Questions Your Realtor Can Answer: What is the best color?
Gary has hit the nail on the head with this one; there are plenty of questions we real estate agents CAN help with, but there are plenty we cannot touch, for a variety of reasons.
It's not that we don't want to be helpful or that we don't know the answers, it's just that our answer is coming from a different perspective.
I once had a client who asked about elementary schools in the area; turns out, both of her children had learning disabilities and she did not necessarily want them in the "best" (read: most competitive) school, but rather, in the school that would best fit their individual needs.
We all - REALTORS included - have our preferences and we have to be careful not to let those shade what we say about properties and neighborhoods.
For example, some people love corner lots; all I can think of is "all those headlights coming from multiple directions!" - see how that works?
So, a prudent agent will help his or her clients find the answers that work best for them and their situation. They shouldn't impose their preferences on their clients; after all, we are all different and as my mother used to say, "that's what makes horse races."
I help a lot of folks who are moving to central Florida. Some are familiar with the area and know pretty much what they are seeking in a home and new neighborhood. But those having little familiarity often have lots of questions.
And I try to answer as many questions as possible.
Still, there are some questions I can't answer.
These are the obvious ( and not so obvious) ones that would reflect a violation of the Fair Housing laws. [Learn about the Fair Housing Law.]
Topics like what kind of people live in a particular area are a no-no. Avoiding family status (family friendly, adults only, no children, etc) discussions is necessary. It goes without saying racial composition is never up for discussion.
Specific questions about the area including the location of schools, shopping, recreational facilities, churches and other topics will likely be asked.
There may be questions about the crime rate. Is this neighborhood safe? Is so and so elementary a good school?
While not all of these questions are prohibited your real estate agent will avoid answering some anyway.
Many smart agents will refer questioners to visit local schools, call the local law enforcement department, ride around the neighborhood after work hours or on the weekend.
The bottom line when it comes to questions, answers and buying a new home: It all depends on who you are asking and their motivation.
Asking a seller if the neighbors are good may get a different response than if you ask the guy not selling his home!
Asking a six foot man if the pool is deep may get a different response than asking a four foot eight inch person.
Some of these questions, even if an answer was permitted, may be strictly an opinion.
Think of it this way... what is the best color?
Gary L. Waters, is a Florida licensed real estate broker at Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC, Melbourne, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and surrounding communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach.
Call or text me directly at 321-693-3850.
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