Sue Brite, Realtor, Bradenton, Florida, Manatee County, Coldwell Banker

What is a Realtor and Why Use One?


What does the term REALTOR® mean? REALTORS® can be engaged in real estate practice as salespersons, brokers, managers, appraisers, or other specialists, but not all individuals who are so engaged are REALTORS®. To be called a REALTOR®, an individual must hold membership in a local, state, and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). They must subscribe to the NAR’s strict Code of Ethics and are obligated to ensure professional service and greater protection for their clients and customers. REALTORS® take pride in their profession and contribute responsibly to their community. Why use a REALTOR® when buying or selling a home? REALTORS® are professionals who can help a seller determine a reasonable asking price and pre-screen and accompany qualified buyers for added security when opening a home to prospects. REALTORS® can expand the sales market for sellers by using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) provided by their local Association. For buyers, the MLS can save time in searching for a new home by identifying desirable home characteristics and locations. Agents can also help with important details like inspections, surveys, appraisals, and financing. What does being a REALTOR® entail ? Contrary to some perceptions, real estate is not an easy profession. REALTORS® work long hours, and do not get paid until there is a “closing” or legal transfer of property. The profession requires intelligence and diligent application in addition to significant marketing skills. REALTORS® are small business people who are aligned with a realty firm, but they are not employees drawing a salary. Their compensation comes from earning a commission on the sale of property. REALTORS® who have the capability and stamina to remain in the profession, get great satisfaction from solving the challenges their customers bring them. How and when does a REALTOR® get paid and by whom? At a closing that takes place at a title company or attorney’s office, the buyers and sellers sign papers transferring legal ownership of the property. The commission is most often paid to a REALTOR® by the seller of the property. If a buyer’s agent is involved in the sale, the most frequent practice is to split a commission equally between the two REALTORS, although each transaction is subject to whatever the parties to the contract negotiate. Commissions are agreed upon at the time a listing contract is signed by the seller. Buyers normally do not pay a REALTOR® for work in their behalf. Buying a house is probably the biggest decision you’ll ever make with possible long-term financial implications. It calls for many informed decisions and good advice from a professional. You should have a comfortable relationship with a REALTOR® just like you do with a doctor, dentist, insurance specialist or any other professional.

	Sue Brite, REALTOR®
	Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Inc.
7347 52nd Place East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Direct: 941-780-5599
Toll-Free: 888-292-0228 / Office: 941-739-6777
Fax: 941-739-6670
E-mail: Sue@SueBrite.com