Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cheryl Husted, Coldwell Banker, homes, land, real estate, real estate investments, Real Estate Walla Walla, walla walla, walla walla investments, walla walla real estate, Walla Walla Real Estate & Great Investment Opportunities!, walla walla realtors
Choosing a realtor is a difficult task. It is a choice that some great thought should go into. Just how do you go about this? Do you hire a friend, just becuase it seems like the right thing to do? Does the agent listen and understand what you truly want, need and can afford? Is the agent full time or part time…this is truly one of my biggest pet peeves! Why? Would you retain a part time doctor, attorney, accountant? Of course not because it is a professional standard that you are seeking. Right? You should be the priority of your realtor. Not an extra income that just might buy a cruise or flat screen t.v. They should know the market. Including, average price per sq. ft, average home sales, days on market AND how to write an offer that represents exactly what you want and protects your earnest money throughout the transaction.
A professional realtor invests time into continuing education to better serve their clients. Understands the mortgage industry to assist you throughout what could be, a complicated lending process. Has a team of professionals working with them that are trusted, licensed, bonded professionals. Including, inspectors, contactors, escrow and title agents.
If you are a seller, what services and knowledge does he/she bring to you. If it is just a glorified price you are looking for any realtor will do…but will it sell? This is termed as “buying a listing”. The price sure looks good on paper and would be great in the bank. Don’t be fooled! Just like stocks, real estate is an investment that finds it’s worth by what a buyer is willing to pay. If the buyer is working with a full time realtor they are educated on values. Let’s not forget your home must appraise for that value too.
Does the realtor advertise? What are their stat’s in your market? Do they know how to achieve the highest value for your home? Do they specialize in new home subdivisions, land or resale? How do they invest or do they even own a home? A realtor is an advisor to one of the greatest investment the average American makes. How do they handle their own financial lives? Are they upside down???? Or do they make wise investments themselves and are on the right track to financial stability! Last but not least…ask for referrences and call them!
Ask these questions…you will be surprised and you will find a professional willing to go the mile for you and your family!
I believe in educating a client so that when we have completed a sale they, my clients, know they received the highest level of representation they could receive!
I love my job!!!!!
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As a realtor myself this is great stuff. How often have I wanted to say to a part timer or the neighbor who thinks they know what is happening in the market that they are wrong and don’t know because they don’t understand the profession or put in the appropriate time needed to be “Professional”.
Tom
Comment by thomascraig January 2, 2009 @ 10:59 pmJust a note to Tom Craig and Gyle Balmer… These are partners that are truly a pleasure to do a transaction with. Once mutual acceptance begins everyone remembers timelines of a contract. The job gets done with a successful close. We always have satisfied sellers and happy buyers. Thanks! Here’s looking at more together in 2009.
Comment by cherylhusted January 4, 2009 @ 12:30 am