Many people dealing with the home market do not realize there is a difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor. Both must go through the same education and testing process to receive a state license, but after they receive the license is where the difference comes in. A real estate agent will go off on their own, while a Realtor will join an association. Being in the association gives Realtors a better chance at showing your home more often, showing you a wider variety of homes that fit your guidelines, and will give you additional benefits a plain old real estate agent can not.
The association that Realtors join is called the National Association of Realtors, and once one joins the association they follow a strict ethical code. A big bonus of the association is that your Realtor will have access to multiple listing services, and will be able to receive loads of information about a wide selection of houses for sale. The code Realtors follow says they must put your personal interests above others, must follow and obey your instructions, and that they must keep all your information confidential. Other guidelines the code says is your Realtor must account to you for any money involved, and that they must give you any important information they receive or learn about in a timely manner.
Once you hire a Realtor you can be assured experience and knowledge will be on your side. A Realtor will keep you from making common mistakes many first time home buyers and sellers make, and they will open up many new opportunities. They will be able to find many homes that match your guidelines, or if you are selling a home they will know where on the market to place it. A Realtor will be up to date on changes and things going on in the market, and they are required to stay current more so than real estate agents, which is why a Realtor is a more solid choice.
Its also a good idea to ask a few questions. Make sure your Realtor has an active license in good standing, and make certain he or she belongs to the local MLS, or multiple listing service. Ideally, your Realtors full time career should be real estate, so you’ll be able to know that you’re in good, dedicated hands. Find out if the agent is representing you, or the other party in the deal. The person that’s being represented is the person whose interests the Realtor will be prioritizing. You want it to be you, so try to find a good buyers agent early on.
Before you commit to one Realtor, sit down and talk to them and have him or her explain their plan of action to accomplish your goals. In an ideal world, your Realtor would have a list of homes to show you that match your criteria, or have a number of buyers look at the home you are selling. Your Realtors main responsibility is to do the work of finding homes within the city, budget, and guidelines you request, or to find a buyer that offers you the biggest benefit. Finding a solid Realtor can really make the difference in buying or selling a home in a time worthy fashion.