Not all real estate practitioners are Realtors®.

The term Realtor® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are eight reasons why it pays to work with a Realtor®.

1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Get objective information and opinions. Realtors® can provide local community information on utilizes, zoning, schools and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market and it will take some investigation by your Realtor® to find all available properties.

4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real Estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a Realtor®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home; Your Realtor® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Real Estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. Realtors® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. Realtors®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.