105 Reasons to Use a REALTOR®

Buying a home can be exciting, but it’s also a complex process with many moving parts. A REALTOR® provides expertise, guidance, and support every step of the way. Here’s a comprehensive look at all the things – big and small – that a REALTOR® may do to help clients when buying a home:

Preparing the Buyer

1. Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
   
   

2. Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state-required legal consent to represent, if needed
   
   

3. Inform the buyer of the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
   
   

4. Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
   
   

5. Understand the buyer’s budget and financial requirements
   
   

6. Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy
   
   

7. Consider having the buyer fill out a homebuyer’s checklist
   
   

8. Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
   
   

9. Provide quality lender resources
   
   

Finding the Right Property

10. Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration
    
    

11. Match the buyer’s needs with available properties
    
    

12. Constantly re-evaluate buyer’s needs and refocus property showings
    
    

13. Obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement after explaining benefits
    
    

14. Explain how compensation is paid and options for the buyer
    
    

15. Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and broker policies
    
    

16. Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws
    
    

17. Explain what to look for in property disclosures
    
    

18. Reassure buyers that their personal information will remain confidential
    
    

19. Disclose all known material defects
    
    

20. Provide information on checking sex-offender registry and neighborhood crime statistics
    
    

Neighborhood & Market Insights

21. Discuss resources to learn about prospective neighborhoods
    
    

22. Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing
    
    

23. Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
    
    

24. Show statistics on the percentage of list price sellers are receiving
    
    

25. Inform the buyer of popular home features
    
    

26. Identify current average days on market
    
    

27. Share the dangers of using price per square foot to value homes
    
    

28. Explain the concept of absorption rate and its impact
    
    

29. Indicate current listing months of market inventory
    
    

Financial Guidance

30. Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
    
    

31. Assist the buyer in analyzing loan estimates
    
    

32. Qualify the buyer financially
    
    

33. Help account for complete costs of homeownership
    
    

34. Prepare the lender for listing agent calls
    
    

35. Assist in comparing different financing options
    
    

Property Showings

36. Help select homes that fit the buyer’s needs
    
    

37. Proceed with showings for must-have homes
    
    

38. Caution buyers about posting information on social media
    
    

39. Review sample sales contracts to prepare buyers
    
    

40. Schedule showings and provide access to properties in MLS
    
    

41. Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings in MLS
    
    

42. Collaborate on properties found through buyer’s contacts
    
    

43. Research unlisted properties
    
    

44. Preview properties if needed
    
    

45. Network with other agents to source off-market properties
    
    

46. Contact homeowners in focus areas who may sell
    
    

47. Set up automated email alerts for suitable properties
    
    

48. Arrange tours of areas, schools, and points of interest
    
    

49. Provide neighborhood information including municipal services and schools
    
    

50. Inform buyers of negative aspects that may affect value
    
    

51. Collect and share all relevant property info while following fair housing laws
    
    

52. Check zoning and building restrictions
    
    

53. Help decipher public property and tax info
    
    

54. Collect data on values, taxes, utilities, etc.
    
    

55. Compare each property to buyer’s wants and needs
    
    

56. Help narrow search to top choices
    
    

Making the Offer

57. Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
    
    

58. Suggest learning more about the neighborhood before making an offer
    
    

59. Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA)
    
    

60. Prepare buyers to have the most attractive offer in the current market
    
    

61. Explain common contract contingencies and protective clauses
    
    

62. Ensure the buyer understands all required disclosure forms
    
    

63. Prioritize contract negotiation goals
    
    

64. Help create a negotiating strategy
    
    

65. Use strategies like escalation clauses
    
    

66. Prepare the buyer for multiple-offer situations
    
    

67. Write an offer with a reasonable chance of acceptance
    
    

68. Recommend optional contingencies and explain pros/cons
    
    

69. Provide information on purchasing incentives
    
    

70. Discuss financing alternatives
    
    

71. Negotiate offers for best price and terms
    
    

72. Use hyperlocal expertise and communication to secure the offer
    
    

73. Advocate for the buyer throughout the process
    
    

Inspections & Contract Management

74. Encourage buyers to investigate home inspectors, title companies, appraisers, lenders, and other services
    
    

75. Present required and optional inspections such as environmental, roofing, and mold
    
    

76. Review and discuss inspection concerns
    
    

77. Negotiate repair requests
    
    

78. Guide buyers to meet all contract deadlines
    
    

79. Assist in coordinating communications
    
    

80. Advise buyers to review settlement statements
    
    

81. Remind clients to transfer utilities
    
    

82. Schedule final walkthrough
    
    

83. Accompany the buyer on walkthrough
    
    

84. Assist in questioning appraisal reports if needed
    
    

85. Confirm clear-to-close with lender
    
    

86. Ensure all parties have forms and info for closing
    
    

87. Remind buyer of closing location
    
    

88. Confirm closing date/time and notify parties of changes
    
    

89. Gather all forms/documents for closing
    
    

90. Explain flood insurance
    
    

91. Explain title insurance and refer to qualified broker
    
    

92. Order surveys
    
    

93. Order appraisal
    
    

94. Order title search
    
    

95. Confirm loan funding status
    
    

96. Check addendums/alterations for agreed terms
    
    

97. Review closing statement for accuracy
    
    

98. Explain wire fraud risks and verify wiring instructions
    
    

99. Double-check taxes, HOA dues, utilities, and prorations
    
    

100. Request final closing figures from closing agent
     
     

101. Review closing figures for accuracy
     
     

102. Review title insurance commitment
     
     

103. Advise re-keying locks and consider cleaning/landscaping before move-in
     
     

104. Review documents with closing agent (attorney)
     
     

105. Support buyer in any final closing activities

A REALTOR® truly supports homebuyers at every stage, from preparation to closing, ensuring the process is smooth, informed, and in the buyer’s best interest.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® (2023), 105 More Ways Agents Who Are REALTORS® Are Worth Every Penny of Their Compensation. Retrieved from NAR.