How to Get the Most Out of Working with a REALTOR® in New York

Buying a home or selling one can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory—but working with a licensed and trusted professional can make the whole process more transparent and less stressful. According to the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) article “Working with a REALTOR®,” it’s not just about finding someone with a “For Sale” sign – it’s about partnering with a professional who brings clear guidance on price, terms, and timeline.

Key Takeaways for Buyers & Sellers

• Objective expertise: NYSAR highlights that a qualified REALTOR® can answer complex questions about pricing and terms while remaining objective throughout the process.
• Clear roles and responsibilities: You and the agent should both know what’s expected—services, communication methods, timing—so there’s no guesswork.
• Local market navigation: Whether you’re in upstate New York, the Hudson Valley, or the NYC metro area, a REALTOR® familiar with your region can guide you through the nuances of your market.

Professional Ethics and Standards

• Every REALTOR® is bound by the NAR Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice – a set of professional standards that go above and beyond state licensing requirements. This means a REALTOR® is committed to honesty, fairness, and integrity in every transaction.
• As NYSAR explains, REALTORS® must put their clients’ interests first, avoid conflicts of interest, and maintain strict confidentiality. These ethical obligations ensure that consumers can trust their REALTOR® to act with professionalism and care throughout the buying or selling process.

Tips for Working Effectively

Before you sign on the dotted line:

• Ask your agent to explain their strategy for marketing your home (if you’re a seller) or showing you listings (if you’re a buyer).
• Clarify how often and through what channels they’ll communicate—phone, text, email? How quickly do they reply?
• Make sure you understand the contract you’re entering—what you’re committing to, how compensation is handled, and how long the term lasts.
• If you’re a buyer: confirm whether the agent will be working solely for you, or if other clients may have overlapping interests—and how that affects things.

At the end of the day, a REALTOR® isn’t just a “middleman.” According to NYSAR, they bring value by offering informed advice, grounded in market data and professional standards.

Reference: New York State Association of REALTORS®. “Working with a REALTOR®.” Retrieved from

nysar.com/consumers/working-with-a-realtor/
.