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The R Means MORE.

In the state of Alabama, anyone 19 years and older with a clean criminal history can take the coursework to earn a real estate agent's license. But that does not earn them the title of REALTOR®.

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REALTOR® is a federally registered trademark reserved for members of the National Association of REALTORS®. Agents who take the extra step to join through a local chapter pledge themselves to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and are supported with education, resources, technology and advocacy at the national, state and local levels.

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Bottom line: Working with a REALTOR® means you receive MORE.

MORE ETHICS.

By joining the National Association of REALTORS® and pledging to serve every client with integrity, REALTORS® commit to a higher standard. These Consumer Guides, available in both English & Spanish, detail how a REALTOR® serves you ethically throughout the buying or selling process. 

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Consumer Guide: REALTORS’® Duty to Put Client Interests First

NAR's Code of Ethics means that a REALTOR® cannot provide representation in a way that puts their own interests ahead of their clients'.

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Consumer Guide: What Veterans Need To Know about Buying a Home

REALTORS® are committed to helping ensure the needs of veterans & active service members are met following new real estate practice changes.

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Consumer Guide:
Offers of Compensation

Here's what to know about a seller or agent offering to compensate another agent for bringing a buyer to successfully close the transaction. 

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Consumer Guide to Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements

Here's what to know about negotiating an agreement for services and compensation with an agent who is a REALTOR®.

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Consumer Guide:
Seller Concessions

Home sellers may choose to offer concessions to attract buyers or close a deal. Find out if this approach is right for you.

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Consumer Guide: Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)

When buying or selling a home, your agent may use an MLS to find homes for sale or market your property. Here's what you need to know. 

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Consumer Guide:
Fair Housing

Consumers and agents all have rights and responsibilities to promote a home buying or selling process free

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Consumer Guide:
Listing Agreements

One of the first things you'll do when selling your home is negotiate and sign a listing agreement with your agent. 

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Consumer Guide:
10 Questions to Ask a Buyer's Agent

If you’re ready to buy a home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs.

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Consumer Guide:
10 Questions to Ask a Seller's Agent

If you’re ready to sell your home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs.

The New House
Consumer Guide:
Buying Your First Home

You’re ready to find your first home. Find out where to begin and what resources are available to you as you embark on your homeownership journey.

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Consumer Guide: Mortgages and Financing

An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you learn about options for finding a loan that will help you pay for your new home over time. 

New Home Owners
Consumer Guide: Steps Between Signing and Closing

Once you sign a purchase agreement on your new home, there are still several steps to complete before you can finalize—or “close”—the transaction.

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Consumer Guide: Agency And Non-Agency Relationships

When buying or selling a home, agency and non-agency relationships with real estate professionals vary by state law and offer different options.

Real Estate Appraiser
Consumer Guide: The Appraisal Process

If you are financing your home purchase, you will likely be required to get a home appraisal as one of the steps between signing and close.

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Consumer Guide:
Home Inspections

Between signing and close, a buyer may have a home inspected to ensure it is in good condition and safe for a new owner. Here's what you should know.

Homeowners
Consumer Guide:
Homeowners Insurance

Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home. Here's what you need to know.

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Consumer Guide:
Flood Insurance

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. A licensed insurance agent can advise you on how to protect your assets. Find out what you need to know.

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Consumer Guide: Fire Damage and Policy Coverage

Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage. Some may limit coverage if your risk is higher. Here's what you need to know about understanding your coverage.

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Consumer Guide: Preparing to Sell Your Home

Here are common considerations as you prepare your home for listing and viewing by potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can guide you. 

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Consumer Guide: What Goes Into Pricing Your Home

An important question to ask your agent is how to determine your home's listing, or asking, price. Here is what sellers should know about home pricing.

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Consumer Guide: Escrow and Earnest Money

Between signing and closing, homebuyers typically deposit money into an escrow account. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help advise you on how to keep your deposits safe. 

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Consumer Guide: Preparing for Homeownership

Whether you are a first-time buyer or planning your next move, here's what prospective buyers should know to prepare for the home purchase process.

Couple Working Together
Consumer Guide: Property Taxes

Property taxes are a reality of homeownership. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help connect you with a tax expert in your area, but here are the basics.

Meeting
Consumer Guide:
Seller Disclosures

Home sellers must disclose certain characteristics of the property to buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you understand why and what you need to disclose.

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Consumer Guide:
Marketing Your Home

Once you decide to sell your home, your agent will work with you to determine the best strategy to reach potential buyers and attract strong offers. 

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Consumer Guide:
Homeowners Association

In many housing markets, HOAs and other community associations can be a part of the homebuying (and owning) experience. Here’s what buyers should know.

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Consumer Guide:
Navigating Multiple Offers

When your home is on the market, you may receive offers from multiple interested buyers. Here's how to determine which one is best for you.

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Consumer Guide:
Alternative Listing Options

Home sellers looking to market their homes may have different preferences for how they do so. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you craft a marketing strategy that best suits your needs.

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Consumer Guide:
Deeds and Title

To complete the process of closing a home sale, a property’s ownership rights are formally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Here's what you should know about deeds and titles.

Wooden Home Framing
Consumer Guide:
Buying Land and Building a New Home

Prospective homebuyers may consider purchasing a plot of land or a new construction project instead of an existing home. Here's what you should know.

Small Meeting
Consumer Guide: Protecting Yourself From Title Fraud

Title fraud is a serious crime that can result in loss of title to a property. Here's what to know about how title fraud happens, who's at risk, and how to prevent it.

Office Meeting
Consumer Guide: Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership

Whether you're saving for a down payment, managing debt, or dealing with other barriers to entry, agents who are REALTORS® can help you find your dream home.

Reviewing Documents
Consumer Guide: Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction

If you're navigating tax season or planning to buy a home, understanding how this deduction works can help you make smarter financial decisions. 

In-Home Consultation
Consumer Guide: Your Home and Estate Planning

A home is a long-term financial asset. Estate planning helps you decide what happens to your home and other assets if you can no longer care for them.

Real Estate Agent
Consumer Guide: Buyer's vs. Seller's Market

Recognizing whether shifting market conditions favor buyers or sellers can help you make more confident decisions. Learn what each means for you.

Practicing at Home
Consumer Guide: Assistance Programs

Buying or keeping a home can be financially challenging—but you may not have to do it alone. There are assistance programs designed to help.

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Consumer Guide: Real Estate Auctions

Buying a home at auction can be an exciting opportunity. First-time buyer and experienced investors should be aware of the rules and risks.

Law Office
Consumer Guide: Working with a Real Estate Attorney

Buying a home is an important decision. Many professionals are available to help you throughout the process, including a real estate attorney.

Energy Efficiency Consultation
Consumer Guide: Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

Whether you’re looking to lower utility bills, preparing to sell, or modernizing your home, here’s how to get started and what to keep in mind.

Residential house
Consumer Guide: Buying a Historic Property

From architectural character to lasting craftsmanship, historic homes offer one-of-a-kind charm, but they also come with unique responsibilities.

Accountant
Consumer Guide: State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions

Homeownership has always had its perks when it comes to tax deductions, but the latest tax reform helps homeowners save even more money. Here’s why.

Moving Boxes
Consumer Guide: 10 Tips for Packing Smartly for a Move

Buying or selling a home is exciting—but packing and moving can be daunting. Proper planning and a solid strategy from these 10 tips can ease the task.

Silhouette of Soldiers
Consumer Guide: What is the VA Home Loan Guaranty

For those who’ve completed military service or are actively serving our country, the VA Home Loan Guaranty offers a path to homeownership.

Partnership
Consumer Guide: Do You Need Private Mortgage Insurance?

When buying a home for the first time, there are plenty of new terms to learn. One that can cause confusion is private mortgage insurance, or PMI.

Keys To The New Place
Consumer Guide: Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety

An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you ensure privacy and security by managing access during the marketing and transaction process.

Contactless Payment
Consumer Guide: How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud

Buying a home is an exciting milestone. Work with a real estate professional who is a REALTOR® to keep your investment safe from potential wire fraud attempts.

Apartment Building
Consumer Guide: Understanding Condo Ownership

Condos are typically more affordable than single-family homes and require less maintenance. Here’s a primer that will help you evaluate your options.

Signature
Consumer Guide: Real Estate Sales Contract Contingincies

Regardless of which side of a transaction you’re on, you need a clear understanding of any contingencies that are part of the real estate contract.

MORE EXPERTISE.

With specialized certifications and designations, REALTORS® bring guidance you can trust. These credentials are earned by REALTORS® through coursework, applications and testing. Click to find a REALTOR® with the training and education that's right for you.

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MORE SUCCESS.

Equipped with the latest tools and data, REALTORS® get results that work for you. The choice to hire a REALTOR® is yours, but there are many reasons why their guidance through one of life's biggest decisions is worth the compensation.

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FOR HOME SELLERS

Learn about the 179 ways REALTORS® earn their compensation by serving you through the home selling process.

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FOR HOME BUYERS

Learn about the 105 ways REALTORS® earn their compensation by serving you through the home buying process.

© 2025 Baldwin REALTORS. All rights reserved.

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