Step 2: Get a REALTOR®

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Why use a REALTOR®?
There are more than 2 million people nationwide who have licenses to sell real estate, of which about 750,000 belong to the National Association of REALTOR® (NAR). Only NAR members are entitled to use the term "REALTOR®."

All Brokers 12 agents are NAR members and must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. By joining NAR, individuals have access to a wide range of classes, seminars and certification opportunities. Local REALTOR® groups are active in community matters, and individual members are routinely involved in PTAs and other neighborhood organizations.

In essence, Brokers 12 REALTORS® are community experts. They track real estate trends, share neighborhood concerns and participate in local matters. They're good neighbors who are in the business of helping others buy and sell homes.

How do you choose a REALTOR®?
Brokers 12, Inc. was established in 1980 by eight dedicated real estate Brokers and has now grown to 28 REALTORS and Brokers serving the Minot and surrounding areas full-time. Several agents have expanded to include specializing in the Rugby, Bottineau and Lake Metigoshe areas.

Brokers 12 agents have over 433 years of combined real estate experience. From residential homes or commercial property to farm or ranch land, we are “The Professional Team of Realtors”.

How long are homes in this neighborhood typically on the market? (Be aware that because all homes are unique, some will sell faster than others. Several factors can impact the amount of time a home remains on the market, including changing interest rates and local economic trends.)
How would you price my home? Ask about recent home sales and comparable properties currently on the market. How will you market my home? At listing presentations, brokers will provide a detailed summary of how they market homes, what marketing strategies have worked in the past and which marketing efforts may be effective for your home.
What is your fee? Brokerage fees are established in the marketplace and not set by law or regulation. Typically, brokers who list homes are compensated on a performance basis - that is, the broker is not paid unless the home sells under the terms and conditions that are acceptable to you.
What happens if another REALTOR® locates a purchaser? That is, who will that broker represent, and how will he or she be paid? What disclosures should you receive? State rules require brokers to provide extensive agency disclosure information, usually at the first sit-down meeting with an owner or buyer.
How long do you want to list your home? A "listing" agreement is a contract that shows the broker's obligations and outlines the terms under which your home is being made available for sale. The length of the agreement is a negotiable matter.

What should you expect when working with a Brokers 12 REALTOR®?
Once your home is listed, he or she will immediately begin to market your home according to the most appropriate conventions for your community.

They will keep you informed as the marketing process unfolds and as expressions of interest are received. In time, the marketing plan may be modified to reflect buyer reactions and changes in the marketplace.

In real estate there are written offers and oral offers. Oral offers ("Would they take $225,000 for the home?") are not acceptable because they generally cannot be enforced ("Gee, did I say $225,000? I was sure I said $215,000"). Written offers created by the REALTOR® with assistance from qualified attorneys address numerous issues, are consistent with local requirements and provide the foundation for an actionable offer. (Source: REALTOR®.com)