Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime.

Many consumers consider selling their home directly but eventually turn to REALTORS®. Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise in pricing their home, making connections with REALTORS® working with buyers, arranging and staffing open houses, and coordinating with other professionals in the sales process.

Only about half of all real estate agents are REALTORS® -- Our REALTORS® work independently, for small agencies, or for large brokerages. They help people buy and sell residential or commercial properties, vacation homes, and land; they conduct appraisals; they operate in the United States and in other countries; some specialize in auctions; and others are buyer’s representatives.

Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise of a real estate agent in the sales process. And only real estate agents, who are members of the National Association of REALTORS®, follow a time-tested Code of Ethics, where other real estate licensees may not.

Link: How to find the right REALTOR

Link: Real Estate Buying and Selling Tips