| A Realtor is a real estate professional who is committed to a higher standard of care and concern through membership in the Realtor organization. In our state when an agent joins their local Realtor association they are also a part of the Washington Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Not all real estate agents or practitioners are Realtors. Realtors include licensed agents who practice residential sales, property management, as well as commercial sales and leasing.
Higher standard of Care: Realtors subscribe to a code of ethics, which outlines their conduct between Realtor to Realtor and Realtor to Client. Realtors are typically better educated. They have available to them a myriad of classes that cover every aspect of the real estate transaction. Many Realtors have letters after their names like GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES, CRB, CCIM, or CPM just to list a few. Realtors who carry these designations have undergone a series of intense classes which not only allow them to carry the designation but have also helped them to achieve a higher level of knowledge and expertise within their niche. There are typically 12 to 16 people involved in every transaction. Your Realtor acts as your advocate and coordinates the activities of all of these people. The better informed and educated your Realtor is the smoother your transaction flows.
Higher standard of Concern: Through involvement in the Realtor organization, Realtors are able to take a step back and look at the greater concerns. Private property rights, environment, economic balance and well being, infrastructure and transportation are issues that directly influence the quality of life within our communities. Realtors stay abreast of these issues and work closely with local, state and national legislators to help foster an environment that will maintain our quality of life through smart growth.
An example in Kitsap County would be a second bridge at the Tacoma Narrows. Realtors recognize that in order for our area to continue to grow in a healthy balanced fashion we must have a second bridge. Our economic vitality depends on our ability to move people and goods across the water. It all boils down to accessibility, safety and economy.
For more information on the Realtor® organization or Realtor in Action please call the Kitsap County Association of Realtors at (360) 692-8852 |
