Many people dealing with the home market do not realize there is a difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor. Both must go through the same education and testing process to receive a state license, but after they receive the license is where the difference comes in. A real estate agent will go off on their own, while a Realtor will join an association. Being in the association gives Realtors a better chance at showing your home more often, showing you a wider variety of homes that fit your guidelines, and will give you additional benefits a plain old real estate agent can not.
Realtors are all members of the National Association of Realtors, and subscribe to that associations strict ethical code. Your Realtor will use a multiple listing service to get information about homes and display information about a house for sale. These agents are dedicated to putting your interests above those of others, obeying your instructions, and keeping your personal information confidential. They're also required to account to you for all money involved and to report all useful information to you in a timely fashion.
Once you hire a Realtor you can be assured experience and knowledge will be on your side. A Realtor will keep you from making common mistakes many first time home buyers and sellers make, and they will open up many new opportunities. They will be able to find many homes that match your guidelines, or if you are selling a home they will know where on the market to place it. A Realtor will be up to date on changes and things going on in the market, and they are required to stay current more so than real estate agents, which is why a Realtor is a more solid choice.
Its also a good idea to ask a few questions. Make sure your Realtor has an active license in good standing, and make certain he or she belongs to the local MLS, or multiple listing service. Ideally, your Realtors full time career should be real estate, so you'll be able to know that you're in good, dedicated hands. Find out if the agent is representing you, or the other party in the deal. The person that's being represented is the person whose interests the Realtor will be prioritizing. You want it to be you, so try to find a good buyers agent early on.
Find out how your Realtor will help you accomplish your goals before you commit. Ideally, he or she should plan to show you a list of carefully chosen homes that meet your requirements, or bring appropriate buyers to the home you want to sell. Its your Realtors experience and ability to choose homes and potential buyers that offer you the biggest benefit. Choose carefully, and you'll have a much easier time selling. Its worth the time to find a good Realtor.
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