If you are buying or selling real estate in Boulder , Colo. , you are probably considering the services of a real estate professional. You will hear several terms to describe them, such as real estate broker, real estate agent or Realtor. All of them are qualified to help you with your real estate transaction, but a Boulder Realtor is a real estate agent who has qualified to become a member of the National Association of Realtors.

Boulder Realtor

What Is The National Association of Realtors?

The National Association of Realtors, or NAR, began in 1908 with 120 members. Today, the NAR has over 1 million members who pledge to conduct themselves by the organization’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. In addition, members are provided with opportunities for professional development and interaction with other members. You will know if your real estate agent is a Boulder Realtor if they have the trademark “R” on their business cards or “for sale” signs. They may also be wearing a Realtor pin.

What a Boulder Realtor Does For Sellers

Your Boulder Realtor should be considered an expert in Boulder real estate. Since they will be making a 3 to 6 percent commission off the sale of your property, you should expect a minimum level of service from them on your behalf. They should:

• Let you know if Boulder is currently experiencing a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. This also applies to commercial property and vacant land.
• Give you a comparative market analysis, which is a report comparing your property to similar ones sold recently. It lets you know how long these properties stayed on the market, and what they sold for. This information helps you determine an appropriate asking price for your property.
• Suggest minor changes to your property to make it more desirable or even increase its value.
• Aggressively advertise your home.

What a Boulder Realtor Does For Buyers

Even though your Realtor’s commission is paid entirely by the seller, they should still be working hard on your behalf to earn their pay. They should:

• Let you know what kind of house you can afford and show you homes in your price range.
• Take into consideration the non-negotiable qualities you want in a home and not waste your time showing you homes that don’t measure up.
• Describe to you each neighborhood, including how close they are to schools, public transportation, major shopping centers, public parks, Boulder Public Library and Boulder Community Hospital .
• Give you information about local opportunities for recreation.
• Provide you with pertinent Boulder statistics, such as average house values, weather and crime rates.
• Put you in contact with home inspectors and lenders.
• Let you know if a house has been on the market for a long time or has a particular problem that may allow you to make an offer below the asking price.

In addition to these services, your Boulder Realtor should return phone calls and emails promptly, keep track of all deadlines, and follow up with you when all paperwork is done and all transactions are complete.

Contact a Boulder Realtor Today

Your friendly neighborhood Boulder Realtor is ready to answer all of your questions and let you know more about what they can do for you. Give one a call today for more information.

By Alisa Elizabeth King Terry

A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®