What REALTORS® Can Do for Buyers

When buying a home, you can learn from the knowledge and skill of a REALTOR^®:

A REALTOR^® helps you determine how much home you can actually afford. Often a REALTOR^® can suggest additional ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods.

A REALTOR^® can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, and other personal preferences.

A REALTOR^® has access to a listing of available homes, can evaluate them in terms of your needs and affordability, and doesn't waste your time on unsuitable homes.

A REALTOR^® often can suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.

A REALTOR^® can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.

A REALTOR^® can tell you if local law requires an attorney at closing and most can provide you with a list to choose from if you don't have one. You will also find a list of real estate attorneys affiliated with the REALTORS^® Association of Indian River County in the Membership Center, Affiliate Member Firms, Attorney, on this web site.

A REALTOR^® usually knows the local money market and can tell you about financing. A REALTOR^® also can tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan.

A REALTOR^® can familiarize you with closing procedures by explaining them in advance. A REALTOR^® usually attends the closing with you.

It's probably the biggest investment you'll ever make, with long-term financial ramifications. It calls for many informed decisions and for good advice from a real estate professional. REALTORS^® are real estate professionals who belong to the National Association of REALTORS^® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate brokers and agents are REALTORS^®. To be sure you're working with one, look for the federally registered membership mark, REALTOR^®.