When buying a home, you can learn from the knowledge and skill of a REALTOR®:

• A REALTOR® helps you determine how much home you can actually afford.
   
• Often a REALTOR ® can suggest additional ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods.
   
• A REALTOR® can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, and accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, and other personal preferences.
   
• A REALTOR® has access to a listing of available homes, can evaluate them in terms of your needs and affordability, and doesn't waste your time on unsuitable homes. A REALTOR® often can suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.
   
• A REALTOR® can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.
   
• A REALTOR® usually knows the local money market and can tell you about financing.
   
• A REALTOR® also can tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan.
   
• A REALTOR® can familiarize you with closing procedures by explaining them in advance.
   
• A REALTOR® usually attends the closing with you.

It's probably the biggest investment you'll ever make, with long term financial ramifications. It calls for many informed decisions and for good advice from a real estate professional. REALTORS® are real estate professionals who belong to the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate brokers and agents are REALTORS®. To be sure you're working with one, look for the federally registered membership mark, REALTOR®.