​The Term REALTOR®

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

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Being a REALTOR® is a membership identifier, not an occupation. REALTORS® are brokers and agents, but not all brokers and agents are REALTORS®. 

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REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® who are bound by a Code of Ethics while helping you navigate one of the most complicated and important transactions you’ll make in your lifetime.

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Ethics, Expertise and Education – the REALTOR® difference at work for you.

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REALTORS® as Champions

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• REALTORS® are everyday working Americans who champion homeownership and property rights for the communities they serve.

• REALTORS® are entrepreneurs and most often small business owners who exemplify the spirit of this country.  

• As engaged neighbors, REALTORS® are committed to building and enhancing the communities we serve and advocating for fair housing for all.

• Regardless of how you find a property, expert real estate agents help take the stress out of the home buying process and navigate what is for many the most complex and important transaction they’ll ever do. 

• Real estate agents who are REALTORS® help consumers with:

  • Community knowledge – such as imparting information on local property taxes and providing objective resources on neighborhoods 

  • Financial aspects – such as coordinating with lenders and researching mortgage rates

  • Legal matters – such as helping buyers manage required state and federal forms and closing documents 

• Every REALTOR® is bound by a strict code of ethics based on professionalism, consumer protection and the golden rule.

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A Few Things Your REALTOR® Does for You

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Pre-Listing Activities

• Research all comparable currently listed properties

• Research & verify legal description

 

Marketing The Listing

• Review comparable listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive

• Receive & review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers' agents

 

The Offer and Contract

• Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits & weakness of each offer

• Negotiate all offers on seller's behalf, set time limit for loan approval & closing

 

Tracking the Loan Process

• Follow loan processing through to the underwriter

• Add lender & other vendors to your management program so agents, buyer & seller can track progress of sale

 

Home Inspection

• Coordinate buyer's professional home inspection with seller

• Explain seller's responsibilities & interpret any clauses in the contract

 

The Appraisal

• Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser

• Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

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Source: 184 Things Your REALTOR® Does For You! By Kelly Baker Link