A few people ask me if there is a difference between a Realtor and a Real Estate Licensee.
The primary reasons to hire an agent are obvious–home purchases or listings of a home are significant and it is a process. Therefore, it’s a relief and an assurance to have an agent who will walk you through this process and look out for your best interests.
All agents, including Realtors, must pass a state exam and earn a license to conduct Real Estate business in that specific state. From here, if an agent wishes to become a REALTOR® they must join their local real estate board and become an official member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) both are licensed by the state to sell or purchase property and act on behalf of their client. A Realtor belonging to NAR -subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics and is divided into three distinct sections: Duties to Clients and Customers, Duties to the Public and Duties to Realtors. There is a total of 17 articles which support the 3 distinct groups.
Duties to Clients and Customers, you will first see that “Realtors pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client.” Realtors further pledge to “avoid misrepresentation or concealment of pertinent facts” and “shall cooperate with other brokers except when cooperation is not in the client’s best interest.” There is also strict guidance related to compensation received during and potentially outside of a real estate transaction.
Duties to the Public begins with a clear admonishment against discrimination. “Realtors shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.” directing Realtors to “be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and shall present a true picture in their advertising, marketing and other representations.”
Duties to Realtors, there is clear direction that “Realtors shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, or their business practices.” This is the most basic principal, it continues with clear direction on how Realtors treat their fellow Realtors and the clients of those Realtors.
When you are looking for a Real Estate professional, it is wise to work with a member of the National Association of REALTORS® who is committed to maintaining the professionalism of the Real Estate business.
As a fully accredited and licensed REALTOR®, I, Caron Koteles Riha have been representing buyers and sellers in the Metropolitan Detroit area for over twenty years.
When you are buying or selling property, it’s important to have confidence in your Real Estate professional.
Our commitment as your local REALTOR® is to provide my clients with the specialized Real Estate service you deserve. Call ME TODAY (248) 379-6651!!
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