If you are looking for homes for sale in San Antonio, you might be wondering what the difference is between a real estate agent and a Realtor. While both can help you buy or sell a property, there are some differences between them that you should know. In this post, I will explain what a Realtor is, how they differ from a real estate agent, and what advantages they can offer you.
What is a Realtor?
A Realtor is a real estate professional or a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the largest trade association in the United States. According to Statista October 2022, NAR has over 1.4 million members, including residential and commercial agents, brokers, appraisers, property managers, and others involved in the real estate industry. To become a Realtor, one must join a local real estate board that is affiliated with NAR and agree to abide by its code of ethics and standards of practice.
How is a Realtor Different from a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is anyone who has a license to practice real estate in their state. To get a license, one must complete a certain number of hours of education, pass an exam, and meet other requirements that vary by state. A real estate agent can join a brokerage firm that provides them with support and resources.
A Realtor is a real estate agent who has also joined NAR and follows its code of ethics. The code of ethics is a set of 17 articles and standards that outline the duties and responsibilities of Realtors towards their clients, colleagues, and the public. The code covers topics such as honesty, loyalty, disclosure, competence, cooperation, arbitration, and more. By adhering to the code of ethics, Realtors pledge to conduct their business with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
What are the Advantages of Using a Realtor?
Using a Realtor can offer you several benefits when buying or selling homes for sale in San Antonio. Some of these benefits are:
- Access to More Listings: Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is a database of properties for sale that is updated in near real-time. The MLS contains information such as price, location, features, inclusions, terms, photos, and more. By using a Realtor, you can get access to more listings than you would find on your own or on online platforms.
- Expertise and Guidance: Realtors have extensive knowledge and experience in the local real estate market. They can help you find the right property for your needs, budget, and preferences. They can also advise you on the best time to buy or sell, current market trends, standard purchase contracts, and the negotiation process. They can also provide you with referrals to other professionals such as lenders, inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, and contractors.
- Representation and Advocacy: Realtors represent your best interests throughout the transaction. They act as your fiduciary agent, which means they have a legal obligation to put your interests above their own or anyone else’s. They also advocate for you when dealing with other parties involved in the deal. They protect your rights and interests and work to get you the best possible outcome.
- Accountability and Recourse: Realtors are accountable for their actions and must follow the code of ethics and the laws and regulations of their state. If they violate any of these rules, they can face disciplinary actions from NAR or their state licensing board. These actions can include fines, suspension, revocation of membership or license, or even legal consequences. As a client of a Realtor, you also have recourse if you are unhappy with their service or conduct. You can file a complaint with NAR or your local board and request an investigation or arbitration.
Conclusion
As you can see, using a local real estate agent in San Antonio that’s also a Realtor can offer you many advantages when buying or selling homes for sale in San Antonio. A local Realtor in San Antonio can help you find more listings, provide you with expertise and guidance, represent and advocate for you, and hold them accountable for their actions.
If you are looking for a local real estate agent and Realtor in San Antonio, contact me today. I am committed to providing the best service to my clients and will be happy to assist you with your real estate needs.
