Buying or selling a home?
It pays to work with a Realtor®.

What is a Realtor® and why should I use one?

Only real estate professionals who are members of the
National Association of Realtors® (NAR) can call
themselves Realtors®. All 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 one million 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.

What Do Recent Home Buyers and
Sellers Say About Realtors®?

The 2008 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers provides
research results on the experiences home buyers and sellers
had when purchasing or selling their home. The majority
of the respondents used a Realtor® (a member of the
National Association of Realtors®). Here’s what
they had to say:

Home Sellers

• Sellers reported that an agent’s reputation was the
most important factor in their selection process.

• Nearly two-thirds of sellers report that they would
“definitely” use the same real estate agent again.
• The top four home seller expectations of real estate
agents are:
1) price my home competitively (21%);
2) sell my home within a specific timeframe (20%);
3) find a buyer for my home (20%);
4) help market my home to a potential buyer (20%).

Home Buyers

• 70% of buyers would probably or definitely use
their real estate agent again.
• The benefit most buyers say they receive from their
agent is help understanding the process.
• 86% of buyers were very satisfied with
their agent’s knowledge of the purchase process.
• 81% 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® pledge to abide by the Association’s Code
Ethics and 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.

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 your 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.