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Selecting professionals, it is getting easier by the day.

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions"

It doesn't really matter what type of service you need, finding a licensed competent provider is the hard part.  Today and everyday it gets easier with the Internet.

  1. Google or search under the name of the service and the area you need the service.
  2. Check under the State you live in, this case Michigan for active licensing.  Making sure your company or person of choice is licensed.
  3. Ask to see a copy of their insurance certificate....making sure you are covered by their insurance if they injure themselves while on your property.  Yes, if they get injured and you hired them and they do not have insurance you could be liable for the medical bills and other costs.  Most people do not know this problem could even happen to them.
  4. When checking the state see if they have any judgements against them, like not paying their suppliers, which in turn could put a lean on your property should they not pay for material used for your project.
  5. Check with people they have already done work for....ask for names and phone numbers.  Question the type of work they did for the past client you are calling.  You may find it is unrelated to what you are having done and the service provider is just filling a time gap for money and doing something other than they are qualified or experienced to do.

These quick little tips should help you get the type of services you expect and pay to have done.

Gary White your professional in real estate.

Laurie Mindnich
Centennial, CO

Gary, great post- google really provides a wealth of info.  Checking on a business through the BBB is so easy on the computer.  We have all info at our fingertips (literally) and it is a devastating thing to hire a bad contractor.  It's too easy to check- and your reminder is timely!

Sep 01, 2007 02:46 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Also, I think it's a great idea to ask people you know and trust for some recommendations.  That's how I get almost all of my business!
Sep 01, 2007 02:54 AM
Judi Glamb
Coldwell Banker Hearthside - Hellertown, PA
Associate Broker, ABR

Google & the internet is also good for researching clients that put up "red flags" or verifing what they say.  I've found some very interesting information and even helped a fellow client realize that her deal was "too good to be true" and it did result in fraud (I found prior public conviction records).

Sep 01, 2007 02:59 AM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good tips. Google  is good to find out about prospective tenants and their previous address.

Insurance information is very important.

Sep 01, 2007 10:50 PM
Lysa Napolitano
Daytona Beach, FL
Gary, Awsome! I would have never thought of this. Next time someone calls the office and asks if I know of someone that can .... and I don't I'll refer back to this post! Thanks!
Sep 02, 2007 12:35 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!
Hi Laurie, the Internet now has access to all those contractors and service providers.  Most states has sites that include both licensing and any complaints or fines they may have had too.  Thanks for the comment.
Sep 02, 2007 01:12 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!
Hi Patricia, personal recommendations are always better than picking the unknown service provider.  Thanks for the comment.
Sep 02, 2007 01:14 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!
Hi Judi, I actually look up every client before I go on a listing appointment.  It is very interesting the things that are in public records....shocking what you find at times.  Nice input Judi, thanks for the comment.
Sep 02, 2007 01:16 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!
Gita, the world has gotten very small with the information highway.  Thanks for the comment.
Sep 02, 2007 01:17 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!
Thanks for you comment Lysa, this is just a few of the subjects you can find as you know but the Internet is a vast playground of information.  We are care givers for some elderly relatives and there is a whole sight related to the subject that has been very helpful....you just never know what will pop-up with a few key words in the search blank.
Sep 02, 2007 01:20 PM