Sure, you can do your home search by yourself. But why? With an experienced Real Estate agents at your side, finding the perfect home is easier, faster and a lot more fun. A good Realtor® can show you more suitable properties, offer valuable advice, and help you through the entire home buying process. And you'll save time. Yet many buyers still spend endless hours pouring through classified ads, driving all over town, and viewing dozens of unsuitable properties - simply because they haven't connected with a Realtor®.

Some people think that if they have several agents looking for homes on their behalf, they'll find a house more quickly. Like most relationships, the buyer-agent relationship thrives on communication, loyalty and trust. By working exclusively with one agent, you'll improve both the process and the results.

Home Buyer Process

Today, more than ever, you face difficult decisions concerning your real estate needs. You need the help of experienced real estate professionals who will successfully guide you in all phases of your transaction. REALTORS® are the answer!

A REALTOR® has gone beyond licensing to become a member of the local Board of REALTORS® and has agreed to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. REALTORS®:

• Keep pace with the industry. 
  They keep attuned to the changes in the real estate industry, locally and nationally, many completing rigorous course work to earn special certification such as the GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute) and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). They also have access to pertinent information regarding laws, proposed legislation, government guidelines and up-to-the-minute industry developments.
   

• Have integrity. 
  They will present a true picture when advertising and will not advertise the property without the consent of the owner. They also will recommend that legal counsel be obtained when necessary and will not take the place of a lawyer.
   

• Dedicate themselves to education. 
  They constantly enhance their professional abil­ities and develop their skills and knowledge through educational courses and seminars
   

• Provide quality service. 
  Their commitment to the real estate profession is strong and their obligation to observe high ethical standards is uncompromising. Their concern, above all else, is service and loyalty to you.

REALTORS® Help You Sell

     They:

• Work with you to determine the mark value of your home, and establish a competitive selling price through a Residential Market Analysis and knowledge of current real estate values.

• Screen prospective buyers, qualifying them according to their pricing and hous­ing needs, separating the “lookers” from the “buyers” and the “should I’s?” from the “doers.”

• Act as skilled third-party coordinators in working with the buyer on price negotiations, resolving buyer’s doubts and overseeing the purchase.

• Have specialized information on the local market and can tap a large market through referrals from other sales associates—giving your home broader exposure and greater selling power.

• Answer all questions asked by prospective buyers regarding your property and community, and supply them with all the information they need.

• Use their extensive marketing experience to advertise your house effectively.

• Handle all details of the sale and transfer of your house to its new owners.

And They Help You Buy

Although REALTORS® represent the seller, they also assist the buyer. 

They:

• Are the liaison between you and the seller, and can present the offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.

• Can help you find the best home suited to your needs — style, size, amenities, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping and any special requirements.

• Arrange mortgage financing and help you decide how much to invest, and what financing is open to you through their established contacts with various lending institutions.

• Coordinate the sale of your present home and the purchase of your new home, according to your price range and residential area specifications, both inside and outside of your market area.

• Have access to information about what is on the market, including homes listed by other REALTORS®, so you won’t waste time driving and looking.

• Are in contact with you throughout the transfer process to make sure all your needs are met.

Let a Professional Work For You...

REALTORS® are educated, experienced professionals ... and, most of all, keep your best interests at heart. Choose a REALTOR® for your real estate needs!

Finding The Right Real Estate Agent For You
 

Chemistry is important. So are credentials. Above all, you'll want an experienced agent who has the resources of a leading real estate firm behind him or her-a firm such as Realty Executives.

Some helpful hints on finding and working with a Realtor®:

• Ask friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers for referrals.

• Trust your intuition.

• Share with your Sales Associate as much as possible about your lifestyle, tastes, needs and dreams for your home.

• Focus your search on a few geographic areas.

Plus ask him or her some of the following questions:

How well do you know the area(s) that interest me?
An agent who knows the area or neighborhood you are interested in is extremely beneficial to you.

How many other buyers and sellers do you currently represent?
You want an agent who will give you personalized attention, answer your calls quickly and communicate with you often. Keep in mind, though, many busy, experienced agents are the most efficient.

Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to an Administrative Assistant?
If you choose to work with a busy agent, a knowledgeable assistant can be very helpful when you have questions or need immediate attention.

Will you give me a list of homes you sold in the last 12 months?   Contact some clients that have worked with the agent and ask them about their experience. The list should contain addresses, property types, names of sellers or buyers, sale dates and price. Ask for the agent for testimonials from satisfied customers.