1. Realtors® Provide You with the Fairest & Most Ethical Treatment
Unlike other real estate agents, Realtors® are bound by a strict code of ethics instated by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This Code of Ethics was established in 1913 and was actually one of the first ever codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business groupcan help you buy, sell, and rent property just like a Realtor® is, real estate agents are not members of NAR and therefore are not bound to adhere to this code of ethics.
Think of the code of ethics as a guidepost that outlines the best standards of practice for all Realtors® in the United States. Some examples of these guideposts are:
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REALTORS® shall submit offers and counteroffers objectively and as quickly as possible. (SOP 1-6)
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REALTORS® shall not print, display or circulate any statement or advertisement with respect to selling or renting of a property that indicates any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. (SOP 10-3)
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REALTORS® shall not offer for sale/lease or advertise property without authority. When acting as listing brokers or as subagents, REALTORS® shall not quote a price different from that agreed upon with the seller/landlord. (SOP 12-4)
These standards outline the duties that Realtors® have to their clients, the public, brokers, and each other. It’s almost like multiple benefits of using a Realtor® in one!
2. Realtors® Give You the Most Up-to-Date, Expert Information
Most Americans are only buying homes a few times in their lives. And these transactions often will happen with years between themNAR’s 2025 Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers actually reports that tenure of years in a home is at an all-time high—11 YEARS. One of the benefits of using a Realtor® is that they are regularly trained in the current laws and regulations in place in the real estate industry so, if anything has changed since you last bought or sold a home, you can rest easy knowing that your Realtor® will keep you competitive and compliant in the market.
Realtors® are required to complete a certain number of continuing education requirements to make sure that they are bringing you the most recent information when it comes to your transaction.
Realtors® have exclusive access to a litany of resources at any given time to help your transaction be as smooth as possible and give you the best bang for your buck. Some of the resources include:
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Forms and contractshis is the most important aspect of the real estate transaction and can be extremely confusing to navigate without a Realtor®. Realtors® are well-versed in all the above to help you avoid any potential costly mistakes and translate the real estate language for you.
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Realtors® have access to the multiple listing service (MLS). Think of an MLS as a private database where brokers and agents share properties for sale and information about a specific market. An MLS gives much more information about properties that are not always available on public sites, as well as direct contact information to the listing agent and/or broker. Since Realtors® receive exclusive training on how to navigate the MLS from their broker, they are extremely equipped to utilize the service efficiently to help you find your next home!
4. Realtors® are with You Every Step of the Way
While it can be tempting to ask ourselves “Is hiring a Realtor® really worthwhile?” When buying or selling your property, you can be assured that you are hiring an expert who will be by your side throughout the entire home buying or selling process. Think things like performing an exterior Curb Appeal Assessment, researching your property’s public record information, putting marketing brochures in company agent mailboxes, contacting a buyer’s agent to review a potential buyer’s qualifications, and so much MORE!
5. Realtors® Offer a Trusted, Objective Voice Amongst the Noise
We don’t think we need to explain that buying a home can be stressful and even emotional at times. While it’s an extremely exciting next step in your life, there are a lot of unknowns involved, and it can be very overwhelming. Realtors® are not only there for you when it comes to all the specific tasks in the home buying process, but they are also there to offer you a and objective voice amongst the noise. Realtors® spend time with their clients, get to know their wants, needs, and can help guide through the unknowns.
Not sure if a 3rd bedroom is something that you really want or need? A Realtor® can help by asking you questions that clarify what that looks like for you in your new home. Do you maybe want to tour some rural properties with septic systems but don’t know where to start? A Realtor® can give you a good base of knowledge for living in a home with a septic system.
No one is pretending that a Realtor® has all the answers. However, they spend time with their clients, get to know them, and that coupled with their extensive industry knowledge and experience, makes them the perfect sounding board for all the “what ifs” and “what about this” questions that you will run into when buying a home.
If you know a Realtor®, shoot them a special note this Thanksgiving and thank them for their continued dedication to their clients and their peers. The benefits of utilizing a Realtor® are vast. With their work, they help folks across the country achieve their dreams of becoming homeowners and offer support through one of life’s most defining moments.