The Importance of Hiring a REALTOR®: Understanding Who They ‘R’ and What They Do

Louisiana REALTORS • May 15, 2024

Real estate transactions are likely the biggest and most significant financial decisions that you’ll make during your life. Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, or you’ve been on both sides of the closing table, having a knowledgeable, professional resource on your side is critical. This is why hiring a REALTOR® is so important. Representing their clients and acting as a true fiduciary is what REALTORS® are trained to do, and it is all based on their Code of Ethics. While many people can pass a course in order to be eligible to sell real estate, the level of service that home buyers and sellers demand and deserve requires the commitment, experience, and expertise of an official REALTOR®, but what’s the difference?


The key difference in performance and ability that sets a REALTOR® apart is the NAR’s Code of Ethics. Every leading organization or group of professionals has a foundation that represents what they stand for. Without these foundations the legacy, integrity, advantage, competitive difference, and drive toward continued improvement is nearly impossible to have. For professional real estate agents, specifically REALTORS®, this foundation is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. 


The REALTOR® Code of Ethics provides the highest safety measures for protecting both buyers and sellers of real estate. Being bound by this code as a REALTOR® creates a distinct competitive advantage. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics features 17 articles containing detailed rules and standards of conduct. It is designed to ensure that REALTORS® will act accordingly in a number of scenarios and situations; protecting their clients with competency and integrity, and also protecting the esteemed reputation of the National Association of REALTORS®.  The core of this code of ethics is to act in a way that protects all of the interests of whom a REALTOR® represents. The expectation is to use all available knowledge and experience and apply it to every transaction. Achieving the best possible results for a client is the focus of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.


Beyond that guiding principle, the rest of the articles included in the Code are constructed to achieve the client’s goals. Overarching themes of honesty, cooperation, communication, and fairness are interwoven into the Code. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is vitally important to real estate professionals, and especially to buyers and sellers of real estate as it provides the peace of mind that their best interests are at the root of every action.



Beyond the Code of Ethics comes the skill, talent, and expertise that REALTORS® possess and employ on behalf of their clients. These abilities, coupled with NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, means that you can have the peace of mind that your best interests and goals are at the forefront of every decision. While a REALTOR’S® fiduciary duty is the overarching benefit of your relationship, here are some more specific benefits of working with a REALTOR.


Contracts and Negotiations

Real estate transactions include complex and complicated legal processes. Having someone represent you that not only understands these processes, but that can inform, advise, and negotiate to ensure that your investment is as successful as possible.


Market Expertise and Consultation

If you’re shopping for a new house, your job is to know what you want. Your REALTOR’S® job is to know where to find it. If you’re selling your home, it is their job to get you the best price possible in a timely manner. Both sides of this transaction are improved when you have someone on your side that understands the market. There are a lot of other factors that go into the purchase or sale of home other than the number of bedrooms and total square feet. Being familiar with property tax regulations, school districts, nearby amenities, and many other elements all provide a much clearer picture for you as a client.


Real Estate Regulations

Staying current on changing real estate laws can be a full-time job in itself. If you are moving from state-to-state or simply across town, there can be a wide array of laws and regulations that you need to be aware of. This is your REALTOR’S® job. They are well-versed, and immersed in real estate regulations and will be aware of any and all pertinent information for your transaction.

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This blog has been updated for accuracy and relevance from the original post.

By Louisiana REALTORS® September 4, 2026
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Spot aims to make reimbursement simple and fast. Most claims are processed within 48 hours, helping you recover costs quickly. Does Spot cover follow-up care after an emergency? Yes. If the condition is covered under your policy, Spot also helps reimburse eligible follow-up visits and treatments after the initial emergency care. Key Takeaway When emergencies happen, Spot Pet Insurance is there to help — helping to give pet parents financial relief and peace of mind during stressful moments. With plans that cover eligible costs for accidents, illnesses, and emergency treatments, Spot helps you focus on what matters most: getting your pet the care they need, when they need it. With customizable plans, fast claims processing, and up to 90% reimbursement, Spot makes it easier for pet parents to handle the unexpected — because caring for your pet shouldn’t come with financial worry. Follow this link to learn more about pet insurance, or get a free quote today! 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By Louisiana REALTORS® August 25, 2026
Louisiana REALTORS® CEO Norman Morris issued the following statement after SpaceX announced plans to invest $100 billion in a new launch facility in Vermilion Parish. The project is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs and more than 8,100 indirect jobs across Acadiana. “SpaceX’s investment is an extraordinary economic win for Louisiana. We congratulate Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois, Vermilion Parish leaders, and everyone who helped bring this historic project home. The housing and infrastructure improvements needed to support more than 11,000 new job opportunities should generate a huge economic boost to the Acadiana and Gulf Coast region. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, each typical Louisiana home sale generates approximately $88,600 in economic activity. Even if only half of the new SpaceX related jobs lead to a home purchase, the impact would generate nearly half a billion dollars across our state's economy. That improves our tax base and school systems, and ripples through our economy touching builders, bankers, hardware stores, appliance dealers, contractors and so many more. “Housing is not downstream of economic development; it is an essential infrastructure. Louisiana REALTORS® and our partners stand ready to help turn these new jobs into homes, stronger communities and lasting roots in Louisiana. Economic development creates jobs, but housing turns those jobs into homes. Let’s make Louisiana home again, together.” Economic-impact estimates are illustrative calculations by Louisiana REALTORS® using employment projections from Louisiana Economic Development and the National Association of REALTORS®’ estimated economic impact per typical Louisiana home sale. They are not forecasts or recurring annual-impact figures. Enjoy the video below from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development .
technology real estate agents should consider
By Louisiana REALTORS® August 17, 2026
Explore technology investments that help Louisiana real estate agents stay organized, strengthen client relationships, and market more effectively.
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