7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR

2016 Leadership of the Darien Board of REALTORS®, Inc. and Darien Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Pictured from L-R are M.Reese Hutchison, Past President, Linda Terhune, Director, Patty Reis, Director, Mary Lou Ball, Director, Amy Barsanti, Director, Barb Hazelton, Director, Mary Seiler, Treasurer, Bryan Morris, 2016/2017 President. Missing from photo: Ann Barton, Director

Founded in 1930, the Darien Board of REALTORS® serves real estate professionals and residents of Darien. In partnership with Connecticut REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, the Board is dedicated to promoting professionalism and ethical real estate practices, while also providing industry information, political advocacy and education to its members and the community.

The Darien Board of REALTORS® pride themselves on Professionalism and promoting the REALTOR brand and distinguishing the difference between a Real Estate Sales Agent and a REALTOR®. To help differentiate between the two, check out these facts from REALTOR® Magazine:

7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®

REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTOR® difference for home buyers:

1. Ethical treatment.

Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

2. An expert guide.

Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.

3. Objective information and opinions.

REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORs® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, they can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about but that might suit your needs better than you’d thought.

4. Expanded search power.

Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market.

5. Negotiation knowledge.

There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.

6. Up-to-date experience.

Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.

7. Your rock during emotional moments.

A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, or buying in the Darien area, contact a local REALTOR® today to assist you on your journey of home ownership. The Darien Board of REALTORS has a Member based Multiple Listing Service known as “The Darien MLS” with a direct feed to up to the minute, accurate data on Realtor.com. The Darien Multiple Listing Service prides itself on being an “All REALTOR® MLS” offering top-notch service to their Clients.

Contact a local REALTOR® today and find out for yourself! www.darienboard.REALTOR or email the Board’s Association Executive, Irene LaRusso, for a Roster: darienmls@optonline.net