Why Should I work with a REALTOR®?

In the world of real estate, the words “REALTOR®” and “agent” are often used interchangeably. To some it might seem as though they are one in the same. However, choosing to work with an agent as opposed to a REALTOR® has several shortcomings that should not be overlooked in making this decision.

What is the difference?

Often these terms are used synonymously simply because people shorten phrase “real estate agent” and use REALTOR®, which they assume is a generic term. While both of these titles require the individual to be licensed with the Department of Professional Regulation, this is where the similarities end.

Real estate agent

A real estate agent is anyone who has a license to assist clients in the buying or selling of either commercial or residential property. This individual may perform this job as a sales representative, an associate real estate broker or a broker. To obtain a license, the agent must complete the required classroom training (typically between 30 and 90 hours) from an accredited real estate school and pass a state real estate examination that covers national, state and local real estate laws, standards and practices. In addition, an agent (as well as a REALTOR®) must pay a licensing fee as well as complete the required continuing education courses in order to renew his or her license every other year.

REALTOR®

REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They are professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). In addition to completing all of the necessary requirements in order to sell real estate, a REALTOR® subscribes to a strict code of ethics which spells out specific practices and duties they must adhere to for the protection of their clients, customers and fellow REALTORS®. Real estate agents are not required to follow NAR’s Code of Ethics.

Working with a REALTOR® provides clients with peace-of-mind that they will be receiving both professional and ethical service during the home buying or selling process. All of the members of Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® are REALTORS® as well as members of the Illinois REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®.

10 Moving Tips from Three Rivers Association of REALTORS

As REALTORS®, we are often asked for homebuying and selling advice of all kinds, including on moving. Many clients worry about the amount of clutter they have to sift through before they move, or struggle with what they should do about the possessions they have accumulated over many years, or even decades. Moving can seem like a daunting task for many, so any tips we can share to ease our clients minds about the process, no matter how small, will help take the weight off their shoulders (and backs!).

1.    Breaking up a big move into stages helps the task become more manageable. The pros at Two Men and a Truck recommend decluttering the places where clutter tends to gather as soon as you decide to move: the attic, basement, and closets. After you have decluttered the home and gotten rid of as much possible, you can begin packing what you will take with you.

2.    Hold a rummage sale or sell items online that you don’t intend to take with you to help with moving costs. If you have friends or family helping with the move, offer them these items as a token of appreciation. Recycle and donate what’s left over.

3.    Pack a little bit each day. Start with the items you least often use (such as artwork and books) and gradually move packing to essentials like cleaning and personal care supplies just a day or two before the move.

4.    Label boxes not only with contents, but with what room they belong in. Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.

5.    Number boxes so that you can easily check if all of them have made it to your new home.

6.    Make a separate box for vital documents and records (such as birth certificates and passports) and bring it to the new house with you instead of in the moving truck.

7.    Pack a small overnight bag for each family member so that you aren’t obligated to unpack entire boxes just to find a pair of pajamas, toothbrush, change of clothes, or child’s favorite stuffed animal at the end of a long moving day.

8.    Clothes, towels, blankets, and dish towels can be used as padding when packing dishes and other fragile items.

9.    Transport as little food as possible to save time and your arm muscles. Stop buying groceries a couple weeks before you move, and try to get through your existing supply. Donate items you can’t move to neighbors, family, or a local food pantry.

10.  But don’t forget snacks and drinks on moving day! Moving is hard work. Be sure to plan to keep the kids fed and hydrated, along with pets, on the big day.

Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® is a nonprofit professional organization located in Joliet, Illinois. We keep our members informed of housing market trends, the latest real estate industry news, and helpful tips that can improve your success in real estate. Please visit our website for more information, or call us Monday through Friday from 8-4:30 at (815) 744-4520.