Realtor can help buyer in numerous ways

Q: I want to buy a home and have gone to LasVegasRealtor.com to see all the homes listed for sale. Why should I use a Realtor when I can see all the homes listed for sale on my own computer?

-- Ariel L., Las Vegas

A: Being a longtime local Realtor and this year's president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors, I could go on for hours about this topic.

Since our space here is limited, I'll just hit some of the highlights to explain why I think it's wise to work with a Realtor.

It starts with the three Es that Realtors bring to a real estate transaction: experience, education and ethics. This is a big part of what distinguishes Realtors from agents who simply have a real estate license. Realtors have completed the training administered by our national and local associations. They tend to have more experience in the field. They must obtain -- and maintain -- the highest level of education about local laws, issues and developments in our industry. And they must abide by a strict code of ethics.

Given the state of the local housing market, these qualities are more important than ever.

We have more than 22,000 homes on the market here in Southern Nevada.

There are some great deals out there, especially with many bank-owned properties selling for less than what it would cost to build those same homes today.

Since most bank-owned homes are sold in "as is" condition," a Realtor can help you determine if you're really getting a good deal on such a home.

It's true that Web sites like LasVegasRealtor.com allow you to view basic information about thousands of local properties. But only a real estate agent can access the complete and more specific information found on the GLVAR's Multiple Listing Service.

A Realtor offers more than just that big R logo on a business card and access to all these homes listed on the MLS. He or she can work with you to determine what you want in a home, what you can really afford, what schools, utilities and services are available in a neighborhood, and then help you find the best deal on the best home for you. With all of the uncertainty and conflicting opinions out there from the media, market analysts and others, such expertise has never been more valuable.

Of course, you also need to find the right Realtor for you. Like most things, this requires a little homework. One of the best ways to begin your search is by seeking referrals from people you know and trust. Check with some friends or co-workers who have recently purchased a home and get the name of the person or company they used.

Research shows that most Americans appreciate these benefits. In fact, a nationwide survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, found that nine out of 10 home buyers used a real estate agent to search for a home. And that was back in 2005, when the housing market was still booming and upstart companies were aggressively promoting all kinds of flat-fee and do-it-yourself alternatives to working with a Realtor.

I hear fewer questions like yours today than I did back then.

The same goes for people looking to sell their home. I think most sellers understand that Realtors can help homeowners create marketing materials, advertise, host open house events, pre-qualify buyers, show the home to potential buyers, present and negotiate offers and counter-offers, meet inspectors, write addendums and make sure buyers and sellers are complying with state laws.

When sellers ask questions like the one you raised, I point to another part of that NAR study that showed sellers who use a Realtor earned an average of 16 percent more for their home than those who did not.

One last statistic for you: An independent survey recently reported that 84 percent of home buyers would use the same Realtor again. That's a good sign.

For more information on this topic, visit Realtor.com.

Patty Kelley is the president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors and has worked in the real estate industry for more than 30 years. GLVAR has nearly 16,000 members. To ask Kelley a question, e-mail her at ask@glvar.org. For more information, visit lasvegasrealtor.com.