REALTORS® are professionals. They must abide by a strict Code of Ethics which demand greater responsibility and obligations to clients, customers and the general public than those mandated by the State Laws. REALTORS® continuously further their education, earn degrees in various specializations and strive to always be informed on issues affecting real estate.

The term REALTOR® has come to connote competency, fairness and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of conduct in conducting business.

Here are just Ten Good Reasons why you should care:

Peace of Mind - Choosing and settling into a new residence is one of the most satisfying experiences in life. You don't want to be worried about the nuts-and-bolts of a real estate transaction. That's the REALTORS® job, taking care of all the details, so you can do the new home planning.

Solutions - Paperwork, inspections, financing, disclosures. Many factors must come together, often quickly and simultaneously, to make a real estate transaction happen. A REALTOR® can coordinate the details for you; saving you valuable time and helping you avoid pitfalls. If the unexpected does occur, it's great to have a professional problem-solver in your corner.

Security - It's fact that some potential home buyers and sellers try the process on their own, then quickly turn to a professional. There are many reasons involved. One key reason is the added measure of safety that can come from a REALTOR® escorting you to homes for sale in unfamiliar neighborhoods or arranging to show your home to prescreened potential buyers.

Experience - Most people are involved in a handful of real estate transactions in a lifetime. A REALTOR® may handle that many in a month or even a week. That's an important consideration to keep in mind since real estate is typically our largest single investment. And just as you obtain qualified medical or legal advice, some things shouldn't be left to chance.

Value - Not many of us have the time or facts we need to analyze local real estate prices. A REALTOR® is a professional who takes the time each day to evaluate trends and compare asking-selling prices in specific neighborhoods. That can be invaluable in helping you determine a realistic, fair market price for a property.

Understanding - Variable rate mortgages, lease-buy options, seller financed sales and more. The choices among real estate financing techniques can be confusing. A REALTOR® can help you sort out your alternatives as you decide what makes the most sense for you. What's best for a friend or relative may not be advantageous for you.

Perspective -  It's only natural; a buyer wants to pay less, a seller wants to receive more. Negotiating a fair compromise between the two can be a real challenge, sometimes even an art. That's where a REALTOR® comes in, bringing people together, pointing out options, providing useful insight and information to create a win-win situation for everyone.

Rapport - Having a wide support network can be an advantage in any job. A Florida REALTOR®, however, is especially fortunate to be part of the State's largest professional association. This relationship gives your REALTOR® access to a vast assortment of services from financing to inspections that can help your transaction move quickly and smoothly.

Expertise - There are numerous elements to even the most straightforward real estate transaction. Because disclosure laws change, many buyers and sellers aren't aware what property information must be disclosed. A REALTOR® has the resources that provide updates on constantly changing rules and regulations. This knowledge can protect you from last minute and long lasting complications.

Commitment - There's more to being a REALTOR® than simply getting a real estate license. It requires a strict commitment to a high standard of conduct and a Code of Ethics. Just licensed holders don't think this commitment in time, money and effort is worthwhile. But a REALTOR® makes the investments it takes to serve you more professionally.

So whether you're buying, selling or leasing real estate, it makes perfect sense to use a REALTOR®.