Not every agent or broker is a REALTOR®! Here are the advantages of working with a REALTOR® when buying or selling real estate. The decision to buy or sell real estate is one of the most important ones you can make. A REALTOR® has the interest, resources, and dedication to guide you through the process. When the public asks for a REALTOR® or seeks the REALTOR® trademark, they are getting more than a real estate licensee-they are getting a member of their local association of REALTORS®, Illinois Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®. REALTORS® subscribe to the Association's strict Code of Ethics, encouraging high professional standards through required educational programs, professional certification, code of ethics and principles of real estate sales practices. Only a REALTOR® can display the REALTOR® logo which is a federally registered mark licensed exclusively to the members of the National Association of REALTORS®. This mark represents a high standard of professional conduct in serving the interests of clients and customers.

When purchasing real estate a REALTOR® can help you determine what you can afford and shows you only those properties that meet your criteria.

A REALTOR® can explain alternative mortgage financing programs.

In addition to knowing the local money market, a REALTOR® can tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when applying for a loan. Already familiar with current real estate values, real estate taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, a REALTOR® may also be able to respond to your questions about local zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.

A REALTOR® can research your property needs in advance through the Multiple Listing Service or the Commercial Real Estate Network.

A REALTOR® can provide you with a checklist to serve as a reminder of some things you should look for in order to make a wise buying decision.

A REALTOR® can free a seller from the time, effort and details involving the sale of the property. They can establish the fair market value and can advise when seller financing might be in your best interest. With an interest in bringing both buyer and seller together, a REALTOR® can help negotiate a satisfactory agreement between the parties. Before the first showing and beyond the final sale, you'll get the expertise and service you look for in a real estate profession who knows how to sell your property.

A REALTOR® does a lot of homework in order to sell your real estate. The property is listed, ads are placed, inquiries are handled and appointments for showing are arranged with your convenience and best interest in mind. With the aid of a Multiple Information Service or Commercial Real Estate Network a REALTOR® can list a property and work with other REALTORS® to assure a wider range of prospective buyers. Through your REALTOR® you also have the ability to have your property exposed to the largest audience possible through www.seehouses.com.

A REALTOR® has the advantage with expertise in...

• Comparative Market Analysis
• Loans and Loan Sources
• Pre-qualification
• Earnest Money
• Loan Products that fit your budget
• Agency Options
• Fair Housing
• Local and National Market Conditions
• Lead Paint, Radon and Other Environmental Concerns
• Marketing the Property
• Showing and Qualifying the Potential Borrowers
• The Closing Process
• Providing the Most Comprehensive Information on Available Listings
• Many other Aspects of the Buying and Selling Process

To learn more, visit the National Association of REALTORS® website at www.REALTOR.org.