Consumer

WHY USE A REALTOR®

Buying and selling real estate is a big deal. 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.

Want to check the MLS for a 4B/2B with an EIK and a W/D?
Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your REALTOR® is trained to speak that language fluently. You can also find other resources available to you at HouseLogic.com, realtor.com, and nar.realtor.

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Code of Ethics/Dispute Resolution

The Code of Ethics is a promise to the public that defines the professionalism and service to be expected from a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Dispute Resolution. If you believe that a Howard County Association of REALTOR® (HCAR) member acted unethically in a real estate transaction, you may address the issue through HCAR. For comprehensive information regarding Ethics Complaints, Ombudsman, Arbitration, and Mediation services please visit the Maryland REALTORS® Legal page.

Consumer Complaints. If you wish to file an ethics complaint with HCAR against a member, you must complete and return the Ethics Complaint Form, citing the article(s) of the Code of Ethics you allege were violated and attach a written statement of facts. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the facts were known. Once your complaint has been received, it will be forwarded to the Grievance Committee for its review and determination as to whether the matter warrants a formal hearing. You will be notified of the Grievance Committee’s action, and if the committee finds a hearing is warranted, steps will be taken to schedule the hearing. Should you have any questions, please contact Administrator Rita Williams at 410-715-1438.

Before You File An Ethics Complaint

Ethics Complaint Form

TODAY’S BUYERS AND SELLERS AGREE!

REALTOR® representation during a real estate transaction is important for both buyers and sellers.
Here are six of the chief reasons:

FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY

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.

REAL ESTATE REGULATIONS

Every home is different, and real estate laws change every year as well as vary from state to state. REALTORS® are immersed in real estate, and they must stay current with all the updates in regulations, laws, contracts, and practices.

FIND THE RIGHT HOME

REALTORS® live and breathe real estate, and they can share information about a home that you wouldn’t otherwise know. Your REALTOR® can go beyond the aesthetics and tell you important details about homes you’re considering.

PRICING & SELLING

REALTORS® know the local market, have access to the freshest sale data, and can price your house in line with the market to maximize your earnings.

CONTRACTS & NEGOTIATIONS

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.

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.