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The Critical Role of a REALTOR ® in The Real Estate Transaction

Many home sellers are not aware of the true value that a REALTOR ® provides during a real estate transaction . A multitude of important services and steps required in a real estate transaction are carried out by the REALTOR ® or the brokerage staff . Most of these steps have traditionally been viewed simply as part of the professional responsibilities to the client . But , without them , the transaction could be placed in jeopardy .

On the following pages , you will find hundreds of typical actions , research steps , processes , and review stages necessary for the successful execution of a typical residential real estate transaction that are normally provided by a full-service real estate brokerage in exchange for their sales compensation .

Depending on the transaction , some of these steps may take minutes , hours , or even days to complete , while some may not be needed .

Comprehensiveness

The list is by no means an attempt to set forth a complete list of services , as these can vary within each brokerage and each market . Many REALTORS ® routinely provide a wide variety of additional services that are as varied as the nature of each transaction . By the same token , some transactions may not require every step listed .

However , given the unexpected complications that can arise , it ’ s far better to know about a step and make an intelligent , informed decision to skip it , than to not know the possibility even exists .

Why Use a REALTOR ®

Not every real estate agent or broker is a REALTOR ® . That term and the familiar block “ R ” logo are trademarked by the National Association of REALTORS ® can legally be used only by those that are REALTOR ® members through their local association .

While all REALTORS ® are also state-issued licensees as agents or brokers , a major difference between a real estate licensee and a REALTOR ® is that a REALTOR ® has taken an oath to subscribe to a stringent , enforceable Code of Ethics with Standards of Practice that promote the fair , ethical and honest treatment of all parties in a transaction . Real estate licensees ( those that have a state-issued license but are not members of a REALTOR ® Association ) are not bound to the ethical practices and principles set forth in the REALTOR ® Code .

In addition , REALTOR ® associations offer a wealth of training courses to their member REALTORS ® , to help ensure that REALTORS ® serve their customers with the level of skill , knowledge , and attention to detail required in today ’ s market . The continual training provided to REALTORS ® underscores the importance of having guidance from someone who fully understands the process — a REALTOR ® .

For peace of mind , ensure that the individual seeking to represent you in a real estate transaction is not just a real estate licensee , but also a REALTOR ®

Variety Of Choices

The variety of brokerage business models in today ’ s real estate industry — full service , limited service , fee for service or other — affords consumers with a greater range of options than ever before . No matter which option they choose , sellers should understand exactly what services will , or will not , be provided by their choice of REALTOR ® / brokerage firm before signing a Seller ’ s Brokerage Agreement or otherwise engaging the services of a REALTOR ® and agreeing to compensation .