All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® are properly called Realtors®. They proudly display the Realtor "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. Realtors® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. Realtors® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84 percent of home buyers would use the same Realtor® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a Realtor®.

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a Realtor®, here are the last six of twelve more reasons to use one. Two weeks ago the first five were published on Jan. 11.

6. Your Realtor® can help you in understanding different financing options

ECAR's Affiliate List has a variety of Lenders who have built relationships with Realtors®, and it's in these relationships where efficiency and knowledge equals your success.

7. Your Realtor® can guide you through the closing process

The thing about Realtors is they wear a lot　of different hats. Not just salespeople, they're constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. They spend their own money on marketing your home (if you're selling). They research comps to make sure you're getting the best deal.

8. Your Realtor® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace

A Realtor® will stay up to date on the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle. Often, your Realtor® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property.

9. Your Realtor® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public

In many markets across the country, over half of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your Realtor® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The Realtor® Code of Ethics requires Realtor® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your Realtor® will know when, where and how to advertise your property

There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. Studies from the National Association of Realtors® show that 90 percent of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your Realtor®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your Realtor® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your Realtor® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal

This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing — a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process, all without compromising your marketing position.

12. Your Realtor® can help close the sale of your home

Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your Realtor® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Your Realtor® works for you day and night—whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to　in order　to feel at ease with the offer you just put in. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through it isn't a responsibility Realtors® take lightly.  That's why Realtors® are known as trusted advisors and skilled negotiators as well as the consumer's source of unparalleled market knowledge.

Visit our website at easternctrealtors.com.