When you choose to work with a REALTOR®, you're choosing to
work with a professional. Only REALTORS® subscribe to a strict
Code
of Ethics, ensuring you the highest quality of service in
your real estate transaction.
A REALTOR® belongs to the local, state, and National Association
of REALTORS®, and together these organizations provide numerous
services to REALTOR® members, which means a higher level of professionalism
and service for you.
These are just some of the services that REALTOR® members can
help you take advantage of when you're buying or selling your
home:
Multiple Listing Service
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is typically an online
real estate website that helps REALTORS® market properties to
other REALTOR® members and the public. These powerful websites
can help REALTORS® identify the unique properties that meet the
needs of buyers, while providing the greatest market exposure
for sellers. Additionally, the MLS includes several years worth
of sold property information, which your REALTOR® can use to
help you identify market trends and prices in your area.
Standardized Forms
There are many laws pertaining to real estate transactions,
and numerous inspections, disclosures, and other legal documents
are required when buying a selling a home. REALTORS® have access
to updated, standardized forms that address the latest legal,
environmental, and safety issues that affect properties. These
forms protect buyers and sellers because they ensure that any
issues with a property are properly documented and disclosed
to all parties.
Legislative Action
REALTORS® work on behalf of property owners to help
local, state, and national legislators enact laws that are in
the best interest of property owners. Issues like eminent domain,
radon gas, and tax breaks for property owners are just a few
examples of recent issues that REALTORS® monitor and take legislative
action when necessary. To stay updated on legislative issues,
consider joining the Iowa
Property Owners Alliance.
Designations and Continuing Education
Just like other professions, REALTORS® can specialize
in certain areas of real estate practice. For example, the CRS
is a designation that can be earned by REALTORS® who desire to
specialize in residential real estate. Additional designations
are available to REALTORS® who specialize in senior housing,
working with minority groups, investment properties, and many
other types of transactions. Click here to read more about designations.
Code of Ethics and Arbitration
Most real estate transactions are concluded with
no issues. However, occasionally an issue may arise that causes
a delay or other problem for the parties in a real estate
transaction. In this case, consumers who choose to work with
a REALTOR are protected by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.
Consumers who feel that a REALTOR® did not adhere to the
Code of Ethics are provided with the opportunity to be heard
through a grievance and arbitration process. Click
here for more information.