Buying a home is a serious transaction that will have significant emotional and financial consequences for the stakeholders, buyers and sellers involved. Not having the professional representation could be devastating. Many home buyers and sellers are not aware of the true value that a Realtor provides. CollinCountyHomes.com

It’s important for buyers and sellers to be aware of the importance and value a Realtor provides during the transaction and that those who see themselves as “self-sufficient” and being able to do it alone could have lasting and negative consequences.

It takes expertise, professional knowledge and just plain “roll up your sleeves” hard work in order to bring about a successful real estate transaction. 

The professional commitment of a Realtor is to ensure that a buyer and seller come together and agree on a transaction that is fair and equitable. They usually receive no compensation unless and until the sale closes. With so many varieties of brokerage sales models in today’s market a homeowner should understand exactly what services will or will not be provided by the Realtor or real estate agent before signing any agreement. DallasCountyHomes.com

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

Yes, all Realtors and real estate brokers have to have state-issued licenses. The major difference between the two is that REALTORS® have taken an oath to subscribe to a stringent, enforceable Code of Ethics with Standards of Practice that promise fair, ethical and honest treatment of all parties in the transaction. A plain real estate licensee (those with a license but are not members) is not bound to the ethical practices and principles set forth in the Realtor Code. DentonCountyHomes.com

In addition, the REALTOR® must take a wealth of training courses as well as continuing education requirements to achieve and maintain their credentials. This continual training underscores the importance of having help and guidance from someone who fully understands the process – a REALTOR®!

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