Q: Marsha, I often receive solicitations to sell my home with out-of-town agents. Sometimes these are from agents as far away as Los Angeles. They seem to know about sales in my area. What do you think about using them when I want to sell?
A: Agents soliciting business from outside their local service areas have become common. The reasons for this are simple: the internet and technology.
Almost all real estate companies require their licensed real estate agents to belong to a local association of Realtors. Our local association is the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR). The Realtor boards are invaluable in helping members with education, legislative policies, and networking. Realtors also adhere to a strict code of ethics and behavior. Besides being a Realtor, agents also belong to their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is the property information and data service. It is through a region’s MLS that all information regarding listings is delivered.