the family of REALTOR® designations and certifications, visit: http://www.REALTOR.org/education.