184 Points to the Value of a REALTOR®

Why Was This List Prepared?

Surveys show that many homeowners and homebuyers are not aware of the true value a Realtor® provides during the course of a real estate transaction. 

At the same time, regrettably, Realtors® have generally assumed that the expertise, professional knowledge and just plain hard work that go into bringing about a successful transaction were understood and appreciated.

Many of the most important services and steps are performed behind the scenes by either the Realtor® or the brokerage staff and traditionally have been viewed simply as part of their professional responsibilities to the client. But, without them the transaction could be placed in jeopardy.

 

 

This publication seeks to close that gap.

Listed on the following pages are nearly 200 typical actions, research steps, processes, and review stages necessary for a successful residential real estate transaction and normally provided by a full service real estate brokerage and for which they are entitled to fair compensation.

The Realtor® Commitment

Through it all, the Realtor’s® personal and professional commitment is to ensure that a seller and buyer are brought together in an agreement that provides each with a “win” that is fair and equitable.

The Realtor’s® motivation is easy to understand. For most full-service brokerages, they receive no compensation unless and until the sale closes.

By contrast, there are firms that offer “limited services” in exchange for an up-front flat fee, or perhaps offer a menu of pay-as-you-go or “a la carte” options. Some even offer a sliding scale ranging from limited to full service. In these cases, the Realtor’s® compensation is based on these reduced service levels with the seller bearing full responsibility for all the other steps and procedures in the selling process. In short, the marketplace truism is that “you get what you pay for.”

 

 

 A Variety of Choices

 

 

It can truly be said that the variety of brokerage business models in today’s real estate industry affords the homeowner a greater range of options than ever before.

But no matter which option is chosen, before signing a Listing Agreement or otherwise engaging the services of a Realtor® and agreeing to compensate them, homeowners should understand exactly what services will, or will not, be provided.

Why Use A Realtor®?

Not every real estate agent or broker is a Realtor®. That term and the familiar Block “R” logo are trademarked by the National Association of Realtors® and can only be used by those who are Realtor® members through their local association of Realtors®.

While all Realtors® are state-issued licenses as agents or brokers, the major difference between a “real estate licensee” and a Realtor® is that Realtors® have taken an oath to subscribe to a stringent, enforceable Code of Ethics with Standards of Practice that promote the fair, ethical and honest treatment of all parties in a transaction. Non-member licensees have taken no such oath and are not morally bound to the ethical practices and principles set forth in the Realtor® Code.

For that extra measure of peace of mind, ensure the individual seeking to represent you is both a real estate licensee and a Realtor®. Visit the CREB.com, the local Realtor’s Association’s website, for a searchable list of our Realtor® members. 

 

 

The Realtor’s® Critical Role

Listed here are nearly 200 typical actions, research steps, procedures, processes and review stages in a successful residential real estate transaction that are normally provided by full service real estate brokerages in return for their sales commission. Depending on the transaction, some may take minutes, hours, or even days to complete, while some may not be needed.

More importantly, they reflect the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail required in today’s real estate transaction, underscoring the importance of having help and guidance from someone who fully understands the process – a Realtor®.

And never forget that Realtors® are pledged to uphold the stringent, enforceable tenets of the Realtor® Code of Ethics in their professional dealings with the public. Not every real estate licensee holds Realtor® membership. Make sure yours does!

 

 

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