Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a transaction in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®!

Consumer Satisfaction with REALTORS®

Nearly eight out of ten consumers believe real estate brokers and sales associates can show buyers a better selection of homes than they can find on their own, according to an independent survey of the general public released by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Seventy-eight percent of the general public believe real estate professionals offer them a broader selection of housing alternatives than they would otherwise find. Seventy-four percent agree that using a real estate broker saves time, and 70 percent agree that real estate professionals make buying or selling a home much easier.

In another independent survey of more than 1,000 buyers and sellers, most respondents (82 percent) were very satisfied with their real estate brokers/sales associates, and a majority (77 percent) of the sellers felt that the commission they paid their broker was "money well spent." The survey also found that the majority of buyers and sellers (64 percent) were satisfied with the amount of time the process took, and most sellers (87 percent) will use a real estate professional again next time they sell their home.

Clearly, these surveys point to the value of using the services of a real estate professional in the home buying and selling process. In a transaction that has become increasingly complex with the evolution of new financing twists and sales contract intricacies, the real estate professional is often the glue in holding all parties and details together. While technology has brought a wealth of real estate information-including property listings-closer to the consumer, buyers continue to find value in having a real estate professional help them through one of the biggest investments they will ever make-the purchase of a home. And sellers, for the most part, find the money they spend to have a professional handle their home sale, well worth every penny. Buyers and sellers responding to NAR surveys point to real estate professionals' knowledge of the housing market and real estate practices as major factors influencing their decisions in selecting agents.

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 730,000 of the 1.2 million active real estate licensees nation-wide belong to NAR, entitling them to use our registered mark, REALTOR® after their name. Unlike many real estate practitioners who are simply licensed by their state to do business, REALTORS® have taken additional steps to become members of the local board of REALTORS® and have agreed to act under and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. This membership obligates them to be honest with all parties involved in a transaction, be it buyer, seller or cooperating agent.