What the heck does an agent do anyway?

Real estate agent vs Realtor...What's the difference?

Real Estate agents are licensed to help the public buy and sell real estate.

Realtor is a trademarked term for a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and licensed to help the public buy and sell real estate. Basically we pay a yearly preimum to be held to a higher ethical standard of practice. I equate it to the Doctors oath, "do no harm". We are basically super heros in pant suits! It also gives us access to continuing education meetings and seminars with experts in not only real estate but other fields that directly affect our clients and business. NAR is also heavliy involved in advocating politics that support change in our local and national housing market. Important stuff happening behind the scenes there. However this is decided by what firm you work for. Some firms are apart of the associaiton and therefore the agents and brokers who work for them are also required to be. Some firms choose not to be apart of the association and then some firms are literally kicked out for violating ethics. Yikes!

Does this really matter? Im sure everyone at NAR would kill me for saying but not completely. I mean being held to a higher ethical standard is greatly important, but your agent should hold themselves there not be forced to by an association. NAR is a support system and networking platform for our business, It is very useful to us as agents and brokers in the education they offer and there is definitely value in that.

The most imporant thing anyone ever told me when I first started was, "Always remember who you represent!" That is truly all that matters. Giving honest and relable representation to your clients. Not only is it the most exspensive thing you will ever buy but it is bound by a LEGAL contract. Why would you want to go at it alone? Ask yourself an honest question; Have ever rented an apartment or bought a car and read the contract WORD for WORD before signing it? No, probably not. And I bet if you did you would have a lot of questions. Most folks just care about when the payment is due and how much are you charged if it is late. Scary!

In short, What do I do?

I am a FULL TIME Realtor

I am an Associate Broker

I am honest

I am prideful in what I do

I am a translator of contracts

I am a master negotiator

I am a keeper of time

I am a note taker

I am an accomodator

I am a driver of many miles

I am a house tour maniac

I am a MLS searching machine

I am a contractor referral goddess

I am a maker and KEEPER of appointments & inspections

I am closer

I am an expert advise giver

I am a holder of hands

I am a referee

I am a therapist

I am a predictor of the future

I am problem solver

I am a visonary

I am a baby sitter

I am a manager of property

I am a home flipper

I am an HGTV freak just like you

I am a jeans and t-shirt girl but can rock a pants suit!

I am a human being just trying to make a living like the rest of you.

I could go on and on. But basically what it boils down to is I LOVE what I do. I LOVE helping people buy and sell real estate. Can anyone get a license? Sure. Can anyone be a Realtor, No. It takes BIG balls, a VERY thick skin, empathy, understanding, a level head, courage, LOADS of time, a good listener, patience and a HEART. So when you want to buy or sell a home, choose someone who makes you feel comfortable, who is willing to take the time to explain, who is organized, who keeps you organized, who is a good communicator, who is honest, who does it as a full time job.

Choose me! :)