Do you know the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent? Most people use the

terms interchangeably, but in terms of ethical,

efficient and reliable service there can be a very big

difference.

Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors and have agreed to act under,

and adhere to, a strict Code of Ethics in all their

business practices. This membership obligates them to

be honest with all parties involved in a transaction,

be it buyer, seller or cooperating agent. They are

held accountable for their professional behavior

and sanctions can, and will, be imposed if Realtors

do not live up to these high professional standards.

Using a Realtor is also a sound business

decision. If you are buying a home, a Realtor can help

you determine how much home you can afford and

what financing options might be available to you. If

you are selling a home, a Realtor can help by

marketing your property to the maximum number of

serious, qualified buyers. Networking within the

Realtors organization ensures that other real estate

professionals are aware of new properties that are on the market a real plus for buyers and sellers alike.

Serving Our Community

Mark your calendars for Nov. 14. That's the date of the fourth annual "Noel November A

Celebration of Trees and Wreaths," one of the Fayette County Board of Realtors' major community service projects.

Featuring a public showing of the trees and wreaths that afternoon, followed by an auction that night,

the event will take place at the Kiwanis Field Fairgrounds on Redwine Road in Fayetteville.

Other activities during the day will include special Christmas music, holiday children's activities,

and photos with Santa.

The "Noel November" event is held each year to raise funds for a worthwhile local non-profit

organization. This year, our goal is to bring in $10,000 to provide play equipment for the Asden Johnson Youth

Protection Home in Brooks.

If you want more information about "Noel November," please call our association office at 770-461-2401.

Protecting Private Property Rights

You need to be aware of a proposed amendment on the ballot for November's general election which,

if passed would result in a 100 percent increase in the real estate transfer tax in Georgia.

We believe passage of this amendment would adversely affect buyers and sellers of real estate all

across the state.

While the goals of the proposal conserving, managing, and preserving the state's natural and

historic areas, water resources and wildlife habitats are things which should be done, we don't feel the

mechanism for funding the program is a fair one.

The cost of funding the Land, Water, and Wildlife Heritage Fund is something which should be

shared equally by all Georgians. Unfortunately, the amendment places the entire financial burden on the owners

of real property, and this is something which should be corrected. For that reason, this association

opposes passage of this amendment, and we urge you to join us in our effort to protect private property rights

in Georgia.

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