How Does One Pick a TRUSTWORTHY Source on ActiveRain?

Being a Dedicated and Loyal Member of ActiveRain for the past (almost) FIVE years means that I have a little (well, maybe a lot) of information to share with all the NEW MEMBERS and well as some older members too. It DOES NOT mean I am any other expert just because I’m a long time member. You will come to that conclusion after talking and meeting with me.

 

TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE?

 

As always, it’s not the length of time one has been a Real Estate agent but the quality of the services given as seasoned Real Estate Agents that will make all the difference in the world. It’s that quality of service that will precede our closed transactions with a good reputation.

 

As a Member of ActiveRain it will always be the quality of the information written that will mean all the difference in the world in getting information out to the consumer. It is this FACTUAL and quality content that everyone will read in determining who to choose to represent them or other agent’s clients.

 

QUALITY vs. QUANTITY.

 

I’m comparing the real estate agent (or you can insert your real estate profession) and being a member of ActiveRain for obvious reasons. This is a REAL Estate Network. (notice how I capitalize the REAL?)  and we connect with our peers of the real estate industry right here.

 

BUT, the buck doesn’t stop there does it?  When interviewing REALTORS®, Stagers, Loan Officers, Escrow Companies, SEO experts, Real Estate Coaches, Professional Photographers, Home Inspectors (okay, you get the drift….all real estate professionals) take into consideration that we can’t always take the written word or everything we see on television as a testimony of the quality and level of service that particular professional will give.

 

ULTIMATELY, IT WILL BE YOUR CHOICE.

 

Following are a few tips and hints in your search for another REALTOR®, Real Estate Professional or whatever services they are trying to sell you:

•  Recommendations and Referrals.  Get a FEW numbers of past clients, customers or other agents (or professionals) in the real estate industry with whom you can follow up with. When referring our clients to any other professional make sure you have personal knowledge and information on past transactions, services and so forth. Ask other older members about the person whom you’re inquiring about. In fact, search out a few agents or professionals and interview a few!
• Google their name (remember to clear your cache to get a clear and concise search) and see if there are any complaints. At the very least make sure they are all who they say they are and not just reading the articles by the person you are searching for. Remember, anyone can write about themselves and how good they are…but is it true?
• Make sure they are licensed and certified! If you are unsure if your Agent is licensed or certified…right off the bat you can go to www.arello.com to find your REALTOR. If anything the professional should be able to back up their ‘credentials’.  I am a licensed REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® in the State of Hawaii, Member of the National Association of Realtors®, Member of the Honolulu Board of Realtors®, Member of the Hawaii Association of Realtors®, Certified Residential Specialist®. These are just a few ways but when doing your online shopping it is pertinent to GET TO KNOW the PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORDS!
• MOST IMPORTANTLY:  See if your contact is actually listening to you! Ask them pertinent questions that will ensure you that they are telling you what they will do for you, that they KNOW what services you are expecting from them…instead of just reciting things about themselves.  It isn’t all about ME…it’s about YOU and what I will do for you.

 

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS !

 

Bottom line is that ActiveRain has a WEALTH of information here. You can go to your SEARCH to get that wealth of information but most importantly, when referring your important client ask other members what they think of the person you are thinking about referring to!  If you are a consumer the best advice I can give is there are good talkers but do they actually walk the talk?  READ, READ and READ…you will be educated in no time who may be the right choice for you! 

 

Be careful who you choose.

It could mean the difference between services you can trust…

OR a bum deal from a poor choice.

 

 

 

                                                       

 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.

  

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