When one is considering making a huge decision such as purchasing a home, you need to be sure that you receive the best advice and information you can get. A Realtor is a person who, by Washington State law is “to be loyal to the buyer and will take no action adverse or detrimental to you as the buyer.”

Prior to 1997 all Real Estate professionals in Washington State, represented the seller so if you were a buyer, your agent actually was a sub-agent of the seller. The law was changed to match the buyer’s expectation; the buyer is now indeed represented by an agent and as with sellers, has someone whom truly works towards their best interest.

The Realtor is the one who coordinates all the work the lenders and title and escrow folks do with regards to your purchase. Your Realtor will also attend your inspections and meet with the appraiser on your behalf as necessary to insure your interest is being represented. And most importantly, will be your advocate during the negotiations with the seller and the listing agent so you can purchase that wonderful home you absolutely love.

Why have a buyer’s agency relationship with your Realtor or even yet why work with a Realtor? Simply answered in two ways. First, not only does Washington State have an agency definition as set down by “The Law of Agency” pamphlet, for you as the buyer. “The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors” outlines the duties owed a client or customer in the many titled articles and detailed in the standards of practice.

A Realtor is certainly a Real Estate professional; however not all Real Estate sales people are Realtors. The Association of Realtors is the only professional organization that an agent can join to become a Realtor.

Realtors consent to follow the Code of Ethics (it is our Golden Rule), which simply means, “Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them”. So that you may understand, the Code of Ethics is actually the basis for many laws that are now in place governing the real estate industry. It’s been the culture of cooperation since 1913 and is a living document, with timeless concepts.

There is a state requirement the each person who practices real estate in Washington get clock hour education prior to each renewal of their license, this now includes specific subject matter as outlined by the Department of Licensing. The National Association of Realtors also requires all Realtors to take an Ethics training class. Right now every one is to satisfy this requirement by December 31, 2004, and will be a requirement every four years.

The Realtor organization has local offices for the members and the public. If you would like a copy of “The Code of Ethics” and the pamphlet “The Law of Agency”, you can either call (360) 692-8852 or send an e-mail to kcar@telebyte.net and we would be glad to provide this to you. If you would like further information about the benefits of working with a Realtor,

I can be reached at the same phone and e-mail, simply leave contact information for me and I will be talking to you soon.