Why do we spend more time researching Amazon Reviews for toasters then 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.
- Firefighter / EMT – 750 Hours of classroom and field training, many hours of written exam and practical exams and both a practical and written 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 us or someone else; find the right Realtor to fully represent and protect you, your money and future happiness.
Please watch the short videos below to learn more about Sharon and Dwight and the benefits of an Exclusive Buyers Agent.
Then read below to learn more about how 17 years of combined experience only working to help Buyers will help you reach your goals. Thank you !!
Let’s take a minute and think about a few things…
Let’s take a moment and define the word “Agent” In it’s common law and truest definition; An agent is one person or entity that works for one person or entity for one purpose. If this is true, then how can a Realtor protect both the buyer and seller ?? The term “agent” over the years has become so common place that the true meaning has been very diluted. When we get our license issued by the State of Florida, it says “salesperson” not “agent”. This does not imply a “agency relationship”, it only means you can work at a brokerage and are legally allowed to sell real estate.
We are True Single Agents that will protect you, educate you, work hard for you and safeguard your money and happiness as if it were our own.
Why not call the Realtor on the sign or maybe the one in the magazine advertising their listings ? If you stop and think about about that question…Ask yourself; if they are working with both the seller and buyer, as what is termed by the State of Florida, a Transaction Broker; not agent, who does that Realtor fully represent? The seller, the buyer??
Things that make you go hmmmmm????
For Buyers Only Realty; we only work for buyers; we do not take listings, never have…never will. That equals zero conflict of interest and complete loyalty for our Buyer Clients. We give you 100% representation; complete loyalty, complete confidentiality, fiduciary, and provide the skill to educate and protect you. We are True Single Agents and not just a buyers agent at a “Big Box” brokerage.
Let’s compare a Single Agent vs. a Transaction Brokerage…
We have already defined “Agent” above so already you can see that it is way over used and poorly understood. The vast majority of Realtors act as transaction brokers. That is because the brokerage they work under is a transaction brokerage. In other words, they take listings and bring buyers to the same “table”; they are just facilitating a transaction and do not fully represent either side.
Furthermore, some brokerages work with seller as a single agent then if a Realtor inside of their brokerage or they themselves bring a buyer; they can transition to a transaction broker. This only allows them to provide limited representation to either party.
A True Single Agent (brokerage) only works for one side, either seller or buyer thus eliminating any possible conflicts of interest.
Additionally, the state says that as a Single Agent, I have to tell you and give you written documentation that states that I only work for you. Meanwhile as a transaction broker I do not have to tell you that I do not fully represent you. This is the “default relationship” assumed by most Brokerages and the Realtors they employ. The State feels this information is understood by the average consumer…Did you know this? …Most people don’t. It’s not your fault many Realtors will not take the time to explain this.
True Single Agents have Clients…transaction Realtors as described above have customers. What level of service do you deserve?? I think we all would agree, being a Client with all of the benefits of full representation and protections is the right choice vs. limited representation when you work with a traditional (transaction) Realtor.
Interview, Interview, Interview…Notice I said that more than once ??
We 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 us to be one that you interview. Get to know us, you will be impressed.
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, we will give honest and open feedback. We will never tell you the every home we walk into “is the perfect home”; because they’re not. We may not always agree on everything, but at the end of the day, your best interest, happiness and our friendship is our goal.
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 your’s 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; and that is to help people achieve THEIR GOAL’s 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 ?? Why don’t we ask for references from past clients??
Call us for references as needed and they will be provided. Also check our Google and Zillow Reviews. We are extremely proud of our level of client service and we hand carry every purchase and new construction build from start to finish and well beyond. At the end of the day we always ask ourselves…did we have a positive impact in someones life today and can we call them a friend ??
When you choose For Buyers Only Realty, you get both Sharon (She’s the pretty one) and Dwight.
What does that mean for our clients?? From the the start of our relationship we are in constant communication with all of the parties involved in the purchase of your new home. Sharon stays in touch with your lender, the title company, the insurance company, etc to be sure all is on tract for the day of closing. All of this while Dwight is busy on site with any and all concerns that directly affect your new home. This includes attending all inspections and monitoring needed repairs and taking Realtors and sellers to task if repairs are not up to the proper standard.
When you work with for Buyers Only Realty, you get two people that work in tandem for your benefit. Sharon handles all of the administrative details and Dwight is your Boots on the Ground. As Dwight says, “Sharon is the brains the beauty and “I’m your guy on the street”.
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 we will stay in continuous communication with you; furthermore, you will always talk directly to Sharon and Dwight.
We make building a new construction home with us fun and educational !!
How do you benefit from a Realtor that is involved from the very first meeting right on up to closing? We just don’t call up the site agent and register you and us together; or meet you at their office then leave for “another meeting” leaving you to fend for yourself. From the very first phone call we have with you to learn about your goals, through to all of the meetings required to build a home and onto the building process…We are along side you as a Team.
There are many unknowns for most Clients during this process and it can be scary. Many Realtors are not be comfortable with the building process and they may shy away on construction techniques, process and working directly with the site superintendent. Dwight stays up to date with all of the local builder site superintendents and site agents; and has many of them on speed dial in his phone and they have him as well. He is always fostering a positive relationship with them because at the end it will benefit our Clients.
We take this process very serious and we love teaching and educating you along the way.
Dwight visits each site as needed to check on the progress and to chat with the builder about the home. During the visit he shoots a video to be uploaded so you can see the actual progress. Many of our Clients 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. We follow that up with phone and email conversations as well.
We 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 us. 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. The builders pay a commission to both your agent and their own site agent with monies set aside for that. Your home price is not raised to cover that. So having someone helping you in the process is completely free to you.
The site agents and builders actually welcome our involvement because of how we conduct ourselves and the complete hands on approach we use. We believe Trust, Respect and Communication are the keys to building a great home. You and us, we are a Team !!
We hope this helps explain the differences when utilizing a True Exclusive Buyers Agent. Whether it’s us 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 !! We would love the opportunity to be interviewed by you, please call or email and we can chat about your needs and
goals. and thank you for taking time to learn about us.
Dwight Cole 904-466-4630
Sharon Stevens 904-687-5220
[email protected]
Click these links to view our Google and Zillow Reviews.
For Buyers Only You Tube Channel