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.
Being a REALTOR® is a membership identifier, not an occupation. REALTORS® are brokers and agents, but not all brokers and agents are REALTORS®.
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.
Ethics, Expertise and Education
the REALTOR® difference at work for you.
REALTORS® as Champions
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REALTORS® are everyday working Americans who champion homeownership and property rights for the communities they serve.
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REALTORS® are entrepreneurs and most often small business owners who exemplify the spirit of this country.
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As engaged neighbors, REALTORS® are committed to building and enhancing the communities we serve and advocating for fair housing for all.
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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.
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Real estate agents who are REALTORS® help consumers with:
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Community knowledge – such as imparting information on local property taxes and providing objective resources on neighborhoods
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Financial aspects – such as coordinating with lenders and researching mortgage rates
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Legal matters – such as helping buyers manage required state and federal forms and closing documents
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Every REALTOR® is bound by a strict code of ethics based on professionalism, consumer protection and the golden rule.
179 Ways Agents Who Are REALTORS® Are Worth Every Penny of Their Compensation
Here's a look at all the things — big and small — that an agent who is a REALTOR® may do to help clients when buying and selling a home. Full list here!
Pre-Listing Activities:
1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
3. Review pre-appointment questions
Listing Appointment Presentation:
23. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
24. Tour property
25. Review agent’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market
Offers:
109. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers’ agents
110. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a net sheet for the owner for comparison purposes
111. Explain merits and weakness of each offer to sellers
Contracts:
121. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account
122. Disseminate under-contract showing restrictions as seller requests
123. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller
Inspections:
132. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer
133. Order septic system inspection, if applicable
134. Receive and review septic system report, and assess any possible impact on sale
Home Inspections:
144. Coordinate with seller for buyer’s professional home inspection
145. Review home inspector’s report
146. Enter completion into transaction management tracking program
The Appraisal:
151. Schedule appraisal
152. Provide to appraiser any comparable sales used in market pricing
153. Follow-up on appraisal
Processing for Closing:
154. Enter completion into transaction management program
155. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low
156. Get contract signed by all parties
Follow-Up After Closing:
175. Share the warranty paperwork for claims in the future
176. Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied
177. Respond to any calls and provide any information required from office files
