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<p><strong>Courtesy of Jimmie Van Hooser your REALTOR®  - 931-320-2142 </strong></p>
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<h3><strong>Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®</strong></h3>
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<p>Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is  a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who  is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to  its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work  with a REALTOR®.</p>
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<p><strong>1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process.</strong> Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection  reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page  settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the  best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.</p>
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<p><strong>2. Get objective information and opinions.</strong> REALTORS®  can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools,  and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about  each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two  important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want  for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value  when I am ready to sell?</p>
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<p><strong>3. Find the best property out there. </strong>Sometimes the  property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the  market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find  all available properties.</p>
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<p><strong>4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. </strong>There  are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price,  financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of  repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement  should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate  inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to  complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which  investigations and inspections are recommended or required.</p>
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<p><strong>5.  Property marketing power. </strong>Real estate doesn’t  sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate  sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous  clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed  with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into  your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany  qualified prospects through your property.</p>
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<p><strong>6. Real estate has its own language.</strong> If you don’t  know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work  with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real  estate language.</p>
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<p><strong>7. REALTORS® have done it before.</strong> Most people buy  and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years  in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and  regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of  real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an  expert on your side is critical.</p>
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<p><strong>8. Buying and selling is emotional.</strong> A home often  symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a  roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional  undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll  ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you  stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important  to you.</p>
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<p><strong>9. Ethical treatment.</strong> Every member of the NATIONAL  ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code  of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the  public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical  treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for  REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also  required to complete a refresher course every four years.</p>
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