Congratulations on your decision to buy or a sell a property; do you know what
to do next? You hire a M.D. as your doctor, a CPA to do your taxes, now you need
to hire a REALTOR® to handle one of your largest and most important investments,
you want to enlist the help of someone who can provide the expertise you need -
a REALTOR®.
Purchasing a Home or Property
When purchasing a home or property, a REALTOR® can help you determine what you
can afford and shows you only those properties that meet your criteria. A REALTOR®
can explain alternative mortgage financing programs.
In addition to knowing the local money market, a REALTOR® can tell you what personal
and financial data to bring with you when applying for a loan. Already familiar
with current real estate values, real estate taxes, utility costs, municipal services
and facilities, a REALTOR® may also be able to respond to your questions about local
zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy. A REALTOR® can research your
housing needs in advance through a Multiple Listing Service even if you are locating
to another city.
A REALTOR® can provide you with a checklist to serve as a reminder of some things
you should look for in order to make a wise buying decision.
For more tips, visit
http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/index.html
Selling a Home or Property
A REALTOR® can free a seller from the time, effort and details involving the
sale of the property. They can establish the fair market value and can advise when
seller financing might be in your best interest. With an interest in bringing both
buyer and seller together, a REALTOR® can help negotiate a satisfactory agreement
between the parties. Before the first showing and beyond the final sale, you'll
get the expertise and service you look for in a real estate professional who knows
how to sell your home or property.
A REALTOR® does a lot of homework in order to sell your home or property. The
property is listed, ads are placed, inquiries are handled and appointments for showings
are arranged with your convenience and best interest in mind. With the aid of a
Multiple Listing Service, a REALTOR® can list a home or property and work with other
REALTORS® to assure a wider range of prospective buyers.
For more tips, visit
http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/index.html
Continuing Education: What do those designations mean?
By hiring a REALTOR®, you have secured someone who is committed to continuing
education, ethics, and professionalism. In addition to following the strict Code
of Ethics, many REALTORS® hold one or more professional designations - the letters
behind their name. Designations acknowledge experience and advanced expertise in
various real estate sectors. For more on designations, visit the National Association
of REALTORS®.
http://www.realtor.org/runivers.nsf/pages/designation?OpenDocument