Why Use a REALTOR®

A REALTOR® is an individual licensed to list and sell real estate and is also a member of a local board of REALTORS®, the state association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®—unlike real estate agents who are simply licensed by their state to do business. As a member of these three professional trade associations, a REALTOR® agrees to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, the canons of professional behavior that guide daily activities in the real estate business.

The REALTOR® Privilege

A REALTOR® is the recognized professional in real estate. The distinctive REALTOR® "R" is your guarantee that you are dealing with the elite of the profession, a member of an association of REALTORS® and a professional who deserves your trust.

To earn the title of REALTOR®, a person must be licensed to list and sell real estate and be a member of the Carteret County Association of REALTORS® (members automatically gain membership with North Carolina REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®). The term "REALTOR®" is a federally registered trademark to identify and distinguish members from all other persons, licensed or unlicensed, engaged in the real estate business and is associated with a high degree of professionalism, training, integrity and expertise in the real estate industry.

A REALTOR® pledges fidelity to clients, but also pledges to treat honestly all parties to a real estate transaction. A REALTOR® is knowledgeable about various aspects of the real estate profession and maintains current information regarding market conditions. REALTORS® have an affirmative obligation to serve property owners and prospective buyers to the best of their ability.

The REALTOR® Pledge and Code of Ethics

The CCAR Members pledge: to strive to be honorable and to abide by the Golden Rule; to strive to serve well my community, and through it, my country; to abide by the REALTORS® Code of Ethics and to strive to conform my conduct to its aspirational ideals; to act honestly in all real estate dealings; to protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it; to seek better to represent my clients by building my knowledge and competence.

Whether you're buying or selling a home, your REALTOR® can help make your real estate transaction a successful one.

Your REALTOR® will be with you every step of the way throughout the transaction from start to finish.

When BUYING a home, a REALTOR®:

Has the most information in one place about what is on the market,including homes listed by other REALTORS®. You won't waste time looking at unsuitable homes.
Helps you determine how much home you can afford, how you can acquire the down payment and what financing options may be open to you.
Can help you find the home best suited to your needs- size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, etc.
Can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities.
Can suggest simple changes that could make a prospective home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.
Has no emotional ties to a home, can be objective about it and can point out its advantages and disadvantages.
Acts as an agent between you and the seller to present offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.
Is bound by a Code of Ethics and pledges to protect and promote the interest of the buyer by providing honest treatment for all parties involved in the transaction.

When SELLING a home, a REALTOR®:

Is bound by a Code of Ethics and pledges to protect and promote the interests of the seller by providing honest treatment for all parties involved in the transaction.
Is knowledgeable of the market and gives you the quickest exposure to the maximum number of buyers.
Qualifies prospects as to their affordable price range and housing needs.
Knows current real estate values and can help you set a realistic, competitive price. This skilled professional knows how to merchandise your home effectively.
Is familiar with the local home-loan market and can help you determine whether seller-assisted financing may expedite your sale.
Can figure the net proceeds from your sale, taking into account your outstanding loan balance, closing costs and possible owner financing.
Can tap an even larger market through referrals and marketing techniques.
Frees you from the problems associated with showing your home. The REALTOR® handles phone inquiries, appointments, showings and negotiations of the contract.
Maintains objectivity in presenting offers and counter-offers.
Can familiarize you with the closing procedures by explaining them all in advance.

Negotiation Skills

Purchasing a home is probably the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make—Realtors® are practiced in the art of negotiation, and can help you get into your next home on time and on budget.

Local Market Knowledge

Location, location, location. We’ve all heard it before—because every market is different, you need a Realtor® who knows the local market inside and out.

Access to a Network of Professionals

Realtors® have worked with dozens of local professionals, from financing to landscaping, and everything in between—skip the online searches and tap into your Realtor®’s rolodex.

Marketing Expertise

Listing a house is more than just placing a yard sign—a Realtor® can get your property seen by thousands of potential buyers using a variety of online and in-person marketing techniques.

Home-Staging Services

Because staging your home is not the same as decorating it, a Realtor® can advise you on how to prep your home to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Support After Closing

Realtors® will be there for you even after the sale—whether you need advice on a plumber or you’re not sure what color to paint your new living room.

Paperwork Know-How

Who has time to sort through 14 pages of a purchase contract, with its many confusing terms, to make sure you’re getting the best deal? Your Realtor®, that’s who!

Price Guidance

Pricing is critical—an overpriced home may languish on the market for months, disappointing sellers. On the other hand, no buyer wants to fork over more than a property’s worth. Whether you’re the seller or the buyer, a Realtor® can advise you on a property’s best price.