A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, the world’s largest professional association. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120, to over 1.5 million members today. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.
Members belong to one or more of 1,200 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS® and can join one of our many institutes, societies and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Working for America’s property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members.
(Article from National Association of REALTORS® Web site: nar.realtor)
WHY USE A REALTOR®
When you’ve made the decision to buy or sell a home, choosing a REALTOR® may be the most important issue to consider. An individual holding a real estate license is licensed to sell real estate for a commission. A REALTOR® has completed additional education in order to become a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Kansas Association of REALTORS®, and the Local Board of REALTORS®. By becoming a REALTOR®, each member has agreed to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics obligates every member to treat parties in a transaction with fairness and honesty.
In addition, buying or selling a home can be the most complicated, confusing, and costly procedure in which you’ve been involved. Working with a REALTOR® offers the advantage of access to information about fair market prices, experience in the multitude of transaction details you will encounter, and familiarity with the different financing options available to you. Using a REALTOR®when buying or selling a home ensures you have someone who is knowledgeable and objective to take care of details that can overwhelm you.
Choose a REALTOR® to help make your move successful instead of stressful.
