Why it is so important to choose the right Realtor or Real Estate agent in North Carolina Real Estate transactions.
Choosing the right North Carolina Realtor or North Carolina real estate agent is a very important decision. In some instances, it can either make or break your real estate transaction. Experience, attitude, connections, demeanor, fortitude, complacency, ambition, and motivation all play key roles in your real estate agent’s ability to perform for you and help you achieve your desired outcome.
It can be hard to determine the above when first meeting with or interviewing a real estate agent or Realtor in North Carolina. We here at Southport Oak Island Realty Group, Inc. want you, the consumer, to be aware of how important this decision is! Be open to observing the mindsets of different real estate agents or Realtors and listen closely to how they speak. It may give you the insight you need to help determine their intentions and if they are a good fit for you!
All Realtors or Real Estate Agents in North Carolina are the same, right?
Yes and No!
North Carolina Realtors are members of the Realtor Association and North Carolina real estate agents are not. However, both are licensed North Carolina real estate professionals in the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s eyes.
Types of Realtors or Real Estate agents in North Carolina
Per the North Carolina Real Estate Commission there are only a few different types of North Carolina real estate agents.
Those different real estate agents include:
- Buying Agents -representing the buyer of a property
- Selling agents or listing agents- representing the sellers of a property
- Dual agents- representing both the buyer and the seller, with permission from all parties involved.
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission has provided a publication called Working with Real Estate Agents in North Carolina to help consumers understand the different types of agency in North Carolina Real Estate. Please click HERE to view this publication and learn more!
The Difference Between Realtors and Real Estate Agents in North Carolina
The Difference between a “Realtor” and a “Real Estate Agent” is minimal in some eyes and makes all the difference in the world to others.
Both Realtors and real estate agents go through the same licensing procedures. Both have to go to school, take the North Carolina state and national real estate exam, complete required annual continuing education and state update classes to keep their real estate license active with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
The Real difference begins when you start to dig a little deeper.
Both Realtors and North Carolina real estate agents are legally allowed to help you in any real estate transaction, whether buying or selling a home, land, commercial property, or any other type of real estate transaction in North Carolina.
North Carolina Realtors are members of the local, state, and national Realtor associations. While this may not seem like a big deal, this small group of almost 2 million real estate professionals nationwide has managed to monopolize the real estate market.
Monopolize? Yes, I said it! If you do not join the National Realtor Association on a local level, whether in North Carolina or any other state, you as a real estate professional are unable to access and input real estate listing’s into the Multiple Listing Service (or MLS), which is the real estate hub that feeds all other real estate websites around the country.
How does this affect people on the consumer level?
Well, if you wish to sell your house on the open market and allow people everywhere to view your home easily online through major sites like Zillow, Trulia, etc., you have to employ a member of the Realtor association. Hiring a member of the Realtor association allows you to put your home’s information in the multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as direct access to the MLS.
On the flip side, if you wish to buy a home listed by a Realtor, you can employ a Realtor or a real estate agent. Unfortunately, the real estate agent will have to request some information through another Realtor association member or the listing agent of the home you wish to buy directly. This is necessary in order to get the required documentation to submit your offer to purchase. In some cases, this delay of direct access to vital information could result in the buyer missing out on the purchase of their dream home. All due to not getting their offer in on time.
Pros and cons of new Realtor or Real Estate agent versus seasoned real estate agents or Realtors
While experience does matter in real estate, we have found that this industry has a slight twist! Real estate agents and Realtors in North Carolina need to be, by the very structure of pay, entrepreneurs. The majority of North Carolina real estate agents and Realtors work on a commission-based system. This means no sales, no paychecks. This allows for good, great, bad, desperate, and potentially worse agents, all regardless of time in the industry.
As with any industry, time in does allow you to gain great experience. Newer agents are fresh out of school, know the law and stick to it. Both North Carolina real estate agents and Realtors that have been in the business a while tend to pick up bad habits, get lazy and may begin to push the limits of the law, ethics, and morals, all for money. I want to stress that I am referring to some, not all. Others are sticklers for the law, morals, and ethics. It is a tough subject that many wish not to discuss, but it is the truth.
When interviewing or selecting your next North Carolina real estate agent or Realtor, do not let time in the business or the number of sales under the agent’s belt discourage you from using any North Carolina real estate agent or Realtor. Just make sure you feel confident in the agent you choose, and that that agent does indeed have your best interest at heart!
The bottom line
Hopefully, we have helped and not confused you!!! Choosing a North Carolina real estate agent or Realtor to represent you in your next real estate transaction is a big deal. Real estate in North Carolina, has a lot of obstacles, issues, and angels that need to be carefully thought about, avoided or confronted to make sure that your desired outcome is achieved. Having the right real estate agent with the right set of qualities will make all the difference for you!
Here at Southport Oak Island Realty Group, Inc, we desire to be your one-stop shop for all of your North Carolina real estate needs. Our real estate agents and Realtors are carefully selected to ensure that all North Carolina Real Estate Commission rules, regulations, and guidelines are followed to a “T”. All this while still doing the right thing by the consumers and our clients, striving for the very best desired outcomes for all!
Contact us today and see the difference!