Why Use a REALTOR®?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL 
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR “®” logo on their 
business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction 
honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of 
the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the 
same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. 
Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal 
with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an 
attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, if would be foolish to consider a deal in real 
estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you’re still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one: 

01

 – that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about 
your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most 
lenders – banks and mortgage companies – offer limited choices.

02

Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some 
investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

03

Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know. First, will the property provide an environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

04

There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

05

Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

06

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08

These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

09

Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10

This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections, and financing – a lot of possible 
pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it 
through the process.

12

Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies 
show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, 
family, and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to 
allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects 
through your property.

Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS®
2007 Paul W. Bryant Drive ● Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 ● (205) 345-7323

Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS® Mission Statement:
The Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS® (“TAR”) promotes, educates and supports its 
members in serving the public while adhering to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. In partnership 
with the Alabama Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, TAR 
exists to expand opportunities for real property ownership and to preserve private property 
rights.