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Why use a REALTOR®
-Utah Association of REALTORS®
Working with a REALTOR® can save you time, money and trouble.
Nearly eight out of ten consumers believe REALTORS® can show
buyers a better selection of homes than they can find on their
own, according to an independent survey of the general public
released by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Seventy-eight percent of the general public believe real estate
professionals offer them a broader selection of housing
alternatives than they would otherwise find. Seventy-four
percent agree that using a real estate broker saves time, and 70
percent agree that real estate professionals make buying or
selling a home much easier.
For the real estate professional, securing the requisite
inspections, disclosures, and other things is part of the job.
For a buyer or seller with a life to live, it's a hassle. It's a
real estate pro's business to know the market and to get the
client the best possible deal.
Not all licensed real estate agents and brokers are REALTORS®.
Those who are have the additional resources and support provided
by their association, including a strict Code of Ethics to help
assure fair and professional treatment for all.
How a REALTOR® can
save you time and money when buying and selling property.
- Financing - REALTORS® can help determine how much home
you can afford, explain different financing options and
refer you to the best-qualified lender.
- Selection - REALTORS® have the resources to investigate
all available properties and provide objective information
about each property regarding the community and other
important issues.
- Negotiation - REALTORS® can advise you on factors such
as price, financing, terms, date of possession, repairs and
furnishings.
- Inspection - REALTORS® can help provide enough time in
the purchase agreement for inspections and investigations,
plus advise which ones are required or recommended.
- Closing - Every area has its own unique closing or
settlement customs. A local REALTOR® can guide you through
the process.
- Pricing - When selling property, REALTORS® can give you
current market information to sell your property quickly, at
the best price and with minimum hassle.
- Marketing - A REALTOR® can recommend repairs to enhance
the salability of your property and expose it to other
agents, the public and cooperative marketing networks.
What's
the difference between a REALTOR® and other real estate
professionals?
- While there are plenty of real estate professionals to
choose from, your best bet for ethical, efficient and
reliable service is a REALTOR®. More than 9,000 of the
12,000 active real estate licensees in Utah are members of
the Utah Association of REALTORS®. You can recognize them by
our registered mark, REALTOR®, after their name.
- Unlike many real estate practitioners who simply hold
business licenses, REALTORS® have taken additional steps to
become members of the local board of REALTORS® and have
agreed to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Whether you're
buying a home or selling a home, you can be certain your
REALTOR® will provide you more service and more expertise.
How can I
be sure I'm choosing the REALTOR® who's right for me?
Owning a home may be the American Dream, but the process of
buying and selling one is sometimes not as simple as it might
be. You can ensure a smoother transaction through the help of a
REALTOR®.
- Ask friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers who've
recently bought or sold homes in your area. Which company
and agent did they work with, and what kind of service did
they receive? Would they work with the same agent again?
- Check out FOR SALE signs in your area and note which
ones have SOLD stickers on them. You want to be sure you're
choosing a company and REALTOR®; that gets the job done.
- Attend open houses in your area. At open houses, you can
watch agents in action and judge their expertise while at
the same time collect information on properties that are
competing with yours. A top-notch agent will provide a fact
sheet about the property and be prepared with information on
similar properties and listing for the entire area.
- Look for companies that specialize in the kind of real
estate you want to buy or sell. If you're purchasing a new
home, for example, you'll want to look for a company that
specializes in residential real estate rather than
commercial property or appraisals.
- Target REALTORS® located on your side of town. If an
agent lives in the area, he or she is far more likely to
have more information about area schools, businesses, and
places of worship.
- Narrow your search to five or fewer. Once you've
narrowed your search, you're ready to start making contacts
and can begin "auditioning" your agent.
- Find out whether the agent is a member of a professional
association. The titles REALTOR®; and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®;
designate membership in a local board of REALTORS®, a state
association such as the Utah Association of REALTORS®, and
the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Members are required
to follow a strict code of ethics and are encouraged to
pursue continuing real estate education.
- Audition your agent. During each listing presentation,
the agent will try to sell you on listing your house with
his company. That provides you with an ideal opportunity to
rate his or her preparation, competence, and professionalism
as well as the company's services.
- Look for an agent who shows enthusiasm and a positive
attitude toward your house. That isn't necessarily the
person who talks fastest or longest. It may be the agent who
asks a lot of questions and takes notes on decorating,
construction, landscaping, and personal property that will
remain with the house.
The decision about whether to choose an
experienced or inexperienced agent is a personal one. A licensed
but inexperienced agent can do a fine job if he or she has
completed an in-depth training program and is being guided by an
experienced agent or broker. Sometimes a rookie's enthusiasm and
motivation outweigh a lack of experience. Some sellers, on the
other hand, prefer working with a veteran REALTOR® who has
established a successful sales record.
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