Southern Maryland Association of Realtors

When Choosing a REALTOR®

When choosing a REALTOR®, consider these facts from the 2003 NAR Profile of Home
Buyers and Sellers. When surveyed on the homebuying experience, the majority of the
respondents had used REALTORS®. Sixty-two percent of sellers cited an agent's
reputation as the most important factor in their selection process. Over eighty percent of homeowners said they had sold their previous home with the assistance of a real estate
agent, while 70% indicated they would use the same listing agent again for their next
home sale.

Home buyers responded by saying seventy-five percent had used a real estate agent
or broker to complete their transaction. Nearly eighty-six percent used a real estate
agent as an important information source and to help with the transaction and when
asked what the most important service rendered by an agent was, fifty-seven percent
said it was helping to find the right home.

The message is clear; real estate agents and/or brokers are an essential part of the
vast majority of home-buying and home-selling experiences. But not all agents and
brokers operate under the same rules. How can a person considering buying or selling
a home know who to trust? The answer is simple. Choose a REALTOR®.

All agents and brokers belonging to the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®
are also REALTORS®. A REALTOR is the registered trademark of the National
Association of REALTORS (NAR). With a membership of over 900,000, NAR is the
largest professional trade association. NAR members, as well as REALTOR® members
of the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS®, are bound by the REALTOR®
Code of Ethics, which is their promise to the public that every REALTOR® will deal
honestly and ethically in all transaction-related matters. Only REALTORS® are bound
by this pledge, and only REALTORS® are held accountable for their ethical behavior
when acting a real estate agents.

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics upholds the following principles:

Avoiding exageration, misrepresentation, and concealment of pertinent facts.

Maintaining confidentiality within the scope of the agency relationship.

Being honest with all parties while protecting and promoting the client's interests.

Providing equal service to all cleints and customers.

Disclosing present or contemplated interest in any property to all parties.

Assuring that transaction details are in writing, whenever possible.

Avoiding the unauthorized practice of law.

Accepting compensation from only one party, except with full disclosure and
informed consent.

Being knowledgeable and competent in the fields of practice normally engaged in.

Seeking to obtain assistance or disclosing a lack of experience when neccessary.

Avoiding side deals without the agent's client providing informed consent.

Keeping the funds of customers and clients in escrow.

Your rights as a buyer or a seller are guaranteed when working with a REALTOR®.
Why risk alternatives?

Both buyers and sellers benefit from the invaluable services provided by REALTORS®.
Sellers receive up-to-date information about the market, prices, financing, terms,
and conditions of competing properties. Sellers also benefit from the marketing
expertise that REALTORS® bring to bear. REALTORS® have access to the best
methods of informing other real estate agents and the public about your property.
They can assist you in evaluating buyer's proposals and can even assist in closing
the sale.

Buyers are assured that REALTORS® possess the most up-to-date resources to
assist you in your home search. They can priovide objective information about each
property of interest to you, and can even help negotiate. REALTORS will help you
determine your buying power, help with evaluating each property, and will guide you
through the closing process. Choosing a REALTOR® is the way to go!

But the Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS® also offers the services of
many highly qualified non-Realtor members in business that support the needs of
home-buyers and sellers. We have title and insurance companies, mortgage and
financial service providers, inspection firms, home repair and maintentence specialists
and legal service providers to name just a few. Our members know the local area, and
often work together to provide you with the best services possible. Take a moment to
view our membership. Search for REALTORS® and Affiliates by name, service,
company, or even location. Visit our member's web pages and web sites. Be confident
Southern Maryland REALTORS® and our Affiliate, non-REALTOR members stand ready
to serve you.

8440 Leonardtown Road . Post Office Box 400
Hughesville, Maryland 20637
301-870-2323 . 301-870-2575 Fax