The Real Deal

Realtors can boast registered trademark

While there are plenty of real estate professionals to choose from, the best bet in terms of ethical, efficient and reliable service is a Realtor. Nearly 750,000 of the 1.2 million active real estate licensees nationwide belong to the National Association of Realtors, entitling them to use the registered mark, "Realtor," after their names.

Unlike many real estate brokers and sales-associates who are licensed by their state to do business, Realtors have taken additional steps to become members of a local board of Realtors and have agreed to act under and adhere to a strict code of ethics. This membership obligates them to be fair to all parties involved in a transaction, be it buyer, seller or cooperating agent.

Realtors representing both large and small firms have something to offer relocating families. And the services provided by a good real estate professional are not limited to the home sales transaction itself. In fact, a Realtor will get involved in helping a transferee find the right neighborhood, schools, public services, and, sometimes, even job leads for the spouse.

Realtors know how to price and market a home successfully, how to advise a buyer and seller through each step of the transaction, as well as help buyers find appropriate financing. Relocations--especially for persons and families who are moving to a market they know nothing about--can be especially traumatic. A well-trained, sensitive real estate professional is crucial to a successful and positive relocation experience.

Real estate markets are local by nature, and national trends or sales figures do not necessarily reflect the reality of a particular area. A move from a small town to a large city, for instance, will mean extreme culture shock, as well as sticker shock for the relocating family. A Realtor will work with the family, educate the family and help it make the financial, as well as the emotional, transfer.

At the outset a Realtor can provide the marketing strategies to sell a home in a timely manner and for the best price, which is essential for a successful relocation. Most Realtors do a lot of homework back at the office in order to sell a home. It is listed, ads are placed, telephone inquiries are handled and appointments for showings are arranged with the convenience of the seller in mind.

A Realtor can help the relocating family determine how much home they can afford. Also, he or she can suggest ways to put together a sufficient down payment and can explain alternative financing methods. Also, as a market expert, a Realtor is familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local changes that could affect a family's decision about whether to and where to buy.

Relocating families can ask their company or relocation firm about referrals to Realtors who can help with the transfer from one home to another. Whether hired through a relocation firm or referred through a relocation network, the Realtor can offer essential services at both ends of the transfer, making the move a smoother process.

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Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.siliconvalley-realtors.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.

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