Why do we spend more time researching Amazon Reviews for toasters than we do for a Realtor that is
going to help us make one of the largest purchases of our lives? Crazy right?
A few pieces of trivia for you, how many hours of education are needed…
- Cosmetologist – 1200 hours of classroom training, a state test and a final practical (hands on) exam.
- Full Nail Technician – 500 hours of classroom training, a state test and a final practical exam.
- Dental Hygienist – A minimum of a 2 year degree is needed and many practical and written exams along with a state Test.
- Massage Therapist – 500 hours of classroom training, many practical exams within the curriculum, final practical and written exam, a state test.
Real Estate Agent – 63 hours. “Holy Cow Batman!! For only 63 hours enrolled in an internet course, a simple state test and a few hundred bucks you can become a Florida licensed real estate salesperson. There is no practical exam, no interviews, nothing; Scary right? This is why you should interview Realtors. You are trusting this person to help you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, possibly the most money you will spend in your life. Please do not leave this decision to luck or happenstance. You only get one chance to make a great decision.
Interview, Interview, Interview!
Whether it’s me or someone else; find the right Realtor to fully represent and protect you, your money and future happiness.
Interview, Interview, Interview… Notice I said that more than once?
I completely get it; that when you see a home that really appeals to you, it’s hard not just to pick up the phone and call the listing Realtor on the sign. Any Realtor can show you any home so please interview some; don’t just let yourself fall into the first person you come into contact with. Please Stop, take a pause! The first and foremost decision you should make before purchasing or building a home is which Realtor will be helping you.
Most people just simply call the the Realtor on the sign or in the magazine or after calling one of those “Big Box” brokerages they get “assigned” to a Realtor working the floor that day. You’re getting ready to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars; why would you just leave this to happenstance or shear luck ?? Why don’t we interview Realtors like we select doctors or lawyers or even toasters on Amazon with at least some research and education?? Please allow me to be one that you interview. Get to know me, and see if we are a good fit to work together on your home search.
Ask pointed questions and ask for references. Don’t be afraid to say “thanks, but no thanks”. It’s your money your getting ready to spend and you should be able to have open and honest dialogue with the person that will be helping you. As we work together, I will give honest and open feedback. I will never tell you that every home we walk into “is the perfect home”; because they’re not. Homes our built by humans and humans are imperfect. But we will do everything possible, working together to make sure your home is “as perfect as possible”!
Realtors should do more listening than talking and be able to help you through the journey of home buying or building. The Realtor you choose has be able to have your back and yours alone and be able to go to bat for you as needed. Your Realtor can’t be afraid of the “tough conversations” and be willing to personally stand up for you as an Agent and stay on top of all details of the deal so there are no surprises on the day of closing. Helping you reach your goal should be the only motivation a Realtor has. Unfortunately today many brokerages are volume driven and have forgotten the true profession and why we do this … to help people achieve THEIR GOALS, not ours.
Always remember… Realtors work for you, not the other way around !
Food For Thought…
Just because your “Brothers Friend’s Aunt” is a Realtor, does not mean she is a good one. She may be sweet, but sweet and lack of experience or attention to detail is a dangerous combination. Neither is that co-worker down at the office; do you want a part time Realtor or someone that answers their phone and is available to you 24/7 ??
Call me for references as needed and they will be provided. Also check my Realtor.com recommendations and reviews. I am extremely proud of my level of client service and I hand carry every purchase and new construction build from start to finish and well beyond. I always treat my clients the way that I would like to be treated myself.
You will never have to talk to a “transaction coordinator or an assistant that is now handing your contract” This is very common with large real estate brokerages.
Before, during and after the buying or building process, I will stay in communication with you and you will always speak directly with me.
How do you benefit from a Realtor that is involved from the very first meeting right on up to closing? I just don’t call up the site agent and register you and me together; or meet you at their office then leave for “another meeting” leaving you to fend for yourself. From the very first phone call I have with you to learn about your goals, through to all of the meetings and inspections required to build a home or purchase a home … I am along side you and we will work as a Team.
There are many unknowns for most buyers during this process and it can be scary. Many Realtors are not very comfortable with the building process and they may shy away on construction techniques and working directly with the site superintendent. I stay up to date with the local builder site superintendents and site agents and always try to foster a positive relationship with them because in the end it will benefit my clients. I take this process very seriously and will be working with you along the way.
I visit each site as needed to check on the progress and to chat with the builder about the home. During the visits I will shoot a video to be uploaded so you can see the actual progress. Many of my customers are building long distance and this gives them an opportunity to be involved in the process and have a higher comfort level while their new home is being built. I believe, “The more eyes on a job, the better”.
Remember, the site agent does not work for you. They work for the builder (the seller)…
Before you visit a new community, please call me. If you visit a site agent prior to engaging a Realtor to help you, you may negate your ability to have representation. Many builders have a policy that if your Realtor is not with you on the first visit to the community and stays to actually be a part of the process, they won’t be allowed to be involved. We are hearing about more and more of this due to an increased amount of Realtors just dropping folks off at their office or just calling the site agent to “register” the buyer but never coming to the office themselves and then having very little contact; or worse, no contact with them throughout the building process until the day of closing when it’s time to pick up their check.
Another common myth…Having a Realtor helping you does not change the price of your home. So having someone helping and watching out for you during the process is simple common sense and a smart decision. The site agents and builders actually welcome our involvement because of how I conduct myself and the complete hands on approach we use. I believe Trust, Respect and Communication are the keys to building a great home.
Whether it’s me or someone else, you must do your own homework and select the individual that will have your best interest at heart. Interview a few and make sure they’re as educated and caring as you need them to be.
At the end of the day it’s your money and Realtors need you, not the other way around. Thanks for taking the time to educate yourself ! I would love the opportunity to be interviewed by you, please call or email and we can chat about your needs and goals.
John Lawrence (904) 570-5553 – [email protected]
