I am proud to be a Realtor. Yes, a card-carrying, flag-waving, handshake-seeking Realtor. I announce this fact to my friends, family, and yes, even total strangers.
I admit that being a Realtor is not a crowd-pleasing profession. According to a Harris poll in 2006, Realtor's are the second least trusted professional. Only 7% of those responding to the poll said that they trusted their Realtor completely. Yikes!
When I read that statistic I pondered on why it was so, and what could I do to be one of those trusted few. This is what I came up with:
- A Realtor is one who educates him/herself to the current economic climate, previous and future market conditions and current laws and regulations regarding all things pertaining to real estate.
- A Realtor continues to educate themselves by attending seminars and lectures to keep abreast of cutting edge information.
- A Realtor listens to their client and is available for their questions.
- A Realtor seeks for properties that meet the client's needs, or finds such properties through searching records, newspapers, the internet, and even "for sale by owner" homes.
- Likewise, a Realtor spends the time, money, and focused energy on marketing a client's home. They help to give suggestions as to sell the home quicker and at the best price possible.
- A Salesperson, on the other hand, would rather show you three or four homes and then press you into making a decision. "Buy now", they say, regardless of whether it is a good time for you to purchase a home.
I chose a real estate career to be able to help people, not sell people homes they didn't need, want or least of all couldn't afford! My intent was not to facilitate great wealth for people willing to sign their name to documents regardless of their ability to pay for their "investment vehicle". My intent is to guide clients through what could be the largest expenditure they ever make. I want to advise, suggest and oversee this purchase all while earning my client's trust and confidence. I want to always remember that all clients deserve the very best of my abilities, time and energy devoted to their transaction, regardless of the square footage, acreage, or number of zero's involved.
I plead to you, dear reader...in spite of the Harris poll, the media barrage of bad news, or even your own possible negative experiences...THERE ARE REALTOR'S WHO CARE! And I count myself to be one of that group.
If you are looking for property in Solano County, CA I would welcome the opportunity to meet you in person and prove to you just why I am very proud to be a Realtor!