What Is A REALTOR®?

Do most Realtors® follow these guidelines? Lately enough Realtors® haven't. Enough have not to cause our reputation to be damaged.  To listen to some people, we have earned the same respect as used car salespeople and lawyers. I hold myself to an even higher standard than the National Association of Realtors® and The Greater Association of Realtors® have set.  I pride myself in this fact.

What does working with me, a REALTOR®, mean to you?

If you're a Buyer, that means finding the right house, negotiating a price that fits your financial portfolio, advising you on financing and helping you work out the details that will make your purchase go smoothly. 

If you're a Seller, it means attracting potential Buyers, selling your house within your time frame and helping you get the right price.

For more information on what REALTORS® can do for you and about the buying and selling process read the information below. 

It's very important to remember that not all real estate brokers and agents are REALTORS®.  Look for the REALTOR® logo when you hire a real estate professional. 

Back to Top

Buying a home.

It's probably the biggest investment you'll ever make, with long-term financial ramifications. It calls for many informed decisions. For good advice ask a true real estate professional, a seasoned professional REALTOR®.

When buying a home, here's what you can learn from a REALTOR'S® knowledge and skill:

As your REALTOR® I can help you determine how much home you can actually afford, often  by suggesting additional ways to accumulate the down payment and explain alternative financing methods. With your needs in mind as your Realtor® I can direct you to one of my lenders who will be able to assist you with obtaining the perfect mortgage for you.

As your REALTOR® I can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs, size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation and shopping and other public facilities.

As your REALTOR® I have access to listings of available homes, can evaluate them in terms of your needs and affordability, and I won't waste your time on unsuitable homes.

As your REALTOR® I will often suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.

As your REALTOR® I will supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.

As your REALTOR® I will research your housing needs in advance through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

As your REALTOR® I have no emotional ties to the homes that I will show you. I will be objective about them and I will point out advantages and disadvantages while answering your questions.

As your REALTOR® I know the local money market and will tell you about financing. 

As your REALTOR® I can also tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for your mortgage.

As your REALTOR® I can help familiarize you with the closing process by explaining it all in advance and be with you every step of the way.

As your REALTOR® I am part of a network of professional colleagues, such as appraisers, home inspectors, mortgage lenders, contractors and insurance agents through which you may be more completely served.

As your REALTOR® I will only show you those homes best suited to your needs size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping and other public facilities.

Back to Top

Selling a Home.

It's a complex transaction that takes time, effort and expertise. It takes a real estate professional, your REALTOR®.

Here's how I, as your REALTOR® can help you sell your home:

As your REALTOR® I have a proven, specific, detailed written step-by-step plan to sell your home.

As your REALTOR® I stay informed and up to date on the current real estate market and can help you set a realistic competitive price.

As your REALTOR® I am familiar with the local home loan market, I know if Seller assistance is advisable, and I can help you decide the type of financing that's best to expedite your sale.

As your REALTOR® I know how to figure the approximate net proceeds from your sale, based on types of loans, your outstanding loan balance and closing costs.

As your REALTOR® I know how to add sales appeal to your home at low or moderate cost.

As your REALTOR® I know how to attract prospective Buyers. Most home Buyers prefer to work with a real estate agent and serious prospects are "qualified" for their price range before they are shown your home.  I can require this for your home.

As your REALTOR® I can tap an even larger market, if necessary, through referrals and marketing techniques.

As your REALTOR® I free you from the problems associated with showing your home. I handle all phone inquiries, make appointments, and do the actual showing and follow up. Your time is your own and your home is not exposed to anyone who has not been pre-qualified.

As your REALTOR® I am a skilled salesperson who knows how to merchandise your home effectively.

As your REALTOR® I will maintain objectivity in responding to possible criticisms by the Buyer and in presenting offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.

As your REALTOR® I know how to help the Buyer meet local financing requirements and go about obtaining a mortgage loan.

As your REALTOR® I will familiarize you with the closing procedures by explaining them all in advance. As a REALTOR® I will attend the closing with you.

Back to Top

As Your REALTOR® I do more to sell your home

As your REALTOR®, I work for you and with you throughout the home selling process. It is my job As your REALTOR® to help you sell your home with minimum delay, and to help you realize every dollar it's worth. 

Expect the commitment, integrity and professionalism that this implies. Also you can expect me to work hard on your behalf – to act as your REALTOR®:

I know the local housing market and can help you set a fair market price. Often a REALTOR® can advise when Seller financing might be in your best interest.

I am knowledgeable of current financing methods that allow prospects to become homeowners. As such, this real estate professional serves the Buyer in order to better serve you.

By listing your home in a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), I can work with many other REALTORS® to assure you a far wider range of prospective Buyers.

I free you from the time, effort and not-so-obvious details involving the sale of your home. With so many resources available I am able to assist you in realizing more money in a shorter time in the sale of your home.

I do a lot of work behind the scenes in order to sell your home. Your home is listed, ads are placed, telephone inquiries are handled and appointments for showings are arranged with your convenience in mind.

I will initiate, carry out and follow through on every phase of the important and complex home selling transaction.

Put me, a REALTOR®, to work for you. I am a real estate professional and I will answer questions on price, terms, possession, escrow etc., and maintain objectivity in resolving Buyer objections.

Thank you for taking your time to review this page, Larry

This page last updated on 3/2009