The Real Estate Transaction 

Most first time home buyers think that buying a home is a simple matter of looking at houses until you find one that suits you, then you get a loan to pay for it (unless you pay cash).  From the seller's standpoint, most first time sellers think that you list the property until someone is willing to pay for it.  Well, there is actually a whole lot more to the process and the contract is the first step of the first phase.  Although I won't cover every aspect of the real estate transaction process here are the major steps involved.

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.
 
 
  
REALTORS® Are Experts 
 
  
The home price for sellers who use an agent is 16 percent higher than for those who don't, according to NAR's 2005 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and nine out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent in the search process. 
 
  
Why Use a REALTOR®?
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Here are 12 ways a REALTOR® will make your home buying or selling experience better. 
 
  
REALTORS® Are Part of the Community 
 
  
REALTORS® Work to End Housing Discrimination - during April, which is Fair Housing Month, and all year long. REALTORS® are active members of their communities. 
 
  
REALTORS® Protect You 
 
  
Only REALTORS® follow a Code of Ethics
To be a member of NAR and a REALTOR®, a real estate agent must abide by a set of professional principles and serve clients fairly.