Home Sellers Guide

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Why Use a REALTOR®

We may have hinted that Realtors® can make selling a home a whole lot easier. There are many advantages, some of which you probably didn't even know about, for instance:

The Code of Ethics
A Commitment to the Public

In 1913, The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® took a nearly unprecedented step and followed the professionals of medicine, law, and engineering in establishing and enforcing a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for its members.

Now, as then, members pledge to abide by the Code, observing its spirit in all activities and conducting business in accordance with the tenets set forth in its articles.

In the interpretation of this obligation, a Realtor® can look to no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule. "Whatsoever that ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

The Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® sets Realtors® apart from nonmember agents and is the promise to the public that when dealing with a Realtor®, they can expect fair and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. Only Realtors® pledge to abide by a real estate code of ethics, and only Realtor® are held accountable for their professional behavior.

Here, in our area, most real estate professionals belong to the LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS® (LIBOR). Through this association, they are also members of the NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, and as we mentioned, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In fact, there are over 12,000 members in LIBOR alone, making it the largest local Realtor® association in the country. In fact, LIBOR has more professional members than many state boards. Every Realtor® that participates in the Multiple Listing Service is a member of LIBOR. This is your assurance that they have agreed to uphold the highest level of professional standard in their business practices. Those that violate the Code of Ethics face disciplinary action from the Board of REALTORS® and possibly even the New York State Department of State's Division of Licensing Services, under whom they are licensed to sell real estate.

So that NAR members remain on the cutting edge of industry professionalism, the Association regularly reviews the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice, and modifies them when appropriate. As a result, the Code of Ethics reflects the ongoing changes in the real estate industry, focuses the thinking of Association leaders, and strengthens the commitment of members. Now that we've thoroughly investigated many of the aspects of selling a home, let's weigh out the benefits of using a Realtor® versus selling privately:

Why Use an MLS REALTOR®?

PROS		CONS
· Maximum exposure through MLS · Immediate startup - no learning curve · Experienced negotiators · Expert representation · Has contact with buyers · Knowledgeable about the transaction · Pre-qualifies prospects · Aware of current trends · Expert at pricing · Proficient in marketing · Understands financing · Relocation affiliations · Internet exposure · Local, national & international referrals · Stress-free sale	· Available 7 days a week · Seller doesn't have to stay home! · Professional representation · Shows the home's best points · Handles and screens callers · Cooperates with MLS Realtors® · Brings serious buyers · Objective advisor · Expedites documents · Prepares marketing materials · Farms for prospects · Advertises for you · Facilitates the presentation of multiple offers and counter offers · Provides professional signs	Realtors® charge a fee

The bottom line?

Reprinted from "How to Sell it Fast & Get the Right Price", by Laurie J. Bloom
(c) 1998, Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For your free copy, contact your local MLS office.