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Why Use A Real Estate Agent? | The Benefits of Using a Realtor®

By
Real Estate Agent with Christie's International Real Estate

This is a repost of an older post that Lisa had done a few years back that may be more important now than ever. I think it was a great post and wanted to share with you my wifes talents for writing, just in case you hadn't seen it back then. I have just touched it up a bit and reformatted it a little with my own personal touches. Thanks Lisa! :-)

You may be in the process of Buying or Selling a Home and wondering "What Are The Benefits Of Using  A Realtor ®?"   Well, You Must Read This.....

If you were to look up the definition of a Realtor® you may find a definition lacking greatly in all the ways that we define the Many Hats That We Wear.  The decision to become a Realtor®, like any other profession, is a very individual one indeed.  Sure there are those who go into the Profession because they have heard that money can be made.  And there are those who go into it because of the flexibility of work hours.

SO - "What Are The Benefits Of Using A Realtor ®"?  Actually, the thought came to my mind today after reading a Blog written by a fellow Active Rain Member.  I'm sure our good friend, Rich Jacobson, in the State of Washington, won't mind if we mention him for the sake of this BlogYou see, Rich had written a very touching story in one of his Blogsthat exemplified the very essence of What The Benefits Of Using A Realtor®Are.  The story was a touching one that showed the very human aspect of the ways in which a Realtor® connects to his/her clients.  When selecting a Realtor®,you'll want to consider the following list of the more obvious benefits.

  • Works diligently to represent client to market a property in an effort to sell for the best price possible.
  • Assist a Buyer in the purchase of a Property while guiding them through the process.
  • Stay abreast of modern Technologies affecting the marketing or communications process with customers.
  • Be proficient in Photography necessary for the marketing of properties.
  • Sustain a grasp on the analysis of the Real Estate market to aide in the pricing of Homes for Sale.
  • Must be familiar with neighborhood information in the areas of specialization.
  • Must be knowledgeable in Contracts and how the paperwork involved directly affects clients and customers.
  • Should have keen follow up skills to guide customers in the process.
  • Top Notch Negotiation Skills are a Must.
  • Staging Skills or the ability to advise Sellers when staging is necessary in order to best market a home.
  • Girl In Hat

The Resume of a Real Estate Agent can go on and on and we have only scratched the surface here.  These are just some of the Benefits Of Using A Realtor ®.  As you can see we wear many hats!

But Buying and Selling Homes is a "Business of People".   We can't help but be connected with the lives of those we spend numerous hours with in search of "HOMES"

We're involved daily with people's life dreams of Homeownership.  There are times when that involves happy events like Marriages.  But then there are life events such as Divorces that may cause the Sale of a Home.  Or tragically, the death of a Loved One can cause the sale of a home.  We've sat with clients that were so upset over a loss that they could hardly hold back the tears.  We've cried along with more than one client who was either distraught over a life altering event or elated with tears of joy over some happy event.

Child with Hat

 

There are often Children to consider in the search of a Family Home.  Schools and Daycare Centers must be explored.  Typically young couples bring the children along when searching for a home.  We've gotten to know many couples who later sent us the baby pictures of a new Family member after they settled into their new Homes!

Dog Wearing Hat

 

We've had more than one Listing with a Seller who needed us to mind the Family Pet in order for the home to be shown.

 

Real Estate

 So in closing, consider this, The Benefits of Using A Realtor® are many.  We assist the public in so many of the details that might otherwise be stressful and lonely.   The Benefits of Using A Realtor®  or two goes beyond the mundane tasks of the business.  We're here to share the most precious times of the lives of those we serve.  It's with gratitude that we say it's these moments that make it all worthwhile for us!


Now for some self promotion.....

                       2 Heads are better than one

Coldwell Banker Logo

__________________________________________________________________

 Search New Jersey Homes  Bergen County Real Estate  Bergen County Home Seller Tips  Bergen County Home Buyer Tips  Contact Bergen County Realtors  Free Bergen County Home Evaluation

Robert & Lisa Hammerstein • Sales Associates • Coldwell Banker • (201)315-8618

Address • 50 Broadway • Hillsdale, NJ 07642 •

 

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If you or someone you know is planning a Move in the near future, call your Pascack Valley experts, Lisa & Bob Hammerstein at  or visit us on our website at www.HammersTeam.com.  We'll be able to help you if you're Moving to any of the Pascack Valley towns in Bergen County New Jersey.


Your Real Estate Resource for Bergen County and the entire Pascack Valley!

Christies International Real Estate

__________________________________________________________________

 

Robert & Lisa Hammerstein • Sales Associates • Christies International Real Estate

(201)476-0777
Direct Cell (201) 315-8618

Address • 313 Broadway • Westwood, NJ 07675 •


 


DISCLAIMER: I must disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of, or reliance on, any information contained in this blog, or for the accuracy of comments or opinions expressed by visitors to my blog. The information contained in the articles is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions expressed in these articles are mine. Any party who uses this material  including photos, without the written permission of  Robert Hammerstein is subject to copyright infringement and possible lawsuit.



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Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

When the buyers and sellers hear some of the ads that say a Realtor(r) is an agent who follows a higher code of ethics... they just laugh!  This is a much better illustration.

Jun 18, 2009 02:44 PM
Steve Vennemann-Hennepin-Dakota-Anoka contract for deed property-Ramsey-MN
BoardWalk Premier Realty INC - White Bear Lake, MN

good information..

Jun 18, 2009 03:01 PM
Chuck Cornwell
RE/MAX Regency - Warrenton, VA

How about "Why use a REALTOR?"  All of the above PLUS the NAR Code of Ethics - an additional commitment to protect the public.

Chuck

Jun 18, 2009 03:18 PM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Robert -- A "good" REALTOR is worth their weight in gold (well almost) :-)

Jun 18, 2009 03:25 PM
Tim Shepard
Destin Real Estate - Destin, FL
"There is a Right Way to do Everything"

Robert, the key points in your post are absolutely spot-on.  The problem is that most Realtors are unable to effectively communicate these to their client base. 

If you truly want customers to understand why they need a Realtor then we need to leave the generalities in the car and start talking specifics.

For example, phrases such as be proficient in photography, knowledgeable in contracts, work dilligent, assist, keen follow-up, top knotch negotiation skills, etc. don't impress me at all. They are all vague, subject to interpretation and somewhat elementary.

What convinces someone that they need a Realtor is when they talk to a Realtor that can:

1. Explain in detail the neighborhoods that they are interested in.
2. Give specific details ($$$) of how your "top notch" negotiations saved someone money.
3. Explain in detail why photographs are important and how you ensure yours are the right one.
4. Give examples of how you prevent conflicts or negative consequences because of your knowledge of contracts.
5. Interweave market statistcs in your dialogue so that customers see you as an expert.

I didn't go through every point but you get the idea.  Realtors must explain how they can specifically benefit the customer.

Do this effectively and they will be afraid not to have the assistance of the realtor.

Jun 18, 2009 04:03 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

A good list of the things we do for our clients.  I enjoyed the pictures with the hats.

Jun 18, 2009 04:47 PM
Lana Robbins Realtor ® Licensed Real Estate Broker
Aloha Kai Real Estate - Clearwater, FL
Licensed in Florida, Washington, and Hawai'i

It would also help greatly if NAR helped to relay that message effectively :-)

Jun 18, 2009 05:13 PM
Dean Moss
Dean's Team - Keller Williams Realty Partners Chicago IL - Chicago, IL
Dean's Team Chicago IL Real Estate Team

Lisa/Robert -

Timeless comments - still ring through today!

Thanks for reminding us that certain things - especially human nature and what we provide as professionals - never really change.

Enjoy the weekend!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Jun 19, 2009 12:50 AM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Robert, years ago I saw a statistic about the higher number of lawsuits in FSBO sales. I think that using a Realtor whi writes an offer on a contract certified by the State and the Commissions, and that we are also held to a higher standard with the Code of Ethics, may have a lot to do with that. Required continuing ed also keeps us up on changes.

Jun 19, 2009 01:08 AM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Sheldon - thanks mate! Yes Lisa did this post a while back but I updated it a bit. 

Jun 19, 2009 01:54 AM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

John - In New Jersey we advise lawyers in on every transaction as well. So it is always prudent to do that in this area. Cant think of any deals that haven't had an attorney involved unless the buyer or seller was an attorney and even that can become a nightmare...

Joan - Yes I agree and thought we could all use this again since the general public does react as you say sometimes. Thanks

Steve - Thanks

Jun 19, 2009 01:58 AM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Tim - An excellent addition to the post. All valid points and I certainly agree with all of them.

Christine - Thanks for stopping by and the kind words. Glad you like the pics...

Lana - I agree as well.....

Dean- Yes if you are truly in this business the true value of a good real estate agent shouldn't change but should be reminded and reviewed once in a while lest we forget ours and our clients true goals

Jun 19, 2009 02:07 AM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Joe - the ethics issue is always at the forefront of our business and we should be held accountable for this caveat. thanks

Jun 19, 2009 02:08 AM
Marian Goetzinger
Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 - Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Robert,  I enjoyed the content but the hats are precious!

Jun 19, 2009 03:14 AM
Lazaro Suarez
Specialized Real Estate Services - Kenner, LA

Very true, you know there is so much that we do behind the scenes that neither buyer or seller can really witness...people think its as easy as HGTV shows it, yeah right!!! Anyway, good post!!!

Jun 19, 2009 04:10 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Bob--what post and the message never gets stale.  Besides I am sure that a few of the readers like myself weren't around when it was posted originally and if we were it never hurts to be reminded.  Thanks.

Jun 19, 2009 07:06 AM
An Marshall
Berkshire Hathaway - St. Augustine - Saint Augustine, FL
Your St Augustine Real Estate Consultant

I've been known to do a few housekeeping chores to show a property, hire a repairman, and survey storm damage for absentee owners.

Jun 19, 2009 01:58 PM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Marian - Yes the hats are cute....Thanks

Lazaro - Yeah HGTV ha ha... Good one... It should be so easy in a half hr time slot too right? ha ha..

Jun 20, 2009 08:11 AM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Mary - Thanks for the kind words and stopping by. Glad you enjoyed it... and yes it's still raining...argh


An- I can't tell you how many unpaid things I have done to help a client or customer out along the way to a successful transaction... I'm not complaining about that because my clients are always thankful for our help. That's called paying it forward I believe... Thanks

Jun 20, 2009 08:16 AM
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Bob,

Thanks for pointing my old post out and reviving it.  Absolutely correct that we wear many hats as Real Estate professionals.  It's too bad that more people don't recognize the fact that it's a people business.  We look out for the best interest of our clients and customers and adhere to a strict code of ethics. 

Lisa

Jun 20, 2009 08:52 AM