You're ready! You've decided to seize the unique opportunities presented by the current housing market. The single most important transaction in your lifetime should not be conducted without the expertise and assistance of trained and licensed professionals, and this is where REALTORS® come in. And, chances are you may be buying or selling a home again. Developing a long-term relationship with a REALTOR® is the best way to ensure you will be well-armed and informed when making your housing decisions.

What's Different About a REALTOR®

Working with a real estate professional who is a REALTOR® is in your best interest. Not everyone who sells real estate is a REALTOR¨. Possessing a real estate license does not afford instant REALTOR® status--a distinction of which you need to be aware. A REALTOR® is a member of local, state and national professional trade associations and, as such, has access to a vast array of educational programs, research and resources. By being a member, a REALTOR® subscribes to a strict code of ethics, and pledges to provide fair treatment for all parties involved, protect the right of individuals to own property and keep abreast of changes in real estate practice through continuing education and interaction with other professionals.

As a member of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS¨, your REALTOR® can tap into numerous resources, like immediate access to full-time, staff real estate attorneys, who can provide objective up-to-the-minute counsel. He or she receives up-to-date information on a wide variety of legal, financial and economic issues, and has access to an association with more than 80 years of experience in real estate. And, if things don't work out, arbitration is a choice your REALTOR® can offer instead of lengthy and expensive legal proceedings.

The Right REALTOR® for You

Like finding the right house, selecting a REALTOR® you can trust and comfortably work with is paramount. Just as you wouldn't be casual in the selection of your doctor or your attorney, you shouldn't take the selection of your REALTOR® lightly. Indeed, the best way to find such a professional is through recommendations from family and friends. Of course, you should interview several REALTORS® before you choose one. If you are selling your home, you should ask the candidates how they plan to market your home, what pricing advice they can offer, and what other suggestions they can provide to further enhance the desirability of your home. Ask questions about the transaction to evaluate the REALTOR®'s knowledge. Ask for--and check--references. And, finally, ask yourself whether you will feel comfortable working closely with this individual in the months ahead.