Why use a REALTOR??
There are more than 2 million people nationwide
who have licenses to sell real estate, of which about 750,000
belong to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Only NAR
members are entitled to use the term "REALTOR?."
NAR members must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. By joining NAR, individuals have access to a wide range of classes, seminars and certification opportunities. Local REALTOR? groups are active in community matters, and individual members are routinely involved in PTAs and other neighborhood organizations.
In essence, local REALTORS? are community
experts. They track real estate trends, share neighborhood concerns
and participate in local matters. They're good neighbors who are
in the business of helping others buy and sell homes.
FSBO Woes: Why It's So Hard to Sell
Your Own Home?
FSBOs can't list their home in the MLS.
FSBOs aren't permitted to put their home in the multiple listing
service (MLS) because these industry membership organizations
are open only to licensed real estate brokers and agents. FSBOs
are also locked out of many home search engines and Web sites,
including the gigantic Realtor.com. Sure, a determined FSBO can
put a for-sale sign in his or her front yard and run a tiny advertisement
in the local newspaper, but the home won't receive nearly as much
exposure as it would through the MLS.
FSBOs are likely to stumble into legal trouble. Real estate transactions are fraught with potential liability for unwary sellers, particularly in states that have extensive disclosure requirements (e.g., California). A FSBO who overlooks even one required form or legally mandated disclosure could face a protracted and expensive buyer lawsuit after the transaction closes.
