NAR, the National Association of Realtors, recently released a “Danger Report” that states the largest threat to today’s real estate agent is other real estate agents. When an organization that is out there to protect and propel the image of Realtors is publicly skeptical about real estate agents, there must be a big problem. The competence of agents is a big concern mentioned in the report. Because real estate is a commission only job, it’s not uncommon for agents to have a full time job that pays the bills and be a real estate agent part time for supplemental income. Many agents are unskilled, lacking the ability to coach buyers and sellers in one of the largest purchases or sales they will ever be a part of. As a consumer, how do you make sure your agent is competent and ethical? How do you protect yourself from agents that are marginal?
You Need a Great Real Estate Agent
During your home purchase or sale, you rely on your agent for not only market information but opinions on how to handle different situations that crop up, resale value and negotiation tactics. An agent that has years in the business may sound like someone you can rely on but if they are a part time agent, that may not be the case. A better measure of the experience of real estate agents is the number of sales they have handled. According to NAR, agents on average close just 12 transactions a year.
In 2014 Jason & I closed 39 transactions. We are both full time real estate agents. Our standard of living relies on our ability to provide an excellent service to our clients. We pride ourselves on the care we take of our clients; looking out for their best interests while maintaining a high ethical standard. We ensure our clients’ earnest money is never at risk, that deadlines are not overlooked, and that their motivations and bottom lines are closely guarded and never exploited. We provide factual information to help our buyers and sellers decide their best course of action. We will never push a client into a decision! We anticipate road blocks that may hinder a transaction and do everthing we can to preempt them. We work hard for every client whether they are buying a small condo or a multi-million dollar home. There is no better compliment from a client than coming back to us for another purchase or sale or referring a friend or family member to us for their real estate needs. It is our goal to provide service worthy of exactly that.
The Easy Answer
The easy answer to hiring a great real estate agent is to work with The Mountain Living Team for your Summit County real estate needs. If you’re buying or selling outside of Summit County, we may have a great agent to refer you to, check with us first. One additional tip, make sure your real estate agent is really representing you. Every state has its own rules but no matter where you are your real estate agent should be able to tell you about their obligations to you.
Additional questions? Just ask, we’re happy to help.
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