Many home owners consider selling their home directly but eventually turn to a REALTOR® to close the deal. Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise a REALTOR® offes in pricing their home, making connections with other REALTORS®, working with buyers, arranging and staffing open houses and coordinating with other professionals in the sales process.

Only about half of all licensed real estate agents are REALTORS® -- the top half, in our not-so-humble opinion. REALTORS® work independently, for small agencies or for large brokerages. They help people buy and sell residential or commercial properties, vacation homes and land; they conduct appraisals; they operate in the United States and in other countries; some specialize in auctions; and others are buyer's representatives.

REALTORS® Are Experts

According to NAR's 2005 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, nine out of 10 home buyers use a real estate agent in the search process and the home price for sellers who use an agent is 16 percent higher than for those who don't, .

Why Use a REALTOR®?

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Read here of 12 ways a REALTOR® can make your home buying or selling experience better.

REALTORS® Are Part of the Community

REALTORS® Work to End Housing Discrimination - during April, which is Fair Housing Month, and all year long. REALTORS® are active members of their communities.

REALTORS® work to Protect You

Only REALTORS® follow a Code of Ethics
To be a member of NAR and a REALTOR®, a real estate agent must agree to abide by a set of professional principles and serve clients fairly.

Learn how the Code of Ethics affects everyday real estate practices

Specialty Mortgages: What Are the Risks and Advantages?
A growing number of home buyers are deciding to use one of several new types of specialty mortgages that let them "stretch" their income so they can qualify for a larger loan. Before you decide whether a specialty mortgage is for you, read this brochure.