WORKING WITH A REALTOR®

Why use a REALTOR® | How a REALTOR® can save you time and money when buying and selling property
What's the difference between a REALTOR® and other real estate professionals? | How can I be sure I'm choosing the REALTOR® who's right for me?

• Why use a REALTOR®
  

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.

Financing - REALTORS® can help determine how much home you can afford, explain different financing options nad 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 possission, 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.

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.

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®.

1. 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?

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.