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Why a REALTOR®?

The term “REALTOR®” is not a generic term; it is a registered membership mark that identifies a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

REALTOR® real estate broker
REALTOR® = Member of NAR

Not all real estate brokers are REALTORS®, and clients can tell the difference.

Seattle King County REALTORS® supports the communities of King and Kittitas Counties by providing valuable information, resources, and services to our members and their clients. We promote and protect the rights of an ever-growing, diverse populace to own, transfer, and use real property.

Members of the DEI Committee. Photo by: WindowStill Photography (windowstill.com)
While about 50% of brokers in King County are members of the REALTORS® Association,
%
of listed real estate transactions are brokered by REALTORS® in King County
estimate of recent transactions closed through the NWMLS

The REALTOR® Difference for the Public

REALTORS® promise fair and ethical treatment

Adherence to a strict Code of Ethics and training in Fair Housing principles is required for membership with the Association.

REALTORS® protect your homeownership rights

As a trade association, REALTORS® participate in efforts at the local, state, and national levels to advocate for current and aspiring homeowners, buyers, sellers, and brokers.

REALTORS® have access to powerful resources

The legal hotline can help REALTORS® through any transaction, and free tech help means that technology will never get in the way of getting the home you want.

REALTORS® have exceptional negotiation abilities

Members of the National Association of REALTORS® promote training in negotiation, ethics, contracts, and financing that help make a real estate transaction as smooth as possible.

REALTORS® ARE WELL informed about the real estate market & issues

Market research on topics from home prices and interest rates to decor trends and renovation ROI are readily available to both REALTORS® and the public.

Entrust your real estate transaction to a REALTOR®.

The REALTOR® Difference for Real Estate Professionals

You need someone looking out for you and your interests while you are focusing on serving your clients.

Because of REALTORS®:

  • you save $100s each year on state B&O business taxes.
  • you were able to continue your real estate practice and close your transactions 4 days after COVID shut down other businesses in 2020.
  • all real estate sales are exempt from the new 7% State Capital Gains Tax, saving your sellers thousands in additional taxes.
  • Washington State leads the nation in real estate compensation transparency, protecting your future.
  • your sellers pay less in REET for homes sold at less than $525,000 and are protected from new increases.
  • your independent contractor status is protected.
  • your sellers can promote their listings with a reasonable number of signs.
  • you can protect your sellers from added costs and delays like energy audits mandated at the point of sale.
  • Fair Housing education is now required in Washington State, protecting all classes of buyers from discrimination.
  • cities and counties are now required to change zoning laws that will increase the future inventory of affordable housing that your clients need.
  • your referral fees are not double-taxed by the State.

association Benefits for members:

  • discounts to hundreds of superior clock-hour classes for real estate license renewal.
  • quick answers to legal questions surrounding your transactions for free from the Legal Hotline and accompanying video/podcast series.
  • access to professional development and networks of fellow brokers and affiliates that will improve your business.
  • the opportunity to earn the most respected professional designations and certifications of the real estate industry, which gives you an edge in marketing your business.
  • endorsements of candidates for local office that support REALTOR® concerns and issues. We do the research so you don't have to!
REALTORS® are our industry's best, most ethical professionals working together to make business better for all of us.
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