Buying and selling a home is stressful. Showings. Listings. Open houses. Taxes. Closing costs. Paperwork on top of paperwork on top of paperwork. While you may think you can handle it all yourself, the fact is that a real estate transaction is time-consuming and complicated, and could end up costing you money.
Just like you wouldn't represent yourself in a court of law, it's simply not in your best interest to represent yourself when you're buying or selling a home. It's worth it to work with someone who knows real estate inside and out - a Realtor.
Realtor or Real Estate Agent?
Often times the terms “real estate agent” and “realtor” are interchangeable. But they are not.
A Realtor is a real estate agent who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Founded in 1908, the NAR is the largest trade association in the United States. Active real estate agents who would like to join the organization must have a valid real estate license and an immaculate professional conduct record. Real estate agents have an incentive to join due to its good reputation, attracting more clients. All Realtors are required to adhere to an extensive Code of Ethics, so consumers may feel at ease knowing that they are working with agents who are thoroughly vetted and have sworn to uphold certain professional standards.
Realtors abide by a code of ethics.
While most real estate professionals are honest folks, those who belong to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have agreed to conduct themselves according to the Realtor Code of Ethics, 17 rules that ensure standards of practice to promote honesty and fairness.
What this means is that your Realtor is looking out for you - and only you. Plain and simple.
Networking
Every industry has its own special language, its own vast networking system, its own trade secrets, and the world of real estate is no different.
Realtors network constantly with other real estate pros and have exclusive access to market data through the National Realtors Association that help them keep up with what's happening in the housing market. They know the trendy subdivisions and the up-and-coming blocks, and they watch like hawks to find great deals for buyers.
Realtors know CMAs, EIKs and FSBOs. Amortization, appraisals and assessments. Collateral, co-mingling and cash reserves. If you don't understand this lingo (and most people don't), consider getting a Realtor on board to help you translate.
Realtors keep you on the right side of the law.
Do you have to tell a potential seller about that water leak you never had repaired? Do you need to test your older home's paint for lead before putting it on the market? Are there any deed restrictions on the property you're hoping to buy?
When buying or selling a home, dozens of questions will come up that you simply won't know the answer to — and an internet search won't quickly answer. This is where a Realtor comes in particularly handy.
Realtors keep up with the ever-changing rules and regulations that govern the sale of property, thanks to a constant flow of up-to-date information from the National Association of Realtors and related state Realtors associations, so you don't have to.
For more information on the finest homes in the Palm Beaches, contact a Tauber Real Estate Services Realtor at 561-626-4633.