Home Buyer's Guide to Success
The home-buying process doesn't need to be scary. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through the process and answer your questions on what you should expect from your REALTOR®, where to look for loans, and what to watch out for when closing the deal.
Step 1: Are you Ready?
Step 2: Get a REALTOR®
Step 3: Get Loan Preapproval
Step 4: Look at Homes
Step 5: Choose a Home
Step 6: Get Funding
Step 7: Make an Offer
Step 8: Get Insurance
Step 9: Closing
Step 10: What's Next?
Courtesy of National Association of REALTORS®
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TEN MISTAKES YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MAKE
Most advice columns tell you how you should do things. But there are all kinds of things you shouldn't do, either. Here are 10 frequent financial mistakes that consumers routinely make -- and you should avoid.
Home Seller's Guide to Success
Selling a home is a big decision and requires a lot of work. From getting the house ready to reviewing the escrow papers, our helpful guide will walk you through the process of selling your home.
Step 1: Plan/Prepare
Step 2: Get a REALTOR®
Step 3: Set the Price
Step 4: Market It
Step 5: Sell It
Step 6: Close
Step7: Move
Get the most for your house without the hassles
Courtesy of the National Association of REALTORS®
Consumer Code of Ethics
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Code of Ethics:
What Does it Mean for Consumers?
How does the Code of Ethics affect everyday real estate practices?
If a REALTOR® represents you, whether you are buying or selling a home, you can count on that REALTOR® to:
1. Be honest with all parties in the transaction - not just with you, as his or her client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients.
For example, if REALTORS® represent a buyer with a spotty credit history, they can't be dishonest with sellers about this fact. At the same time, REALTORS® can help their buyer clients collect and assemble information, such as credit reports and audited tax returns, to demonstrate that the buyer has addressed the problem and improved their situation.
2. Put your interests ahead of his or her own, at all times.
A REALTOR® makes every effort to understand the housing needs of his or her client, thoroughly researches available inventory, and shares all relevant information with the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision. This service is provided regardless of the compensation available.
3. Disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller.
If a REALTOR® believes information provided by a seller is questionable, the REALTOR® is obligated to investigate. REALTORS® should recommend that buyers consult their own experts, such as home inspectors, to address concerns. For example, if a home seller asks his or her REALTOR® to conceal the fact that the roof leaks, the REALTOR® cannot comply; if the seller insists, the REALTOR® should end the business relationship with that seller.
4. Be truthful in all communications with the public.
When REALTORS® distribute newsletters, create web sites, or place advertisements, they must be careful not to represent other real estate professionals' work product as their own. If recently sold or listed properties in the community are publicized, it must be clear whether the REALTOR® was actually involved in the transaction, or whether that data came from the local multiple listing service or other source. This ensures that the public understands the REALTOR®'s experience and can make an informed decision when choosing real estate representation.
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