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What is a REALTOR® and why should I use Austin Referral Realty?

Only real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) can call themselves REALTORS. All Austin REALTORS adhere to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. That’s why all real estate licensees are NOT the same. Dedicated to serving America’s property owners at both local and national levels, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the Voice for Real Estate®, is the largest professional association at over 900,000 members strong. So, whether you’re buying or selling a home – it pays to work with a REALTOR. Look for the REALTOR logo when choosing your real estate agent.

HOME SELLERS

• Sixty-two percent of sellers reported that an agent’s reputation was the most important factor in their selection process.

• More than four out of five homeowners sold their previous home with the assistance of a real estate agent.

• The top three home seller expectations of real estate agents are: 1) find a buyer for my home (27%); 2) sell my home within a specific timeframe (27%); 3) properly price my home (25%).

• Seventy percent of respondents would use the same listing agent for their next home sale.

HOME BUYER

• Fifty-seven percent of home buyers reported that the most important service provided by a real estate agent is helping them find the right home.

• Nearly 86% of home buyers used a real estate agent as an important information source and to assist in the transaction.

• Seventy-five percent of home buyers used a real estate agent and/or broker to complete their transaction.

The Code of Ethics: A Commitment to the Public

The Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the promise to the public that when dealing with a real estate agent that is a REALTOR®, they can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. Only REALTORS® are held accountable for their ethical behavior. Some of the basic principles of the Code of Ethics include:

• Protect and promote your client’s interests, but be honest with all parties.

• Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, and concealment of pertinent facts. Do not reveal facts that are confidential under the scope of your agency relationship.

• Disclose present or contemplated interest in any property to all parties.

• Avoid side deals without your client’s informed consent.

• Accept compensation from only one party, except with full disclosure and informed consent.

• Keep the funds of clients and customers in escrow.

• Assure, whenever possible, that transactional details are in writing.

• Provide equal service to all clients and customers.

• Be knowledgeable and competent in the fields of practice in which you ordinarily engage. Obtain assistance or disclose lack of experience if necessary.

• Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.

Make the right choice – work with a REALTOR®.

SELLERS

REALTORS® provide sellers invaluable services, and there are many reasons to work with one. A REALTOR®:

• Can give you up-to-date information about the market, prices, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties.

• Will market your property to other real estate agents and to the public.

• Will know when, where, and how to best market your property.

• Can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising you marketing position.

• Can help close the sale of your home.

BUYERS

REALTORS® provide critical assistance with the home buying process. A REALTOR®:

• Has many resources to assist you in your home search.

• Can provide objective information about each property.

• Can help you negotiate.

• Can help you determine your buying power.

• Provides guidance during the evaluation of the property.

• Can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

How a REALTOR Can Benefit Sellers

REALTOR® Can Reduce Liability
The business of buying and selling real estate is becoming more complex. Rapid technological improvement and its application in the real estate industry, as well as changing state and federal laws are making it difficult to buy or sell real estate without the help of a professional. For the seller, consumer protection laws bring a high degree of liability into the transaction. It is worth noting that the seller's liability is not diminished by ignorance of applicable laws.

REALTORS® Save Time and Money
It is becoming increasingly important to have the assistance of a REALTOR® to reduce liability, expedite the sale and save time and money for both buyers and sellers. A REALTOR® is very helpful in doing market research to help you set a realistic selling price, pre-qualify potential buyers and help negotiate the best price for your home. The agent will save your time by taking calls from people who are interested in the home and make appointments for potential buyers to view the home when you are away or at times most convenient for you.

REALTORS® Use Technology to Market Your Home
If you list a home with a REALTOR® who participates in ACTRIS, the home will have wider exposure to other participating agents who will market that property to their own clients. Data from the MLS is used to publish listings online for buyers to see through sites such as AustinHomeSearch.com,  Realtor.com and Homeseekers.com. In addition, the REALTOR® can utilize comparative data to assist the seller list their home to their advantage.

Advice to Ensure a Successful Transaction
A REALTOR® also provides the professional assistance needed to ensure appropriate laws and regulations are followed when selling a home. Like doctors, lawyers, architects and engineers, REALTORS® are educated and licensed professionals. They will assume your risks should they make errors or omissions in the performance of their duties. A REALTOR® also conducts a market analysis of your home to determine its market value and advises you on what needs to be done to best prepare the home to show to prospective buyers.

How a REALTOR Can Benefit Buyers

Helping in the Home Search and Protecting Your Interests
Starting your home search with Internet databases such as our home search is a good idea. But the advice and assistance of a REALTOR® can be of great use in this process. Before you contact the agent who lists the property on the database, consider whom that agent represents. Only a buyers agent will solely represent your interests. (Click here to read more about who represents whom in a real estate transaction.) If you choose to have a buyers agent represent you who participates in the Austin Central Texas Realty Information Service (ACTRIS/MLS), they will be able to find homes that meet their criteria more quickly. The REALTOR® can use ACTRIS to not only screen properties that fit your preferences, but also find important information such as tax roll data, sold data for comparative analysis and school data.

Negotiations, Inspection and Contract Help
When buying a home, a REALTOR® leads you through the contract negotiation and insures that your rights are protected and your liability minimized as contracts and agreements are prepared. They advise you of financing options and coordinate the inspection and appraisal processes. Furthermore, they make sure the inspection process is handled properly and subsequent negotiations concerning any repairs are completed within the specific time frames required in the contract. Finally, a REALTOR® leads you through the lengthy closing process and protects your interests. Feel comfortable buying or selling a home with a professional. Find a REALTOR® you trust and be sure to take their advice. Since you are both partners in this transaction, neither of you can succeed without the other.

Read Information about Austin Real Estate Brokerage Services to read about who represents your interests in a real estate transaction.

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Ronnie Bredahl, Austin Realtor
Austin Real Estate Broker
4802 Woodside Drive
Austin, Texas 78735

info@austinreferralrealty.com
Telephone: (512) 785-9050

We Buy Austin Homes