Why Use a REALTOR®?

Why use a REALTOR®? If you’re like most of us, buying or selling real estate will be one of the most significant financial and lifestyle decisions you ever make. REALTORS® have unparalleled knowledge of local market conditions and can leverage that expertise to ensure you meet your real estate goals.

REALTORS® in Ulster County are members of both the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and the Ulster County Board of REALTORS®, one of the largest trade organizations in Ulster County. By joining, they demonstrate a commitment to real estate industry leadership — and gain exclusive access to a variety of member benefits that translate to benefits for their clients, including:

  • Professional development programs
  • An identifiable, marketable Realtor® brand identity
  • Cutting-edge technologies
  • Advanced housing market research intelligence
  • Price-discounted products and services from major providers
  • Expansive networking opportunities
  • Legislative advocacy
  • Legal support

The Top Five Reasons to Use a REALTOR®

Why use a REALTOR®? Here are Realtor.com‘s five most important reasons, when buying, selling, renting or investing in real estate:

  1. They take on fiduciary responsibility. “That means you have an expert who is looking out for your best financial interests, an expert who’s contractually bound to do everything in their power to protect you.”
  2. They keep up with changing real estate regulations. “REALTORS® are immersed in real estate, and they must stay current with all the updates in regulations, laws, contracts and practices. Once you retain your REALTOR®, they put that knowledge to work for you.”
  3. They help you find the right home. “Browsing online is a terrific way to start a home search,” but “REALTORS® can share information about homes that you wouldn’t otherwise know.”
  4. They handle contracts and negotiations. “REALTORS® can help you navigate complex documents and craft an attractive offer that makes sense for you. Plus, when it comes to negotiation, your REALTOR® is your advocate and can bring an objective voice to a very subjective situation.”
  5. They follow a code of ethics. “In place for over 100 years, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics ensures that consumers who work with a REALTOR® are treated professionally and ethically in all transaction-related matters.”

Looking For A REALTOR® In Ulster County?

If you know the town in which you want to buy, sell, rent or invest, it’s never been easier to find a real estate agent. Google the town name and “real estate agent,” and contact the agents with experience in the area.

Remember: make sure you never settle — hire the representative that you believe will best meet your needs; and, only consider agents who are licensed REALTORS®.

You’ve made the decision to make Ulster County your next move, and we can relate to that decision: unbelievable beauty, incredible access to outdoor activities, a thriving year round community, while still accessible to New York City. As Ulster County has become a sought out destination for many, it’s easy to succumb to perusing online at what looks like your dream home, and wanting to go check it out. REALTORS® are still in business for that very reason, and play a crucial role that can often be overlooked in a digital age where everything, including home buying, is at our fingertips. Especially for the first time home buyer, what may seem like an easy process can be complicated without the right guidance and resources in making decisions. REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and adhere to a strict code of ethics to ensure you have the best possible outcome in your home buying journey. 

The National Association of REALTORS® has put together a list of their top reasons to still use a REALTOR® as opposed to the alternatives, and help ensure home buyers make educated decisions and have the correct knowledge when buying a home. Here’s the REALTOR® difference: 

Ethical treatment. Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR® ‘s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

An expert guide. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.

Objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORS® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, they can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about but that might suit your needs better than you’d thought.

Expanded search power. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market.

Negotiation knowledge. There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.

Up-to-date experience. Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.

Your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions in your life, so making sure you are working with a REALTOR® who is well versed and has incredibly valuable experience in ensuring you make all the right decisions will save you the headache that could be without experienced help in the home buying process. Ready to speak with your local Ulster County REALTOR®? Visit the Ulster County Board of REALTORS® to find out more information about working with a REALTOR® by visiting www.ulstercountyboardofrealtors.com. We look forward to working with you and having you call Ulster County your home.