Home > Blogs > Barbara Charlton > Barbara Charlton's (bcharlton) Blog

Seriously, Do I LOOK Like A Lawyer to You?

By Barbara Charlton

Real Estate Agent with inactive - license is on ice with State of MN

July 22, 2011 01:38 AM

The other day someone asked me about potential legal ramifications of a decision they needed to make. Inside my head, this little voice said, "Wait a minute, do I look like an attorney?"

Then that little voice's evil twin. Ms. Ego, preened a little and was so flattered that they thought I knew SO much. (And that path leads to peril.)

Not so fast. I am not an attorney, I don't have a license to practice law, and I was very quick to refer them to legal counsel.

And it's true, I do know a lot.......about real estate. But, in selling homes, it is important for agents to remember that they are NOT:

Lawyers
Accountants
Inspectors
Police departments
Air quality experts
Mold experts
Etc., etc.

So when your agent refers you to an expert for a bona fide answer to a specific question, remember that they are not ducking the issue, but instead are looking out for your best interests at all times.

Re-Blog

Comments(9)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Joe Jackson

Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH

Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

Great advise thanks for the post

Jul 22, 2011 01:46 AM

Steve Hoffacker

Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL

Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Barbara,

Well said. Going beyond what we are licensed to do can endanger several people. :)

Steve

Jul 22, 2011 01:49 AM

Brin Realty Associates Team At Bean Group

Bean Group | Brin Realty Associates - Amherst, NH

Amherst NH homes and Southern NH real estate

Barbara, EXCELLENT titlle and post, we need to remind ourselves of this everyday! Am clicking suggest!

Jul 22, 2011 01:57 AM

Barbara Charlton

inactive - license is on ice with State of MN - Lakeville, MN

Joe and Steve, I have to constantly be wary of those little voices in my head :)

Rene, thank you so much!

Jul 22, 2011 02:02 AM

Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!

Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

I clicked suggest as well! TO often Realtors think they know all aspects of a transaction....and we don't ....or at least know all of it...don't be a Know It all!

Great post!

Jul 22, 2011 02:10 AM

Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES

Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL

Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Barbara, well said, short and simple. Sometimes we sound like a broken records but we cannot give advice outside the scope of our expertise.

Jul 22, 2011 02:23 AM

Deborah, thank you! And what you said is so true. I have a broad background and know a little about a lot of stuff, but you never get in trouble sticking to your own expertise :)

Silvia, it's so darned easy to do, without even realizing it, really.

Jul 22, 2011 02:38 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

That is the best advice you can give clients and will keep your career moving forward! Great post Barbara!

Jul 22, 2011 03:48 AM

Thanks Wanda!

Jul 22, 2011 10:18 AM

Seriously, Do I LOOK Like A Lawyer to You?

Comments(9)

Barbara Charlton

Recent Posts

Additional Information