Obtaining a real estate license does not make an agent a REALTOR®. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® may use the membership mark "REALTOR®" and display the REALTOR® logo.

REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics that requires that they treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. This commitment to professionalism has produced a high level of trust. A recent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Buying or selling a home is a huge investment of your time, energy and financial resources. It can also be quite complicated. Obtaining the assistance of a committed professional dedicated to serving your interests is the best decision you can make when entering into such an important transaction.

Here are the top 10 reasons for choosing a REALTOR®:

1. Time - "You have a life. We let you live it" may be a catchword in advertising, but it is true. Your REALTOR® will handle many of the details of your transaction for you.
   
2. Resources/Knowledge - Your REALTOR® knows the market and has resources to assist you in the transaction. Your REALTOR® knows what is going on in the community and has access to a variety of informational resources to assist you.
   
3. Negotiation - Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are many negotiating factors - price, financing, possession, repairs, and inspections. Your REALTOR® has experience in dealing with these issues and can provide you with sound advice.
   
4. Financing - Your REALTOR® can help you understand the different financing options available to you and help identify qualified lenders.
   
5. Guidance - Your REALTOR® will help guide you through to the closing process and make sure that everything goes together smoothly.
   
6. Pricing - If you are selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on the current market and the price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties. These are key factors in selling your property quickly and at the best price.
   
7. Marketing - Your REALTOR® has a number of marketing tools to market your property effectively. Your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or enhancements that will significantly add to the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® can market your property locally, nationally, or globally through the Multiple Listing Service and on the internet expanding the potential number of buyers. Your REALTOR® will also act as the marketing coordinator, sharing information about your property with other real estate agents through the Multiple Listing Service, open houses, etc.
   
8. Advertising - Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property.
   
9. Evaluation - Your REALTOR® will help you evaluate every buyer's offer without compromising your marketing position and, once you have accepted an offer, your REALTOR® will help you put together a legally binding agreement that will be likely to make it through to closing.
   
10. Closing - Your REALTOR® can help you through the transaction to a successful closing. Sellers know that between the decision to sell their property and the transfer of the property to a new buyer there are many questions and potential pitfalls. Buyers also have many questions regarding one of the most important investments that they will ever make. Whether you are a seller or a buyer, your REALTOR® will provide answers to your questions and guidance to avoid the pitfalls.

NC Disclosure-Working with Real Estate Agents