Not everyone who sells real estate may call himself or herself a REALTOR®. Only members of the National Association of REALTORS® may use this title. And as members they subscribe to a strict code of ethics and promise professional, fair and ethical treatment to all buyers and sellers. Their knowledge and skills are constantly updated through institutes working in the specialized fields of the real estate industry. Every member of the REALTORS® Association of York & Adams Counties, Inc. is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the world's largest real estate trade association.

REALTORS® are not only specialists in home sales. Some are farm and land brokers, real estate counselors, appraisers, property managers and others specialize in the sale or lease of commercial and/or industrial property.

As a homebuyer or a home seller, there are many choices to make. The first, and maybe the most important one, is whether to work with a real estate professional. The decision will greatly affect every step of the buying and selling process.

For most, the answer is "Yes, of course, I plan to work with a professional." But for others with the do-it-yourself outlook, they think that selling a house is a piece of cake and they can save themselves money.

"A REALTOR® understands and can help their clients through the mazes of real estate regulation, mortgage processing, financing possibilities and more," says Stephen Snell, Executive Officer of the REALTORS® Association of York & Adams Counties, Inc.. "With the complex legislation regarding mandatory seller disclosures, lead based paint and the new Sewage Facilities Act and Domestic Relations Lien Law, a dedicated professional REALTOR® can assure their clients of proper compliance with all regulations."

If you are purchasing a property, a REALTOR® can assist you with:

The buying process - It starts with determining your buying power (how much money you have for a down payment and how much you could borrow based on income, savings and current debt) and what price range of homes to consider.

Finding properties - REALTORS® have access to valuable information to help you find properties that most closely fit your needs and wants. The Multiple Listing Service is the primary source to search for the type of home with the features you want by location and price. A REALTOR® can provide you with objective and detailed information about each property. Plus, REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, taxes, etc.

Negotiating - There are many, many negotiating factors - price, financing, terms, date of possession, inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings or equipment, inspections and more. A REALTOR® understands both the technical and emotional aspects of the negotiation process and can often bring the two parties to an agreement that otherwise could not have been achieved.

Financing - A REALTOR® can explain various financing options and work with the lender to help identify what type of mortgage will best fit your needs.

Closing or settlement - A real estate agent can help guide you through this process to make sure all final details are in order.

If you are selling a property, A REALTOR® can help you with:

Pricing - A real estate professional can help you determine a reasonable asking price based on the condition and features of the property, competing properties and comparable past sales.

Marketing - A REALTOR® can offer you tips to enhance the sale of your property and they can expose your property to other real estate agents and the public through the multiple listing service, advertising, and contacts.

Security - Real estate professionals pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

Negotiating and closing - The same negotiation and closing services as mentioned above are applicable to a seller.

"For most home buyers and sellers, a home is the largest investment they will ever make," adds Snell. Locally, the average price of a home is $112,871 (based on sales figures for April 2000).

If someone had a $100,000 tax problem, they would most likely consult the services of an accounting professional, or if they had a $100,000 legal question, they would probably consult an attorney. Real estate is no different. Weighing the cost of the sales commission versus the services rendered, the choice to work with a real estate professional, particularly one who is a REALTOR®, is a wise one. It will save you time, money and headaches.

If you have not previously worked with a REALTOR®, talk with your family members, friends and neighbors to ask them about the services they received from their REALTOR®. Then contact several who have been recommended and make appointments with them to find a professional who you feel will best represent your buying or selling interests.

"We are a service and consulting industry, dedicated to seeing buyers and sellers come together at a successful closing," summarizes Snell.