For me, being a green buyer's agent in Asheville, North Carolina is the only way I could work as a real estate broker. The are many reasons for this, from a passion for this area to my commitment to a sustainable relationship with our environment.
Asheville's realty market has been growing in great ways over the last several years. Even this year's housing slump has only highlighted its desirability as it remained one of the last healthy markets in the nation. To name just a couple of contrasting accolades; Asheville was named "Best Southern Town" by Outside Magazine as well as the number one most popular place to retire according to Topretirements.com. This kind of growth and attention has brought out a lot real estate agents. There are a lot of brokers in the Asheville area doing just what traditional real estate agents do, trying to get every listing they can get their hands on. I don't see any problem with this mind set, I guess, it just isn't how I do business. My background before becoming an Asheville real estate professional was mostly focused on conservation, service, and wilderness guiding. My experience has helped shape my business. I prefer to work as a buyer's agent because for me it is more like acting as an interpreter and guide in a place that I love. I am not out there hunting down listings, I am getting to know like minded clients and helping them hunt down their dreams. It may be a little non-traditional to meet clients on a hiking trail to discuss options or to explore the local resteraunts before the local properties...but hey, Asheville is a pretty non-traditional city.
I feel like it is much easier to build relationships as a buyer's agent. For one thing, payment is generally coming from the seller's side. With money out of the way it makes it a lot easier for people to trust me. Also, because I am not representing the property, people can feel secure that they are finding out all the information that is important to them and that nothing is hidden. Being a green buyer's broker has more in common with being a well informed and helpful friend than it does with any other professional relationship. And that is the only way I would have it.
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