“What does a Realtor® do? These professionals are members of the National Association of Realtors®, and they can help you buy or sell a home.

For most Americans, a home is the most expensive purchase they’ll make in their lifetime. It’s a serious transaction with significant financial and emotional ramifications for the parties involved, and having proper representation is critical. So, what’s a Realtor® going to do for you … and is it really necessary to hire one?

What does a Realtor® do?
In 2012, a full 89 percent of buyers used a real estate agent, and so did 88 percent of sellers. Realtor® representation during a real estate transaction is important for both buyers and sellers. Here are six of the chief reasons:

When you work with a Realtor®, their fiduciary responsibility is to you. 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. That’s big—the value of that commitment cannot be overstated. “For more than 100 years, Realtors® have subscribed to the NAR’s strict Code of Ethics as a condition of membership,” says National Association of Realtors® President Gary Thomas. “Realtors® have the expertise and experience to help sellers protect their investment and help buyers build theirs.”

They keep up with changing real estate regulations.
Buying or selling a home is not like purchasing a plane ticket. Every home is different, and laws change every year and vary from state to state. Generally speaking, people purchase a new home every 7-10 years, and a lot can—and usually does—change between transactions. 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.

A Realtor® helps you find the right home, beyond square footage and baths.
Browsing online is a terrific way to start a home search—in fact, almost 90 percent of people start their home search online. But when it’s time to buy, knowing all the pros and cons of a property can help you make the right decision. Realtors® live and breathe real estate, and they can share information about a home that you wouldn’t otherwise know. For example, they can tell you about the perils of polybutylene piping (a plumbing material that’s prone to bursting), or the concerns with FRT plywood (a roofing material that can spontaneously combust in higher temperatures, like those in attics). Your Realtor® can go beyond the aesthetics and tell you important details about homes you’re considering.

Contracts and negotiations
Finding the right home is the fun part. Then the real work begins. Today’s contracts can be 50 pages long, not counting addendums and riders. Realtors® can help you navigate these 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.

When you work with a Realtor®, you’re partnering with a professional who operates according to a strict 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.” 
When you’re ready to take the next step toward selling your home, we’re here to help. Our comprehensive marketing plan will get your home seen by thousands of motivated buyers.

The Right Price
We’ll quickly put together a custom marketing plan with an effective price. A well priced home often generates competing offers and drives up the final sale value. Our market analysis takes into account the most actively searched prices and home values throughout your area, including expired listings and properties still on the market.

The Right Exposure
In marketing your home, we also develop a listing that emphasizes its unique and sellable aspects. We then put your home in front of buyers, establishing it on the local MLS as well as broader ones, new listings sheets, and real estate publications. Our nation-wide network of professional real estate contacts and buyers will also have the opportunity to check out your listing. See where your property will be advertised. Some of the best marketing mediums today. The internet is the #1 source for home buyers today.

Effective Internet Marketing
In addition, we’ll use the Internet and our innovative website to make your listing highly visible. With more than 85% of buyers checking the web first when looking for a home, this is a part of your marketing strategy that you can’t afford to miss. Our websites are some of the top ranking sites in Central Illinois. We advertise on Zillow.com, Realtor.com, and the top real estate websites for all listings.

The Best Deal
When we list your home, we do so at no additional cost. When you start to get offers, we can represent you during the emotionally charged negotiating process and ensure that you get the best price, and favorable closing terms that are clearly spelled out. As your professional aides, we also oversee all paperwork related to the sale.

Take The First Step to Buy A Home Today

Start taking the right steps to buy a house, and work with the Jane Lee Team today. Our home buying process is based on delivering results with integrity. We know that we’ve done our job when you’re 100% pleased with your experience.

What our buyers had to say!