You are here:

Why Work With a Local Realtor®?

ACCESS TO MLS –The Multiple Listing Service

Local Realtors® have access to the MLS system, which is the most comprehensive and accurate home finding site. This is important when purchasing in a competitive market.

PROPERTY COMPS -Comparables

Local Realtors® know the market and will provide you with comparable properties that have recently sold. This helps you determine your offer price so you don’t over pay for a piece of property.

AREA KNOWLEDGE

Local Realtors® know the area, the neighborhoods, the community and its resources. This saves you time as they can direct you to areas based on your needs and wants.

BUYER REPRESENTATION

A Buyer’s representative will assist you in reviewing property. Should you decide to make an offer, they will assist you with the contract, negotiations and inspections. This is where the Realtors® knowledge is a vital resource.

FOR SALE BY OWNERS

A Realtor® will know if a For Sale By Owner is asking a fair price for their property. Many For Sale By Owners will pay a Realtor® a commission for bringing a Buyer. If the Seller will not pay the commission, many Buyers will pay to have the representation needed to protect their interests.

REALTOR CODE OF ETHICS

Each Realtor® must abide by a Code of Ethics. Here are the Basic Principles:

  • Protect and promote your client’s interests, but be honest with all parties.
  • Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, and concealment of pertinent facts.
  • Do not reveal facts that are confidential under the scope of your agency relationship.
  • Cooperate with other real estate professionals to advance your client’s best interests.
  • When buying or selling, make your position in the transaction or interest known.
  • Disclose present or contemplated interest in any property to all parties.
  • Avoid side deals without your client’s informed consent.
  • Accept compensation from only one party, except with full disclosure and informed consent.
  • Keep the funds of clients and customers in escrow.
  • Assure, whenever possible, that transactional details are in writing.
  • Provide equal service to all clients and customers.
  • Be knowledgeable and competent in the fields of practice in which you ordinarily engage.
  • Obtain assistance or disclose lack of experience if necessary.
  • Present a true picture in your advertising and other public representations.
  • Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
  • Be a willing participant in Code enforcement procedures.
  • Ensure that your comments about other real estate professionals are truthful, and not misleading.
  • Respect the exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other realtors have with their clients.
  • Arbitrate contractual and specific non-contractual disputes with other realtors and with your clients.

For full text, refer to Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.