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What is a REALTOR?

What’s different about a REALTOR
Working with a real estate professional who is a REALTOR is in your best interest. Not everyone who sells real estate is a REALTOR. Possessing a real estate license does not afford instant REALTOR status–a distinction of which you need to be aware. A REALTOR is a member of local, state and national professional trade associations and, as such, has access to a vast array of educational programs, research and resources. By being a member, a REALTOR subscribes to a strict code of ethics, and pledges to provide fair treatment for all parties involved, protect the right of individuals to own property and keep abreast of changes in real estate practice through continuing education and interaction with other professionals.

As a member of the Ohio REALTORS your REALTOR can tap into numerous resources, like immediate access to staff real estate attorneys, who can provide objective up-to-the-minute counsel. He or she receives up-to-date information on a wide variety of legal, financial and economic issues, and has access to an association with more than 100 years of experience in real estate. And, if things don’t work out, arbitration is a choice your REALTOR can offer instead of lengthy and expensive legal proceedings.

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The right REALTOR for you
Like finding the right house, selecting a REALTOR you can trust and comfortably work with is paramount. The best way to find such a professional is through recommendations from family and friends. Of course, you should interview several REALTORS before you choose one. If you are selling your home, you should ask the candidates how they plan to market your home, what pricing advice they can offer, and what other suggestions they can provide to further enhance the desirability of your home. Ask questions about the transaction to evaluate the REALTOR’s knowledge. Ask for–and check–references. And, finally, ask yourself whether you will feel comfortable working closely with this individual in the months ahead.

But if you’re still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

  1. Your REALTOR can help you determine your buying power. 
  2. Your REALTOR has many resources to assist you in your home search. 
  3. Your REALTOR can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. 
  4. Your REALTOR can help you negotiate. 
  5. Your REALTOR provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. 
  6. Your REALTOR can explain all of the financing options. 
  7. Your REALTOR will guide you through the closing process. 
  8. Your REALTOR can sell your home. 
  9. Your REALTOR markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. 
  10. Your REALTOR will know when, where and how to advertise your property. 
  11. Your REALTOR can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. 
  12. Your REALTOR can help close the sale of your home. 

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