INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?
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Helping consumers understand why working with a REALTOR® is the best choice for this life-changing experience goes way back to 1913.
That’s when National Association of REALTORS® began to set their members apart by adopting a Code of Ethics that still guides the business decisions of 1.3M REALTORS® today. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics isn’t just words on a page, but is a pledge of honesty, integrity, professionalism, and community service. Partnering with a REALTOR® delivers the peace of mind that comes from working with a real person…a real advocate…a real, trusted professional who is committed to their clients’ futures and neighborhoods just as much as they are.
It’s the Code of Ethics that helped to inspire NAR’s ad campaign, “That’s Who We R”. The campaign demonstrates the value of a REALTOR® and distinguishes REALTORS® from Real Estate Agent or Salesperson. Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® has over 1,000 members dedicated to professional and ethical service to their real estate clients.
1. Ethical Treatment
Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®'s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.
2. An Expert Guide
Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there's a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.
3. Objective information and opinions
REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORS® can use that data to help you determine if the property suits our needs.
4. Expanded search power
Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR® can help you find opportunities not listed on the home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market thus maximizing the use of time during your home search.
5. Negotiation knowledge
There are many factors up for discussion in a transaction. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.
All REALTORS® must abide by The National Association of REALTORS© Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which outlines duties that REALTORS® have to clients and customers, the public, and other REALTORS®.
National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
File An Ethics Complaint - Click Here
Ethics Citation Program - Click Here
Illinois REALTORS® Dispute Resolution Help Line
While the Code of Ethics establishes obligations that may be higher than those mandated by law, in any instance where the Code of Ethics and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence.
CLICK HERE for everything you need to know about BUYING a home step by step
CLICK HERE for everything you need to know about SELLING a home step by step
The Real Estate Transaction in 180 Steps
What your REALTOR® does for you
Most home buyers and sellers are not aware of the true value a REALTOR® provides during the course of a real estate transaction. This list was prepared by Belton Jennings, CEO of the Orlando Regional REALTORS® Association. It shows 180 typical actions, research steps, procedures, processes and review stages in a successful residential real estate transaction that are normally provided by full service real estate brokerages in return for their sales commission. Depending on the transaction, some may take minutes, hours, or even days to complete, while some may not be needed. More importantly, they reflect the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail required in today's real estate transaction, underscoring the importance of having help and guidance from someone who fully understands the process - a REALTOR®.