Top 11 Reasons to use a REALTOR® Check List

1. Your REALTOR® helps you determine your buying power.
   When you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt; they’re able to refer you to lenders that best fit your financial situation.


2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search.
   Sometimes the home of your dreams is available, but not actively advertised in the market. Your REALTOR® has tools to help them find all the available homes in the marketplace.


3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each home.
   REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources that allow them to provide you with local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc.
   
   They can also help you assess whether the home is right for your goals and what you can expect in terms of resale value down the road.


4. Your REALTOR® helps you negotiate.
   There are a multitude of negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. Your REALTOR® will advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.


5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the home.
   Depending on the area and home, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified, competent professionals to do these evaluations and provide you with written reports.


6. Your REALTOR® guides you through the closing process.


7. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date market information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing homes.
   These are key factors your REALTOR® will use when working with you to sell your home at the best price, quickly and with little hassle.


8. Your REALTOR® markets your home to other real estate agents and the public.
   In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; meaning a REALTOR® other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your home to other REALTORS® through a Multiple Listing Service. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.
   
   View the Code of Ethics here.


9. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your home.
   There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of REALTOR® connections through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.
   
   
10. Your REALTOR® helps you evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your position.
    This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing – there are lots of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
    
    
11. Your REALTOR® helps close the sale of your home.
    Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

From the National Association of REALTORS®