Did you know not all licensed agents are REALTORS®? A REALTOR® is a licensed agent who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®.  Real estate transactions are often the biggest financial investment most people experience in their lifetime. Because of this, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable and trusted professional. Local REALTORS® bring great value to homebuyers because they understand the Northwest Indiana housing market. If you’re looking to buy, a local REALTOR® can help you find a home that meets your needs and budget; and if you’re looking to sell, a local REALTOR® can offer guidance to efficiently prepare, position, and price a home for sale.

There are an endless number or reason why it’s smart to use a local REALTOR® when buying or selling your home. We narrowed it down to the top five reasons why it’s best to use a local REALTOR®!

1. 1. Provide Ethical Treatment – Only real estate licensees who are members for the National Association of REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. REALTORS® are held to a higher standard through the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge on the process of buying and selling.
   2. Experts on the Current Market – REALTORS® are living out the housing data in our local markets. They know even before the data is collected, what is going on with the market because they are emersed in it daily. Having a good grip on the local market allows them to direct you better. A local REALTOR® can offer market led guidance to set the right listing price for your home by considering comparable properties in the area and other market conditions.
   3. Know our Communities – Because most of our REALTORS® day is spent in our Northwest Indiana neighborhoods, it’s safe to say they know our communities. They can make recommendations based on the type of housing developments you’re looking for, commute times, school districts, and more!
   4. Negotiate on your Behalf – There are a lot of items on the table once the transaction process begins. Your REALTOR® will advocate for you and help you navigate the complex home selling process from the price of repairs to possession date. Your REALTOR® will know your needs and will ultimately help create a purchase agreement that meets your wants.
   5. Access to Timely and Accurate Listings and Data – REALTORS® have access to the local Multiple Listing Service which provides cooperation and compensation to all who belong to it. With that, comes access to a whole host of opportunities. The MLS can provide reliable data on the state of the local market as well as provide you with accurate active listings that meet your criteria.

There are many factors to consider when buying or selling a home. For most of us, it’s the biggest purchase we will ever make. Working with a REALTOR® can offer invaluable insight throughout this major process to guide you through the entire process. Please visit the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of REALTORS® website, www.gniar.com to find YOUR local REALTOR®!

Partnership Page: https://movetoindiana.com/gniar/