Donna, as Realtors, we know the value of the services we can perform for the clients. I agree, it applies to both buyers and sellers. The public needs to see this, I hope you posted it on Localism.com as well. 

Donna, Wonderful advice, there is SO much to real estate that I don't think some people realize it and try to sell on their own.  It's unfortunate they may very well encounter issues they weren't even aware of.  Great information.

Donna, This is aways a good reminder and a good way for us to present ourselves to prospects and clients.

Have a good weekend, Charles

I think that for the most part, people understand that it isn't as easy as walking up to a FSBO, knocking on the door and agreeing on a price. It's what takes place from that moment forward that can be devastating for an unrepresented consumer.  In Vancouver I have actually met people at open house that were going to try it on their own only to contact me a month or so later stating that they had discovered that the process wasn't as easy as they thought.  Protect yourself people!

Derrick:  I specifically posted to localism.  It seems like I have to explain this daily to people I come in contact with.  I guess it can't be stressed enough.  It's amazing how many people think we are all rich and do virtually nothing in the process.  I wont' even get started on being self-employed and all the expense with that plus commission that has to be paid to the brokerage firm.

Carole:  I like those people who try to sell on their own.  That way they learn first hand without a Realtor having to preach it.  It's hard way to learn for those folk but it's something they will remember and appreciate. 

Charles:  I know it's been said before and it will probably have to be said again but I felt that I had to write this blog primarily to post to localism.  It seems like I encounter someone daily who has absolutely no idea just how much a motivated and hard working Realtor really does.  Unless we go around shouting it from the rooftops, which we don't, most buyers and sellers will never know so we must educate as best we can. I am disappointed that the NAR does not do a better job when it comes to this topic.

Terry:  It's a hard way for FSBOs to learn but it's always nice to know that they do eventually realize that a Realtor is a very needed and valuable asset in helping them achieve their goals.

We assure that our customers see all the properties in the area that meet their criteria. Guide them through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, to getting the best financing.

We make sure they don't  pay too much for their new home and help them to  avoid costly mistakes. Answer all questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.

In addition, today I previewed 15 homes for a customer that is flying in to town to buy a home! I work hard for my money!!!

Janis:  You bet you work hard for the money and I do too!  Good Realtors do work hard for the money and I'm on a mission to educate the public as to just what a motivated Realtor really does.  There's plenty that goes on behind the scenes, as you well know, that a buyer or seller will never even know we handled unless we go around "tooting our own horn".  Not trying to blow my own horn because there are plenty of Realtors who go way above and beyond and you sound like one of them.  But I cleaned a house that I sold to a buyer earlier this year.  The house was a mess and the listing side kept assuring me that it would be cleaned.  It wasn't and so the evening before my client came to town (driving quite a ways, I might add), I cleaned the house.  There was no way I was going to let my client, first of all, drive that far and then open the door to his new home only to be hit with a mess.  He never knew and the payback was his excitement and sheer joy upon entering his new home.  You add some very good points and as I receive comments like yours, I will probably edit my post to include other points.  I will be previewing at least 10 properties scattered from one end of the county to the other tomorrow, for a buyer who is flying up next weekend. It will be an all day job and at least, at least 100 miles plus.  So, yep, we really do work hard for our money and many times we are left holding the bag, aren't we!?!  What other profession does one do so much work upfront witihout getting paid a dime and runs the risk of never getting paid?

I recently showed a limited service listing that was in the MLS. The owner was there. Her presence and few statements really ruined her chances of selling the house. It was almost poetic justice to see a non-pro ruin their cost-cutting method. I'm going to blog about it. It was THE reason to Use a Realtor.

I look forward to reading Michael's blog on this topic.  You're right, and you do a better job than NAR does of promoting the benefits of a REALTOR.

Great points, and just like Margaret W mentioned, people need to know about this better.  I bet the average consumer doesn't know about the benefits and needs to be taught that Realtor is better.

Michael:  I look forward to the blog.  After I finsih here, I'm going to see if you've written it.  Thank you for your comment.

Margaret:  Looks like it's really up to the Realtors to get the word out.  Can't figure out why NAR doesn't do more. Thank you for your comment.

Stephen:  I agree.  Let's keep telling the public because I do hate to see the average consumer learn the hard way.  They need to know that good Realtors really are worth every dime!  Thank you for your comment.

Donna-Love it.  I am proud to be a realtor and it appears you are too!  We as a profession need to do a better job at promoting ourselves as professional realtors.  Great post....and thanks for commenting on mine

Midori:  I agree with you 200 percent.  I am disappointed that NAR doesn't do a better job for us but if it's up to us, to do the educating and promoting, then I'm up to the task.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts.