What is a Realtor?

A real estate agent is a Realtor when he or she is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) ~ the voice of real estate ~ the world's largest professional association.  NAR is comprised of over 720,000 members including residendial and commercial Realtors, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Realtors are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice.  Working for America's property owners, the National Association provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.

A realtor is a real estate professional you hire and contract with to perform services and assist you with the sale or purchase of your home.

How does a Realtor get paid?

A Realtor's commission is paid through the sellers proceeds.  In the State of Minnesota, it is not customary to charge a buyer for the time a realtor spends researching, showing, negotiating and closing on behalf of the buyer. 

Why should I hire a Realtor and pay a commission?

A majority of an agent's commission is "earned" in the services that are NOT SEEN DIRECTLY.  Comparable to a "project manager" or "consultant" hired to oversee and manage a transaction and bring it to a successful closing.  A sellers chooses a Realtor because of their leadership and management skills and that is where a majority of the commission is "earned".  A realtor's commission is earned by sharing knowledge as well as service.

All buyers and sellers see the obvious, a sign in the yard or an ad in the newspaper and any seller can do those things.  Listed below are 12 project management overview qualities and services that you would acquire when hiring a realtor to assist with the purchase or sale of your home ~ the largest asset most people ever own!!

Product Knowledge / Staging is very important when it comes to appeal of your home to potential buyers.  An agent sees hundreds of homes a year and knows true and honest feedback that potential buyers will address as they tour your home.  An agent can give you the best tips on preparing your house, furnishings and landscaping for viewing.

Marketing ~  Marketing your home to potential buyes is crutial.  An agent can network with other agents, prepare attractive wording regarding the highlights of your home, use high tech equipment for photos, brochures etc.  Running ads in the newspaper, holding open houses and the most important piece of the puzzle, placing your home on MLS (multiple listing service)

Security ~ when you list your home with a realtor, showings are sets up through the brokerage firm, and only licensed agents are given access to your home by way of a lockbox placed on your door.  All other inquiries are run through your agent, you do not need to let strangers into your home, which could put you or your family at risk.

Current Market Analysis  ~  An agent can assist with the pricing of your home.  Comparing your home to other active, pending and sold "like kind" properties to obtain true and accurate pricing.  With an ever changing market, it is important to know if it is a buyers or sellers market.  An agent will prepare attractive verbiage, process effective advertising , signage, MLS information, brochures, support staff, open houses, etc.

Disclosures ~ There are several Federal, State and Local disclosures and requirements.  An agent will make sure that you, the seller, have proper disclosures in place for the buyers of your home.  This is accomplished by extensive training on behalf of the numerous organizations, the brokers and their agents and the municipalities.

Documentation ~ Purchase agreements and all supporting documentation can at times be as many as 15 legal sized pages.  Several documents are required to sell a home in the state of Minnesota.  They are legally binding contracts between you, the seller, the broker, they buyers and some cities.  An agent is the best source for the most current and up to date forms, and a complete understanding of those forms.

Contingencies ~
   Financial contingencies ~ An agent has the knowledge and skills to best protect your transaction ensuring the buyers financial obligations.
   Inspection contingencies ~ An agent will assist with the fiindings of an inspection, and assist in the negotiations between the parties.
   Home sale contingencies ~ An agent will assist with knowledge and procedures regarding a contingent offer when a buyer needs to sell their home.

Liasion ~ Coordinating the real estate affiliated services can be one of the most time consuning aspects of a realtors job.  Agents will act as liasion to title companies, attorneys, agents, buyers, sellers, lenders and will coordinate all the parties toward a successful closing.

Negotiaions ~ This is probably the most important service an agent can provide for you. Handling negotiations successfully requires skill, talent and experience and can make the difference in the sale of your home.  Many agents have had training and taken classes in the art of negotiation.

Resolving disputes between the parties ~ In addition to coordinating all the aspects of the transaction, when disputes arise, the agent is usually the first line of defense.  Buying or selling your home can be emotional and an agent can help the parties to find common ground and keep the transaction together.

Continuing education ~ All agents are required by law to maintain annual educational credits.  This benefits buyers and sellers as we are better informed and can better assist in the sale or purchase of your home.

Litigation ~ Your agent will help minimize your chances for litigation, based on education, networking and "in the trenches" field training and experience!

24/7 ~ Agents are usually  "on call"  24/7 and can assist with questions, issues, concerns and problems that arise to help make your transaction a pleasant experience.

Count on my services as a Realtor for knowledge and leadership skills to implement and coordinate the "project" which is the listing, sale or purchase and successful closing of your home!