REALTORS® aren't just agents. They are professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTOR® difference for home buyers and sellers.
Only real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® may call themselves REALTORS®. All REALTORS® must subscribe to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, which is based on honesty, professionalism and the protection of the public.
The National Association of REALTORS® adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913, following the professions of medicine, law, and engineering.
What does this mean to you? It means that any REALTOR® with whom you work has voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics, based on professionalism and protection of the public.
REALTORS® are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if they violate the duties imposed by the Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics is a detailed document that spells out the professional responsibilities of every REALTOR®.
Do not hesitate to ask a REALTOR® for a copy of the Code, including the Standards of Practice. The Code is your assurance of dealing with a professional who has your best interests in mind.
7 Reasons you Should Work with an experienced REALTOR®:
- Ethical treatment. As noted above, every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.
- An expert guide. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language. Hire the best finding a REALTOR® with the Certified Residential Specialist® (CRS) designation.
- Objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. Skilled REALTORs® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need.
- Expanded search power. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market.
- Negotiation knowledge. There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will craft a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Step it up by looking for a REALTOR® with the Real Estate Negotiation Expert® (RENE) certification.
- Up-to-date experience. Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. Choose a REALTOR® that has personally handled hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.
- Your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.
In addition, look for REALTOR® that has these National Association of Realtors (NAR) recognized Designations and Certifications:
- Graduate of the Realtor Institute® (GRI)
- Seller Seller Representative Specialist® (SRS)
- Pricing Strategy Advisor® (PSA)
- Smart Home Certification
- New-Home Construction
- Buyer Representation Certificate
- Successful Relocation Representation
- e-PRO® certification
