Many consumers consider selling or buying a home directly, but eventually turn to REALTORS® to help with the transaction—after all, a real estate transaction involves one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime.
In fact, 70 percent of the general public agree that real estate professionals make buying or selling a home much easier, according to an independent survey of the general public released by the National Association of REALTORS®.
REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly and are trained and experienced to offer a qualified and objective voice throughout the process. Additionally, REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge through continuing education classes and training.
There is a lot of information about real estate available in today’s newspapers and on the internet. Sometimes these sources offer conflicting information and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Having a REALTOR® who can help you navigate the sometimes confusing process can save you time, money, and trouble.
Take a look at just five of the many more reasons to use a REALTOR®.
1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power. 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 may require some investigation by your agent.
3. Your REALTOR® can provide objective information about each property. REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources, including that on utilities, zoning, schools, resale value, etc.
4. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
5. 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).