| Unlike many real estate agents who are simply
licensed in North Carolina to do business, REALTORS®
have taken additional steps to become members of the
Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS® and have
agreed to act under and adhere to a strict
Code of Ethics. Our
REALTOR® members are obligated to treat all parties
involved in a real estate transaction--be it the buyer,
the seller, or a cooperating real estate agent--honestly
and fairly. Be sure your real estate agent is a
REALTOR®.
Your home probably is or may be the single largest
purchase you make. The REALTOR® you choose may be the
most valuable resource you choose. If you are selling
your home, North Carolina law may require you to
complete a
Residential Property Disclosure Statement. Further,
if your home was built prior to 1978, there are
Federal Lead-Based Paint Regulations with which you
must comply. When you sell your home, the REALTOR® will
work for you as a client. You sign a contract with the
agent, called a listing contract. The agent then works
for you and receives a mutually agreed upon commission
when the house is sold. Do you possess the time,
marketing expertise, energy, and knowledge of the law
necessary to successfully sell your home?
If you are purchasing a home, you have the
opportunity to hire a REALTOR® who will be your advocate
in the real estate transaction. Today many home buyers
use a buyer’s agent, a specialized REALTOR® who is the
home buyer's client and works for the interests of the
buyer. This makes it even more important for you to have
an expert on your side looking out for your best
interests. Some REALTORS® hold the coveted ABR®
designation (Accredited Buyer Agent). These REALTORS®
have invested time and money to become better educated
on how to advocate for their buyers. Do you have the
expertise to know if the property is priced fairly in
today’s market? If not, you should hire a REALTOR®.
REALTORS® do more, much more than you may realize.
A REALTOR® representing the Seller will help you
- Determine at what price to market your home
- Decide how to market and advertise your home for
today’s buyers
- Become familiar with the entire home selling
process.
- Negotiate the highest price on the best possible
terms
- Complete a mandatory disclosure form
- Understand the Offer To Purchase and what the
buyer is requesting
- Monitor the buyer’s progress on completing the
steps required in the Offer To Purchase
A REALTOR® representing the Buyer will help you
- Determine how much you can afford by placing you
in contact with knowledgeable professional who lend
money
- Become familiar with the entire home buying
process
- Understand required forms such as the NC
Residential Property Disclosure Statement and Offer To
- Purchase and Contract
- Research available property through the Multiple
Listing Service
- Negotiate the lowest price on the best possible
terms as well as possession dates and repairs
- Understand what documents you will need when you
seek a mortgage.
- Find a licensed NC Home Inspector who will advise
you on the condition of the property
You Be the Judge!
The real estate transaction may be your single
largest investment. When you need tax advice, you rely
upon a CPA. When you need legal advice, you rely upon an
attorney. When you need automobile diagnostic advice,
you rely upon a qualified mechanic. With your single
largest purchase, do you want to rely upon a
professional in real estate—a REALTOR®--or be a
“do-it-yourselfer?” |