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From Exit_Realtor
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Page 1 of 3 Many consumers consider selling their home directly but eventually
turn to REALTORS?. Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise
in pricing their home, making connections with REALTORS? working with
buyers, arranging and staffing open houses, and coordinating with other
professionals in the sales process.
Only about half of all real estate agents are REALTORS? -- the top half, in
our not-so-humble opinion. REALTORS? work independently, for small agencies,
or for large brokerages. They help people buy and sell residential or commercial properties, vacation homes, and land; they conduct appraisals; they operate in the United States and in other countries; some specialize in auctions; and others are buyer?s representatives.
Only REALTORS? follow a Code of Ethics
If a REALTOR? represents you, whether you are buying or selling a home, you can count on that REALTOR? to:
1. Be honest with all parties in the transaction ? not just with you, as his or her client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients.
For example, if REALTORS? represent a buyer with a spotty credit history, they can?t be dishonest with sellers about this fact. At the same time, REALTORS? can help their buyer clients collect and assemble information, such as credit reports and audited tax returns, to demonstrate that the buyer has addressed the problem and improved their situation.
2. Put your interests ahead of his or her own, at all times.
A REALTOR? makes every effort to understand the housing needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inventory, and shares all relevant information with the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision. This service is provided regardless of the compensation available.
3. Disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller.
If a REALTOR? believes information provided by a seller is questionable, the REALTOR? is obligated to investigate. REALTORS? should recommend that buyers consult their own experts, such as home inspectors, to address concerns. For example, if a home seller asks his or her REALTOR? to conceal the fact that the roof leaks, the REALTOR? cannot comply; if the seller insists, the REALTOR? should end the business relationship with that seller.
4. Be truthful in all communications with the public.
When REALTORS? distribute newsletters, create Web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals? work product as their own. If recently sold or listed properties in the community are publicized, it must be clear whether the REALTOR? was actually involved in the transaction, or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the REALTOR??s experience and can make an informed decision when choosing real estate representation.
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