IS YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT A REALTOR(R)
Becoming a licensed real estate agent is no easy task. Prospects must take several different classes on topics such as & "rinciples of Real Estate, Law of Contracts, and Law of Agency. They might also study things like appraisals, marketing, finance and property management. After the recommended course of study, the prospective agent must take and pass their state's licensing exam.
As a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction, whether residential or commercial, you would be wise to consult a licensed agent. The legal forms and contracts are far too complex, and the penalties for making an error far too costly, to try to wing it on your own. But how do you know that the agent you consult will do their best for you?
One way is through personal referral. If someone you know and trust has had a good experience with a particular agent, then that may bode will for you. There is, however, a quick and easy way to know if an agent will conform to all accepted codes and ethics of the industry, and that is to look for the REALTOR(R) designation
A real estate agent can only become a REALTOR(R) when they join the National Association of REALTORS, or NAR. The world's largest professional trade association, NAR members are sworn to subscribe to a script Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. When a real estate agent is accepted into NAR, only then can he or she use the term REALTOR(R) on business cards and marketing materials.
For the REALTOR®, NAR provides a resource for professional development, research and an exchange of ideas and information. Working with someone who has access to all that assistance can prove to be valuable asset for buyers and sellers as well.
The NAR website (www.Realtor.org) has articles, definitions, directories and contacts that can help property owners and prospective property buyers make it through the maze of real estate transactions successfully. Check it out beforehand to get some basic questions answered, and you'll be ready to wheel and deal with the best of them!