As part of LoCAR's continuing effort to inform the general public of real estate issues, the following article was submitted to the Morning Journal, The Chronicle-Telegram and LorainCounty.com:
There are approximately more than 3 million licensed real estate professionals in the United States, but only members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Ohio REALTORS® (OR) and the Lorain County Association of REALTORS® (LoCAR) can call themselves “REALTORS®.”
More than 1 million real estate professionals have taken the additional step to join NAR, The Voice for Real Estate.
In Ohio, there are more than 30,000 REALTORS® (pronounced REAL-TOR). When choosing a real estate professional, look for the registered trademark, REALTOR®.
Unlike real estate practitioners who are simply licensed in Ohio to sell real estate, REALTORS® are members subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
The term REALTOR® stands for competency, fairness, high integrity, and moral conduct in business relations. REALTORS® pledge to adhere to NAR's strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Among other things, membership in NAR obligates them to be honest with all parties involved in a transaction, whether it is the buyer, seller, or cooperating agent.
The Code requires REALTORS® to identify and take steps to eliminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the real estate profession.
All new REALTORS® are required to take a minimum of two and a half hours orientation on the Code of Ethics. Existing members must take a refresher training course every three years.
REALTORS® enjoy advanced educational opportunities and training in real estate specialties that are not available to other licensees.
Most property transactions are complex procedures, requiring the knowledge and expertise of a real estate professional. There may come a time when you need the assistance of a real estate professional who is specially trained in a specific aspect of the business.
NAR offers advanced educational opportunities to its members that enable REALTORS® to present the public with such accredited sub-specialties as buyer's representation (ABR), residential real estate expertise (CRS), or Internet readiness (e-PRO).
Through membership in NAR's affiliated institutes, societies, and councils, REALTORS® devote themselves to continuous study of the most recent trends in their respective fields. The affiliates award specialty designations that recognize a member's advanced education and experiences in a particular discipline. Courses offered through the affiliates keep members abreast of developments in their specialized fields and better able to address industry issues.
REALTORS® are advocates for homeowners and homeownership at the national, state and local levels.
The REALTOR® organization is the ONLY national lobbying group that looks out for the interests of homeowners. Every year, REALTORS® lead the way on Capitol Hill, at the State House and in the corridors of City Hall to keep homeownership a top priority.
The industry’s support for the mortgage interest deduction and other related policies helps to keep housing more affordable and makes housing a great investment; through sound housing policies, more home seekers than ever before are enabled to purchase a home of their own.
Remember, the next time you’re in the market to buy or sell your home, contact a REALTOR® member of the Lorain County Association of REALTORS®. A REALTOR®'s knowledge about your local housing market is invaluable.
Using a professional REALTOR® is an important factor in your investment decision for there are so many nuances to the process. Your REALTOR® can help guide you through the buying and/or selling steps to achieve your goal.
The Lorain County Association of REALTORS® is one of 1,200+ local boards and associations of REALTORS® nationwide that comprise the National Association of REALTORS®. The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than one million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate sales agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR along with their State and Local Associations.
