"Why Me?"

"Why Me?"

How often have we heard this lament? Like so many words and terms in the English language, this little two word sobriquet has another, very different meaning. In the case of selecting someone to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions that you'll make in a lifetime, doesn't it make sense to have somebody who understands the many different and unique facets of a real estate transaction represent you? Well, you might say, isn't buying or selling real estate just a relatively simple transaction that anybody can do? After all, Aunt So and So is a realtor... 

Therein, lies the problem. While it is relatively difficult to get a real estate license, it is certainly not the same as spending four years getting a college education, for example, or serving a lengthy apprenticeship to assure that you are ready to truly represent somebody in a professional, competent manner. Many, many people come in and out of this business, the numbers often reflecting the state of the economy, as evidenced by the ebb and flow we've recently seen. Five years ago, when the market was booming, the real estate offices were full of agents looking to cash in on the many great opportunities. Those same offices today are either out of business, look like ghost towns, or are having to adapt to a very different and dynamic marketplace and look very different than they did that short five years ago.

So, with a little perspective and understanding, perhaps it would make sense to briefly outline what kinds of attributes and experience you would want to be looking for in your next agent.

• First and foremost, in my opinion, is to find someone who is ethical and honest. While that may be one of the more difficult and subjective things to determine, there are enough ways for you to do your due diligence. With a little extra effort up front, your comfort level with someone representing you honestly should be very high. 
  
• Secondly, while it seems like everybody has somebody in the family who is a realtor, or a close friend, or a neighbor, the reality is you should be looking for someone who is full-time in the business. While it is not impossible to be a part-time realtor, it is extremely difficult. Things happen in this business that require immediate decisions and actions, and those decisions and actions can often be the difference between getting that house that you truly love, or getting your deal closed, or getting an opportunity that only has a narrow window of time. As they say, "timing is everything", and indeed that is often the case.
• Number three on my list would be to work with someone who does what they say they are going to do and does it in a timely fashion! The days of over promise and under deliver are over in the competitive marketplace. Those that practice this mantra are either out of the business, or on their way out.  Don't get caught in the trap of dealing with somebody like this as it will not only frustrate you, but could cost you thousands of dollars. If I was looking for somebody that would provide the positive attributes just described, I would give that person a couple of opportunities to prove that they do what they say. Just how you go about that is as varied as the people looking for a good realtor. Good common sense here should prevail. 
  
• Finally, in this short list, look for someone who knows what they are doing. Well, how do you find that out, you ask? That's a fair question. Certainly years of experience is going to be a very good indicator. Anybody who's survived the last five years and is still standing probably has a pretty solid understanding of our business. It is no guarantee, however. Fortunately, there are other criteria that can be considered that will help you in evaluating someone's competency. Different designations, GRI, CDPE, for example, are a couple within the industry that reflect an agent's motivation to continually improve themselves and to make themselves more valuable to the buyer or seller they represent. I'm also a firm believer in looking at other life's experiences, or work experiences, that the agent has had that would help them not only understand you better, but also all elements of the real estate buying or selling process.

I truly hope I return then to my original question, "Why Me?"  While it is always difficult to talk about yourself and not make it sound like you are bragging (or worse, sound arrogant!), I'd like to attempt to give you just a few short sentences about why doing business with Bryce Gharring would be a wise decision on your part. Following the pattern established in the previous paragraphs, the ethical, or integrity piece of the process may be the easiest for you to determine. Living a life not based on that bedrock value is something that I have never considered, nor would I. In short, it is who I am - this is something you'll have to determine for yourself, but I am very comfortable standing up to that scrutiny.  

My background is diverse, yet related. I have been a stockbroker, a registered principle (supervising those who market securities), an insurance agent, manager, and executive, a certified tax preparer, a teacher and a high school basketball coach. Whew . . . makes me tired just thinking about all of those marvelous experiences. I understand finance, I understand people, and most importantly, I love helping people like you fulfill your dreams of buying or selling your home, or investing for your family's future. I am a full time real estate agent here in Riverside County, and have been for six years. I have been, and remain a leader in my office in sales and service. I also specialize in short sales and foreclosures and have the CDPE (Certified Distress Property Expert) designation. Because of my wide financial background and experience, I am able to represent my clients in ways that very few agents could do. I'd love to be able to have the opportunity to put my experience and expertise to work for you. Call or e-mail me and let's get moving!