Consumers

Consumer Information and Resources

The Consumers section of our website houses useful information for both consumer buyers and sellers. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, please reach out to GPAR by calling 215-423-9381 or emailing info@gpar.org. Our dedicated staff is here to help and serve you.

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7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®

REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the REALTOR® difference for home buyers:

Ethical practices

Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. Every REALTOR® is mandated to fulfill code of ethics requirements every three years. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

An expert guide

Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A REALTOR® will help you prepare to make the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.

Objective information and opinions

REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORS® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, they can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about but that might suit your needs better than you’d thought.

Expanded search power

Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A REALTOR® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but are no longer on the market.

Negotiation knowledge

There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.

Up-to-date experience

Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career and they are equipped to handle industry, legal, and regulation changes.

Your rock during emotional moments

A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.

How does real estate compensation work?

Real Estate Compensation Facts

How can we help you?

I’m a Home Buyer

Buying a home? A REALTOR® can help you:

  • Understanding your different financing options
  • Identify qualified lenders
  • Determine your buying power

I’m a Home Seller

Selling your home? A REALTOR® can assist you:

  • Market your property
  • Prescreen and accompany qualified prospects
  • Objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal

What does the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Mean to You?

REALTOR® Code of Ethics

Need to File a Complaint?

Consumer Notice

In an effort to enable consumers of real estate services to make informed decisions about the business relationships they may have with real estate brokers and salespersons (licensees), the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) requires that consumers be provided with this Notice at the initial interview.

Historic Preservation

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is a nonprofit, membership organization whose mission is to promote the appreciation, protection and revitalization of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, communities and landscapes. The site was created as a repository for all things ‘historic preservation’ related in Philadelphia – Protect, Explore, Restore & Participate!
The Philadelphia Historical Commission identifies and designates historic resources, listing them on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, an inventory that currently includes more than 22,000 properties and 15 historic districts.

Lead Based Paint, Mold, & Radon Information

Did you know, when selling, leasing, or renovating a property you must provide the buyer or tenant with the proper lead paint warning booklets?

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations

Find out more about the Philadelphia Fire Code.

Philadelphia Homeowner Property Tax Programs

The City of Philadelphia offers a variety of property tax credit, reduction and exemption programs for city homeowners.