The difference that matters
Many people use the term Realtor to describe someone who is a real estate agent or broker. However, you should know there is a difference between a real estate agent or broker who is a Texas Realtor and one who is not.
Ethical practices
All real estate agents and brokers must be licensed by the state to assist property owners in buying and selling real estate. Only those who choose to become Realtors, however, commit themselves to a higher standard of professional conduct.
This high standard is outlined in the Realtor Code of Ethics, which consists of 17 articles that outline a Realtor's obligations to clients and customers, the public, and to other Realtors. Each article further is further broken down into several standards of practice that outline the conduct a Realtor pledges to abide by. The Realtor Code of Ethics is more than a document of aspirations. It is strictly enforced throughout the Realtor organization to ensure the interests of clients and the public are protected. In fact, anyone can charge a Realtor with an ethics violation, and there are procedures in place to determine if the code has indeed been breached. If so, punishments range from mandatory education to hefty fines - sometimes even suspension of membership in the Realtor organization.
Head of the class
You may have received a business card from a Texas Realtor and noticed a string of letters after her name, such as GRI, CRS or ABR. Those letters represent professional designations offered through the Realtor organization and earned through rigorous education courses. Realtors value education. As a buyer or seller, you can benefit from a Texas Realtor's in-depth industry knowledge and expertise that comes from designations earned through the Realtor organization. Each of these designations represents a different type of expertise - perhaps in buyer representation, affordable housing, technological proficiency, a specialty in some aspect of commercial real estate, and others.
Working together on behalf of property owners
You benefit when you work with a Texas Realtor who represents your best interests in a specific real estate transaction. But you also benefit from the actions of Realtors as a whole. Texas Realtors work together to promote the interests of homebuyers and property owners. For example, Realtors were at the front of the charge to provide property-tax relief to homeowners. Texas Realtors also championed legislation to curb the eminent-domain powers of local governments attempting to take property simply because they could make more tax revenue if a commercial interest occupied that land. Texas Realtors were behind the fight for strong homestead protections, making it less likely that a homeowner will find himself in a foreclosure situation.
Working with a Texas Realtor certainly has its advantages for clients. If you'd like to learn more about the difference between Realtors and real estate agents, visit TexasRealEstate.com.
* Information provided by The Laredo Association of Realtors®
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people in need with the appropriate, available health and human care services in the community or throughout the state of Texas.
The City of Laredo and the County of Webb have partnered to bring the 3-1-1 system to Laredo and Webb County. The 3-1-1 system is said to be fully operational later this month.