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February
11

Real Estate Pros Explained
Whether you are buying or selling your first home or your fiftieth, it's always a good idea to have an experienced real estate professional by your side. You often hear people use the terms real estate agent and REALTOR® used interchangeably.  While both types of professionals must be licensed to sell real estate, there is a difference. If this is your first time entering the Long Island real estate market, knowing the differences could be a little confusing.  

Our team at Laffey Real Estate is here to explain the difference hiring a REALTOR® during your real estate experience makes.

What is a REALTOR®?        

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®. This means that we commit ourselves to a strict Code of Ethics. The standards we adhere to protect clients who contact us to sell their home as well as clients who want our assistance buying a home.

As REALTORS®, we are required to pass examinations for membership eligibility. We are also obligated to participate in annual education courses. These requirements ensure that you receive reliable, knowledgeable, and truthful assistance when buying or selling a home in New York.  

As REALTORS®, it is our pledge to represent all clients fully, fairly, and honestly at every stage of the transaction process. It is our duty to represent our clients in the most efficient and effective manner possible. This includes promptly responding to offers, quickly submitting counteroffers, and protecting the rights and confidentiality of our clients.

Services for Home Buyers

Our services for buyers include a thorough assessment of the property and the development of marketing plans that meet the seller's needs. We will ensure the home is priced correctly for the target market, and ensure that prospective buyers we show the home to are qualified to purchase the property.

It is our pleasure to attend the home inspection and appraisal, during which we will help answer any questions the inspector or appraiser has regarding the property. When an offer is presented, we will negotiate the best terms possible. During closing, we will make sure the loose ends are tied up quickly and efficiently so that sellers can start the process of moving out and moving on.

Services for Buyers

Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we will ensure that you have the support you need. We help buyers secure loan pre-approval to help narrow the search down to properties within your price range. Once the pre-approval is secured, we will present you with property recommendations. We base these on your desires regarding location, schools, neighborhood, amenities, etc.  

Based on your decisions, we will arrange showings of the properties you are most interested in visiting. When you find the home or apartment that is ideally suited for your needs, we will analyze the value of the property and help you negotiate the offer accordingly.

We will also help you select a home inspector and will attend the home inspection on your behalf. Based on the inspection, we can help you negotiate repairs or concessions as part of the sales contract. As closing nears, we will ensure detailed and accurate communication occurs with the seller's agent as well as your attorney, lender, etc. When it is time to close, we make sure that all loose ends are tied up neatly. It is our duty to ensure that you fully understand the terms of the contract and your loan commitments.      

Contact us to learn more about the services our REALTORS® provide to Long Island home buyers and sellers.

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/06/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/06/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Fri 03/06/2026 12:00:22 AM EST) or OneKey MLS (last updated Thu 03/05/2026 11:53:19 PM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Laffey Real Estate may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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