Lesley and I both are proud members of the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® I had the pleasure of attending a recent Atlanta Board event. One of the topics was "What is a REALTOR®?" Before I became a real estate agent, I just assumed that everyone was considered a REALTOR® if they were in the business. I would also sometimes refer to these people as Real-a-tors. It wasn't until I became a REALTOR® that I really realized what this designation means to me and to the people who utilize my services. I quickly learned that real-tor is the correct pronunciation, that it is spelled in all caps, always had that circled "R" symbol, and that actually being a REALTOR® was different than being just a real estate agent.
All real estate brokerage houses don't require the membership of its agents in a Board of REALTORS®. Our Keller Williams offices require it with no questions asked. Now, why would they be so insistant on its affiliates joining?
1 - Code of Ethics - the REALTOR® Code of Ethics is at the forefront of the REALTOR® designation, and it provides an important difference to consumers. All real estate agents are required to understand and operate under state mandated licensing laws, but only REALTORS® are held to a higher standard.
2 - Accountability - The Atlanta Board of REALTORS® mitigates disagreements and conflict between its members. A violation of the code of ethics and a member finds themselves facing harsh consequences such as fines, suspension of Board membership, suspension of MLS access, etc. This sort of accountability amongst the members creates a self policing that makes all of its members better.
3 - Community - the Board has a long-standing history of supporting the local community. In the past several years, the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® has sponsored building several Habitat for Humanity homes through the Atlanta Chapter.
4 - Awareness - membership in the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® places an agent in one of the most powerful and influential grassroots lobbying efforts in the country related to real estate issues affecting the industry.
5 - Networking and Exposure - by being a member, your listings appear on one of the heaviest searched site for homebuyers in the nation, www.realtor.com. In addition, through various networking and educational opportunities members are able to promote their business and listings to their colleagues in a professional manner.
These are the top 5 benefits of being a REALTOR® as I see it, and why every agent should seek this designation. It kind of makes you wonder about those who aren't members, doesn't it? The more pressing question is always, "What's in it for ME?" I understand that everything I do and say should probably be followed with a "So what?"
Here's what's in it for you and why you should use a REALTOR®:
Educated students of real estate law who understand the law and work to ensure you have the safest transaction possible.
Ethical leaders who understand and are willing to do the right thing even though it may mean more work on their part.
Community minded people who understand that a home is more than a place to live.
Politically active advocates for the real estate industry, helping to protect all of our investments.
Well connected professionals always searching to expose you to more than the average agent.
Lesley and I would love to show you the benefits of having a REALTOR® on your side first hand. We want to be the difference maker in your real estate transaction.
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