A real estate agent is a professional licensed to buy, sell and manage real estate for a fee on the behalf of others. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS. A broker is a real estate agent who has reached a higher educational standard and who accepts certain additional responsibilities commensurate with this level of licensing. The term "Realtor" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
A real estate agent or broker who joins the National Association of Realtors is a Realtor. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) claims to be world's largest professional association. The single biggest distinction between a real estate agent and a Realtor is that all Realtors agree to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, Realtors are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.
A broker has a higher experience level and higher educational requirement than an agent, but both are Realtors.
Founded in 1908, National Association of Realtors has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. National Association of Realtors is composed of Realtors who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.
Realtors belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of Realtors and can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Brokers and agents of Condo Alexandria are members of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. Additionally, National Association of Realtors offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. Realtors are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Working for America's property owners, the National Association of Realtors provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members. Condo Alexandria agents and brokers take advantage of educational opportunities with the National Association of Realtors and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors to continue expanding our knowledge of all aspects of real estate related expertise.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.
I was contacted over the weekend by several friends, associates and strangers because a reporter quoted me as an expert in the Washington Post.
For those who aren't from the Washington Metropolitan area, the Washington Post is a widely circulated paper in Washington DC, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia, and across the country. If you think you've heard of the Washington Post, you probably have. The Post is not the most famous paper in the United States. (The USA Today or New York Times perhaps have that honor.) But the Washington Post is probably one of the most famous papers in America. The Post has a daily circulation of around 700,000 and a Sunday circulation of about a million. The Washington Post online claims to have 18 million readers per month, but I think that number sounds a bit inflated.
But whether there are 18 million or not, I'm quite certain there are a lot of readers of the Washington Post. Now only a fraction of those readers pay any attention at all to the Real Estate section of the paper, but the good news for me is that I only need to talk to the ones who pay attention to the Real Estate section.
I was contacted by a reporter from the Post and was interviewed about condos and the condo market in Northern Virginia. We talked for about 20 minutes or so, and from that conversation, the reporter selected one tiny quote: "The new builders are trying to overcome the lack of space by building a high ceiling, as if that is going to kid somebody."
I stand by that quote, but if I could pick one quote to be known for, that probably wouldn't be my pick. I'm not a stranger to this sort of thing though. A few months ago, my wife (president of Condominium Mortgage) and I were interviewed by Channel 9 News. They probably asked us 20 to 30 questions and then pulled out 30 to 50 seconds of tape to frame the story they were pushing.
Tom Meyer of Condo Alexandria says that I'm a publicity hound. This isn't entirely correct. I do make myself known, through formats such as Active Rain and Trulia. But I don't seek out reporters. They find me.
But his comment and my poorly phrased quote above forced me to reflect on a simple question. Is there a such thing as bad publicity?
My guess is probably not. But still, I think I'd rather have good publicity when possible. So now that I've had a little practice, the next time the Washington Post or Channel 9 or any other news outlet comes calling, I am going to choose my words very very carefully.
Then my neurotic inner voice says, "But you want to be a good interview to keep them coming back for more ..."
Julie Nesbitt
Nesbitt Realty has access to important information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, COA fees, municipal services and facilities. Nesbitt Realty uses this information to filter properties and then shares this information with you so that you can make your most informed decision possible. Nesbitt Realty researches your housing needs in advance through the Multiple Listing Service - even if you are relocating from another city. We also understand the traffic patterns of the Metro area and why some areas are more desirable than others.
Nesbitt Realty has no emotional ties to the homes or condos you may be considering. As such, we can be objective about the property and can point out advantages and disadvantages while answering your questions. Your Nesbitt Realty agent represents you, the buyer, in the transaction. Nesbitt Realty will negotiate the most favorable price and terms on your behalf. Nesbitt Realty can tell you if local law requires an attorney at closing and can provide you with a list to choose from if you don't have one.
Nesbitt Realty will help familiarize you with the closing process by explaining it all in advance. And your Nesbitt Realty agent will be there with you at closing to make sure that everything proceeds properly.
Nesbitt Realty is part of a network of professional colleagues, such as appraisers, home inspectors, mortgage lenders, contractors and insurance agents - through which you may be more completely served.
Nesbitt Realty shows you only those homes best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping and other public facilities.
Contact Us
Call 703 765 0300 or email us. We'll care about you.
Retired USMC Master Sergeant Ronald Ginyard has been a licensed real estate agent since 1995.
A real estate agent is a professional licensed to buy, sell and manage real estate for a fee on the behalf of others. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS. A broker is a real estate agent who has reached a higher educational standard and who accepts certain additional responsibilities commensurate with this level of licensing. The term "Realtor" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
A real estate agent or broker who joins the National Association of Realtors is a Realtor. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) claims to be world's largest professional association. The single biggest distinction between a real estate agent and a Realtor is that all Realtors agree to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, Realtors are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.
