REALTORS® vs. Real Estate Agents

At first glance a REALTOR® and Real Estate Agent seem to be the same person. All REALTORS® are Real Estate Agents, but not all Real Estate Agents are REALTORS®. Confused?

From the and , “a REALTOR® is an individual licensed to list and sell real estate and is also a member of a local board of REALTORS®, the state association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®—unlike real estate agents who are simply licensed by their state to do business. As a member of these three professional trade associations, a REALTOR® agrees to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, the canons of professional behavior that guide daily activities in the real estate business.”

On Oahu for a licensed Real Estate Agent to be considered a REALTOR®, they must become a member of the Honolulu Board of Realtors. This will also include membership to the Hawaii Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.

With Real Estate Agents assisting consumers with such a large financial transaction it is very important to work with someone who holds themselves to a high level of ethics and professional conduct. The states that “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.”

The REALTOR® Pledge and Code of Ethics are as follows: to strive to be honorable and to abide by the Golden Rule; to strive to serve well my community, and through it, my country; to abide by the REALTORS and to strive to conform my conduct to its aspirational ideals; to act honestly in all real estate dealings; to protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it; to seek better to represent my clients by building my knowledge and competence. 

Make sure that you are not only working with a Real Estate Agent, but a REALTOR®.

For other Blogs on Oahu Real Estate or to Search Hawaii Real Estate visit us at www.HawaiiRealEstateSite.com

rm?p sa?2?*2pple-style-span>Negotiation is a very important part of selling a home, it is a business transaction and there may be individuals coming in with ridiculously low offers that are not intended to be accepted. A licensed agent can help to ensure you have a strong negotiating platform, especially knowing there is a good chance the buyer has an agent working for them.

 

Real estate contracts can be long and complicated. Most individuals who are determined to sell their home on their own will need to consult a lawyer to look over any contracts involved. This can be a very costly process. This is an area you want a licensed professional on your side as one word can make all the difference.

Being a homeowner has a potential negative as you may have built an emotional attachment in your home. There is a risk of attaching too much sentimental value to your home and putting value that would not be there for another buyer. A licensed agent will act as a third party, and although they will act in your best interest, they won’t have an emotional attachment to the property.

If you have the time, patience, money and desire to sell your home by yourself, then you may want to consider selling your home as a FSBO. Be aware of what you are getting yourself into first, there is a reason real estate agents exist; buying and selling property is not easy. Overall, you may decide that your time, piece of mind and happiness is worth more than the money you could save. Research your options and choose wisely.

For other Blogs on Oahu Real Estate or to Search Hawaii Real Estate visit us at www.HawaiiRealEstateSite.com