The highlighted message screamed out to me today from the classified ad section in the back of Popular Mechanics. My wife purchased this subscription for me in an attempt to raise my home handiness quotient. You see, except for the simple lightbulb change, most repairs around the house require a call to our trusted handyman.
Among the ads for various do-it-yourself projects, machine tools, and business opportunities, was this beauty:
BECOME A HOME INSPECTOR
FOR JUST $49! FREE INFORMATION
CALL 24HRS
I don't know about you, but I don't want a $49 home inspector scrutinizing the biggest investment of my life. Will that fellow understand the intricacies of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems? Will they know the latest about energy efficient appliances and can they even find the emergency water shut-off?
The inspectors with whom I've worked and who I trust on a regular basis to inspect the homes that my clients purchase are not of the back of the magazine DIY variety. Most of these inspectors gained their thorough knowledge of home construction, maintenance, and systems through years of hard work as a contractor. Many of them worked as plumbers, electricians, handymen, etc. They didn't just call up a 24 hour hotline, pay their $49 and hold themselves out to be experts.
All this got me thinking about real estate agents. While I haven't seen an advertisement that says "Become a REALTOR for just $49," the reality is that the requirements to enter the profession are not very stringent. There are most certainly too many agents running around out there who couldn't tell you the difference between a condo and a co-op or explain a clause in the purchase contract. There are agents who know little more about the neighborhood than the directions on their GPS, and less about the market than their clients who read the newspaper.
While the skills needed to become a real estate agent require very little beyond knowing how many square feet are in an acre (this bit of trivia really comes in useful at cocktail parties), the necessary skills for truly thriving as a real estate professional are great. Whether through classroom time, reading and studying, or extensive time out in the field dealing with transaction after transaction, the consummate real estate professional will constantly increase their knowledge base to help better serve their clients.
Avoid the $49 home inspector. Likewise, make sure you delve deeper into the knowledge of your real estate agent before you make a decision to work with them. Ask the right probing questions to determine their knowledge and professionalism.
When it comes to real estate, you need to hire an expert.
Contact Brian Block, REALTOR/Attorney, RE/MAX Allegiance: Licensed in Virginia & Washington D.C.
Cell: 703-626-0715. If you are interested in purchasing or selling a property in Northern Virginia including Arlington County, Alexandria City, Annandale, Burke, D.C., Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Lorton, McLean, Springfield, Washington D.C., contact Brian today.
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Until recently, home inspectors in Maryland were not required to have a license... all they had to do was print up business cards and get someone to hire them. Up-front education requirements and ongoing education requirements, not to mention real-world experience, are so important - 'Glad you pointed out this ad. It will provide a good talking point with clients.