Consumer Resources

Supporting the Communities We Work In

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important transactions a person will ever make in their lifetime. Nothing less than a qualified, trained professional should be entrusted to assist in that process. This page is dedicated to educating consumers about the complexities of buying and selling a home and how a REALTOR® can help.

Community and Government Housing Resources Property Insurance Handbook

Supporting the Communities We Work In

Helpful Community Links

Want to learn more about the Tampa Bay area?  Check out the websites of our community partners for more information.

Chambers of Commerce

Government Services

Municipalities

City Web Sites

 County Web Sites

Schools

Utilities

Helpful Community Links

Why Use A REALTOR®

REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTOR® difference for home buyers:

  1. An expert guide. Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.
  2. Objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORs® can use this data to help you determine if the property has what you need.
  3. Property marketing power. Property doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. A large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts with previous clients, friends and family. When a property is marketed by a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
  4. Negotiation knowledge. There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows you the flexibility you need to take that next step.
  5. Up-to-date experience. Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each sale. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.
  6. Your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.
  7. Ethical treatment. Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters.

For more information, check out 179 Ways Agents Who Are REALTORS® Are Worth Every Penny Of Their Compensation and 105 more ways agents who are REALTORS® are worth every penny of their compensation.

 

Have more Questions about STAR's Community Involvement?

Get in touch with our team. We're ready to help you with any community outreach questions or requests you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!