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REALTOR®
A real estate agent is a REALTOR when he or she is a member of the National Association Of REALTOR®, the world's largest professional association. The term REALTORS is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today's 720,000 members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®.
REALTORS are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Working for America's property owners, the National Association provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.
Accredited Buyers Agent
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) of the National Association of REALTORS who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
Loss Mitigation Certified
The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS has developed a certification course that teaches REALTORS how to work effectively with complicated transactions involving foreclosures, short sales, properties at auction or bank-owned (also known as real estate owned or REO). Certified REALTORS are experts in these complicated transactions and can offer assistance as well as guidance to buyers, sellers and mortgage companies.
e-Pro
What is an e-PRO and why should you use one? An e-PRO is a REALTOR who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line.
What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional:
- More Privacy. Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web isn't just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust. That's why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.
- Less Hassle.Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier.
- Less Expense. An e-PRO's access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you're likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings—and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.
- Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you're in town, or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you've decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.
- Should you use an e-PRO? Yes, especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want and need.
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