When you begin your home search, one of the first questions to ask yourself is whether to work with a real estate professional or go it alone. There are a number of reasons why working with a REALTOR® is in your best interests. But first, let’s start with the basics.
What is a REALTOR®?
A REALTOR® isn’t just a real estate agent, they’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS®. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®—make sure you work with one who is. View our blog post for more information on the differences between agents, brokers and REALTORS.
Benefits of Working with a REALTOR®
Over the course of a real estate transaction, there are any number of situations where a REALTOR® can assist you and add value to your purchase. Here are the 8 most common reasons consumers choose to use a REALTOR® in this most important decision:
- Ethics. A REALTOR®’s first obligation is to you, the client. Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public, which goes above and beyond the legal requirements of real estate licensees in Maryland.
- Expertise. Home purchases are complicated. A REALTOR® will look at every part of the transaction from your perspective and draft a purchase agreement that takes your needs into account.
- Guidance. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
- Education. Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. Experienced REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career and complete educational coursework on the latest laws and requirements to keep you protected in your purchase.
- Objectivity. While home buying and selling can be emotional, it’s also based on facts and data. REALTORS® can provide resources for you to research local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORS® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need.
- Connections. REALTORS® make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage lenders, title companies, home inspectors, home improvement contractors—the list goes on—and they’re all in your REALTOR’S® network.
- Resourceful. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised or are “coming soon” and not yet searchable online. A REALTOR® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market.
- Support. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, objective third party in your corner helps you stay focused on the issues and home features most important to you, so that you can find the home you’ve been looking for.
