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.
Please join us in congratulating the Louisiana REALTORS® who have been appointed to NAR committees for 2027. A total of 26 Louisiana REALTORS® members and staff have been selected to serve on NAR committees for the upcoming year. Bill Boyd - Insurance Committee; Member: Regional Representative Luke Bullock - Broker Engagement Committee; Member: Government Affairs Director Donna Chandler - Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee; Member: At-Large Keary Coffin - Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee; Member: At-Large Tony Cornner - Housing Opportunities Committee; Member: State Representative Beth Cristina - Commercial Federal Policy Committee; Member: At-Large Deneka Desroches - Commitment to Excellence Committee; Member: At-Large Cindy Dyer - RPAC Participation Council; Member: State Representative David Favret - Meeting and Conference Committee; Member: Immediate Past Chair Jennifer Hebert - Professional Standards Committee; Member: At-Large Carole Horn - RPAC Trustees Federal Disbursement Committee; Member: Regional Representative Misty Ingersoll - Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee; Member: State Representative Angela Lavalais - AEC/Association IDEAS Advisory Board (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Support); Member: At-Large Trish Leleux - FPC Advisory Committee; Member: State Representative Marbury Little - Public Policy Coordinating Committee; Member: At-Large ; Consumer Advocacy Outreach Advisory Board; Member: Committee Representative Ginger Maulden - RPAC Major Investor Council; Member: State Representative Andrea McKey - Strategic Planning Committee; Member: At-Large David McKey - Insurance Committee; Member: At-Large Joe Mier - Real Property Valuation Committee; Member: At-Large Norman Morris - Meeting and Conference Committee; AEC Representative Danette O'Neal - Land Use Property Rights and Environment Committee; Member: Affiliate Representative Austin Polk - Business Issues Policy Committee; Member: At-Large Rhonda Reap-Curiel - Data Strategies Committee; Vice Chair Matt Ritchie - Finance Committee; Member: At-Large Erika Sluss - Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee; Member: State Representative Evelyn Wolford - Professional Standards Committee; Member: State Representative
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple joined Governor Jeff Landry and Senate Insurance Committee Chairman Kirk Talbot today to announce that Louisiana is investing an additional $20 million in Fortified homes, bringing the total amount invested in state Fortified projects this year to $100 million. Governor Landry announced that $20 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be transferred to the Louisiana Office of Community Development Restore Resilient Opportunities for Overhead Fortification (Restore ROOF) program to strengthen residential structures and reduce long-term disaster risk. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a bill that allows $50 million in additional Katrina and Rita bond money from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to be added to the Department of Insurance’s Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP). Also beginning this year, LFHP is projected to receive approximately $30 million annually from taxes and fees the Louisiana Department of Insurance collects from the insurance industry. “Building stronger homes is a vital part of making homeowners insurance affordable in Louisiana,” said Commissioner Temple. “I appreciate Governor Landry’s leadership and support as we work with legislators like Chairman Talbot to make Louisiana a national leader in the adoption of Fortified roofs.” The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has finalized its promulgation of Regulation 136—Fortify Homes Premium Discounts. The purpose of Regulation 136 is to implement the statutory provisions set forth in La. R.S. 22:1483, et seq. , which require that all Louisiana property and casualty insurers provide premium discounts or insurance rate reductions for homes constructed or upgraded in accordance with the fortified standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. View Regulation 136 here .
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