Buyer's Resources > Planning > Selecting > Buying Using a Realtor A real estate professional assists and facilitates a real estate transaction. The REALTOR® becomes a vital team member in the home acquisition process. The team also may consist of the escrow officer/ title representative, lawyer, lender, appraiser and property inspector. The responsibilities of a REALTOR® consist of more than unlocking a door or writing an offer. The real estate professional screens applicants, provides a wider range of exposure and pays expert attention to the details involved in the sale of the property. A REALTOR® will either have the answers to your questions or know where to get them. A real estate professional will also: Work within the specific requirements of the buyer and provide information about growth/ appreciation potential in the buyer's desired area. Negotiate the best price for the property with access to detailed information about the homes available in the market. Refer buyers to high-quality industry vendors who can provide useful information about the property you are about to purchase. Ensure the transaction goes smoothly. Not every Real Estate professional is a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a real estate trade association, and all members agree to abide by a 17 article Code of Ethics. All real estate licensees are not the same. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again. As a Buyer Agent, The Following Services Are Free to You Locate and show you the available properties that meet your needs. Help you find a lender that is a good fit for you.  Provide a Comparative Market Analysis on the property you want to purchase so you do not offer too much. Review the good faith estimate provided by your lender. Prepare your offer to purchase. Submit your offer promptly. Consult with you regarding the counteroffer (if any). Ensure property inspections are completed. Confirm that negotiated corrections/repairs have been completed. Review HUD-1 settlement statement for accuracy.