FAQ’s

Requirements for getting your real estate license vary by state and year. We direct all questions about licensing to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

View FAQs Here

YES! OBAR now offers Pre/Postlicensing classes through our partnership with The CE Shop.  You may register for these classes here.  Or you may click on the "Education" tab on the homepage and select "Online Education".

A REALTOR® is a Real Estate Agent that is a member of the local, state, and National Associations of REALTORS®. This means they must abide by the Code of Ethics and are therefore held to a much higher standard than a Real Estate Agent. REALTORS® are also the only agents that can use the trademarked term “REALTOR®”.

In addition, membership to a local association (i.e. The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®) means they have access through the many benefits of OBAR membership, to the most accurate real estate search engine, and have real estate insights, including up-to-date market information, that a Real Estate Agent would NOT be privy too.

Here are eight important reasons why buyers and sellers of real estate should be using a REALTOR'®s services.

1. 1. Qualifying the Buyer - REALTORS® qualify prospective buyers to determine in advance their financial ability to purchase and schedules appointments prior to showing a home to save sellers time and help them avoid worry about strangers coming through the house unescorted.
   2. Advertising - REALTORS® have access to several forms of advertising including newspapers, homes, magazines, contact with out-of-town buyers and the Multiple Listing Service—the most accurate real estate search in the Outer Banks.
   3. Housing Trends - REALTORS® have current market information substantiating comparable selling prices for specific types of homes, allowing sellers to establish realistic prices while obtaining fair market value for their property.
   4. Sale Negotiations - REALTORS® are trained professionals who can answer the many questions posed by potential buyers and should work to alleviate any doubts buyers have about the process.
   5. Financing - REALTORS® should continually gather information on the latest and best methods of obtaining mortgage money and be prepared to assist the buyer to assure a speedy sale.
   6. Continuing Education - REALTORS® are constantly upgrading their professional abilities by keeping informed about market trends, the latest industry innovations, new legislation and civil rights. Members of the National Association of REALTORS® have the right to earn professional designations by completing additional education.  REALTORS® are required to take 8 hours of continuing education each year so stay active.
   7. Personal Service - REALTORS® work cooperatively with the affiliate members of OBAR to provide information on title and conveyance documents, termite inspections, home warranty programs, etc. REALTORS® also make suggestions to sellers on how to make a home more saleable.
   8. Protection for Buyers & Sellers - REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and accept the responsibility of promoting the interests of buyers and sellers by protecting them from fraud and misrepresentation.

Fair Housing laws prohibit Brokers from answering certain neighborhood characteristic questions. See Questions & Answers on Fair Housing

Absolutely! OBAR holds multiple events through out the year to benefit our community--specifically our Disaster Relief and Scholarship funds.  Our main events are:

• • Bowling Tournament
    • Benefiting OBAR's Disaster Relief and Scholarship funds held through the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
  • Golf Tournament
    • Benefiting OBAR's Disaster Relief and Scholarship funds held through the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
  • Surf Fishing Tournament
    • Benefiting OBAR's Disaster Relief and Scholarship funds held through the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
  • General Membership Meetings
    • The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® holds meetings for our 1000+ members throughout the year. Each year, the President of the Association determines the charity for each meeting.  Throughout the years OBAR has supported the following local causes:
      • The Food Pantry, Feline Hope, Gentle Expert MemoryCare (GEM) Adult Day Services, the SPCA, Young Life of Hatteras Island, Room in the End, among many others!

As an Association, the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® represents members from real estate sales to property management on a local, state, and national level. In accordance with NAR’s Code of Ethics, and our Antitrust policy, OBAR staff is unable to give recommendations.  However, we encourage you to search for our members through the following avenues.

• • REALTORS®
  • REALTOR® Companies
  • Property Managers
  • Property Management Companies
  • Community Partners/Affiliates

We encourage you to search for our members using our Member Directory.

Find answers to this question here: https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications

Visit our home search here.

Access resources for buying or selling your home, and tips on choosing a REALTOR® and other helpful hints here.

Currently, they are no printed copies of homes/land for sale available in the OBX.

Absolutely! Visit our “OBX Open Houses” page on Facebook.

Learn why you should use a REALTOR® Property Management company here.

Learn why you should use a REALTOR® Property Management company here.

Learn why you should use a REALTOR® Property Management company here.

The choice is up to you.  But we have seen a large increase in scams over the past few years.  Pictures from recently sold homes are being used to create scam rental homes.  Just remember: NEVER wire money unless you personally know the person requesting funds.  For more information, click to read the article OBAR published about craigslist scams.

Craigslist Scams

Please click here to see "What to Do After a Craigslist Scam"

Our Community Partners are vital to our Association. Their support allows OBAR to continually advocate for your private property rights.  They are going the extra mile to help the community and are always giving back.  Our Community Partners/Affiliates are professionals in businesses that are involved throughout your entire real estate transaction.  Community Partners/Affiliates include Mortgage Lenders, Insurance Agents, Home Inspectors, Surveyors, and more!

Please contact OBAR's Professional Standards Administrator Willo Kelly at willo@outerbanksrealtors.com or (252) 489-1263.

Please visit our Dispute Resolution page with the information needed.

To keep our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as accurate as possible, it was determined that because school districts change often based on residency numbers, it is best to redirect potential buyers to the school districts themselves.  This is also why we do not recommend using larger third-party search engines because they may inaccurately reflect a school district. See local school district information.