4 Reasons Home Sellers Need a REALTOR®
LOUISIANA REALTORS • March 9, 2017
Every now and then we need an expert’s opinion, advice, and direction. Does your shoulder hurt after a workout? Go see a masseuse. Got into an accident? Call the body shop. Looking to sell a house? Use a REALTOR®. The first two scenarios play out that way more often than not, however all too often the third situation is handled in a different manner- like as For Sale By Owner. Similar to the ability to relieve muscle tissue or fix a damaged automobile requires an expert, so does a real estate transaction with a lot of moving parts. The following four reasons explain why home sellers need to enlist the help of a knowledgeable and professional REALTOR®.
1. The Power of Search
Google has put all of the information in the world at our fingertips. REALTORS® have the ability to share and market a listing to a larger network of other REALTORS® as well as to the public. Listing your house without a REALTOR® does not give you the same amount of online exposure and the more time a house sits on the market, the more it can cost you.
2. REALTORS® Code of Ethics
What sets a REALTOR® apart from a real estate agent? The strict standards and Code of Ethics set forth by the National Association of REALTORS®. These standards and codes mean that your REALTOR® will always act with your best interest in mind. REALTORS® in addition to their continuing education requirement must maintain their knowledge of the Code and can be sanctioned for violating any of the articles of the Code.
3. Skilled in Negotiation
There are a number of variables that go into selling a home. Between getting offers and negotiating contract terms, the transaction can be intense especially when buyers demand or expect more. Luckily a REALTOR® represents you in the sale and is a savvy negotiator that will get the best options to you. A REALTOR knows the value of your property and can get the best price for you. Acting without this valuable resource could cost you thousands.
4. Industry and Pricing Expertise
The real estate world is full of data and valuations that can make your head spin. This unique language, coupled with the changing markets and regulations makes selling an overwhelming task. Thankfully REALTORS® understand what needs to be done, how to communicate it, and most importantly can prepare the best deal for you while avoiding costly delays and mistakes.
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While this addresses just a few of the reasons for home sellers, they should leverage the power and expertise of a REALTOR® in order to make their experience a good and successful one.

Want Your Teen to Own a Home Someday? Start Talking Money Now Teens may not be thinking about mortgage rates or down payments just yet, but the money habits they’re building now can follow them for years. And 88% of teens surveyed by Fannie Mae and Junior Achievement said they want to own a home someday. This week’s Consumer Guide: Talk to Your Teens About Money and Homeownership makes those conversations a little easier, covering everything from credit scores and budgeting to debt, renting versus owning and saving for that eventual down payment. So yes, you may have to interrupt the doomscrolling. But helping teens get smarter about money today could put them in a much better position to get the keys to a home of their own down the road. Download all of NAR’s Consumer Guides in English or Spanish at facts.realtor. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Teen Financial Literacy Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on Oct. 21, will cover winter cold and storm preparedness.

After months of gathering recipes from across our Louisiana REALTORS® family, the cookbook is ready! This 200+ page collection is filled with Louisiana flavor, REALTOR® heart and recipes contributed by our members. We launched sales of the cookbook at the Fall Governance Meetings. You can now purchase your copy for $30 directly from the printer and shipped to you! Additionally, we will have copies available at the RRF booth at NXT . After NXT, we will carry a limited stock at the LR office for you to purchase through the LR Merch Shop and pick-up from the office or at an LR event, as stock is available. Even better, $15 from every cookbook sold will be donated to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) to help provide housing-related assistance to REALTORS® and their families following disasters. Pick up a copy for yourself, grab one as a gift and enjoy a taste of Louisiana while supporting a great cause!



