Vanessa Barnes

Why choose a REALTOR®?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. I proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on my business card and other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Here are several reasons on the value of choosing a REALTOR®:

1. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace, price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties.Your REALTOR® should prepare a comparative market analysis, and has knowledge of homes currently for sale, as well as local sales histories.
2. Your REALTOR® markets and advertises your property to other real estate agents and the public to ensure your house gets maximum exposure to potential buyers.Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that could improve the appearance and salability of your property. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses and brokers’ tours for agents.
3. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property.The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. This will save you time and the REALTOR® can show the home, and answer questions about the property to other buyers or real estate agents.
4. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal and prepare and review the contract for sale and purchase.The initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls.
5. Your REALTOR® can assist you through the entire selling process. Between the initial sales agreement and closing, 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.