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"Why Should I use a Realtor?"

By Michele Welcome

Real Estate Agent with William Raveis Real Estate

February 20, 2008 12:23 AM

I would love to hear how more Realtors have responded to the question, "Why Should I use a Realtor?"

I'm in my third year of real estate so it doesn't surprise me now that there are still so many people that don't see the value in using a Realtor. You would think most family and friends would automatically want to work with you since they know you but I have found that to not be the case. I have actually had a (distant) friend confront me - nicely of course - and ask, why should I use you? After telling him the benefits I could still see that after a few times showing him properties he really believes that all I do is open the door for him. He thinks he can do my job better.

So if you have been asked the question, "Why Should I use a Realtor?" I would love to haer how you responded.

Michele Pellegatto
Realty World Hometown
The Farmington Valley, CT

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Steven Keefe

Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty - Lake Arrowhead, CA

Michelle,

Visit:http://www.massnear.com/flyers/Value_of_a_REALTOR.pdf for a comprehensive list of the value of using a Realtor. You might find it helpful.

Feb 20, 2008 12:34 AM

Alan Langstone

Mount Pleasant, SC

"Why Should I use a Realtor?" - That is a constant battle.

On the other hand, my wife has just got a couple that are using her to buy their first house, and they are a delight to work with. They insist on travelling to the office so do to take up to much of my wifes time, they only wanted to see 3 homes so they did not take up too much time or fuel dragging my wife around.

My wife has had to on sereval occasions try and explain the way it usually works.

"Why Should I use a Realtor?" - A house just around the corner is FSBO, it is owned by an ex-Realtor, it's been on the market for nearly 2 years.

Answers on a postcard as to why he is an Ex-Realtor!

Sorry Michelle, not the answer you where looking for.

Feb 20, 2008 12:42 AM

Larry Bettag

Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL

Vice-President of National Production

I'm a VP of national lending company and an attorney. As an attorney, I'll say that it's a cheap insurance policy for a client. Sure you pay commissions, but the expertise and advice you get from your realtor is well worth it. Having said that, i think that the reason that there are people fighting realtors is b/c there are a lot of realtors that don't do their job. They take the listing and that's it. That is not worth 6%. But I work with the best and would recommend a realtor all day long. Great post Michelle

Feb 20, 2008 12:49 AM

Michele Welcome

William Raveis Real Estate - Avon, CT

Steven - what a great list! Thank you for sharing.

Alan - all answers are welcome! I'm curious about how others around the country have responded and welcome any and all answers. How *shocking* that your wife's client didn't want to waste her time and fuel. How nice!

Feb 20, 2008 12:50 AM

Kirk Williams

Private Venture Capital - Everett, WA

Being a lender clients sometime ask me if using a Realtor is necessary. Almost without exception my response is YES. WHY? Do you know what you are buying or selling is at the right price point? FSBO's are usually purchased by someone represented by an agent. People selling their own home usually work and are never available at the time a potential buyer may want to look at their home. The list goes on.

In some markets it may work out. I know some of my clients have had limited success without but they have not been burned yet. It only takes once and buying a home is a place you don't "go cheap".

I am not going to hire the "cheapest" eye surgeon since I only have one set of eyes. There is a time and a place to cut corners and most people are not equipped to manage a real estate transaction even if they are a rocket scientist. They get burned too.

Feb 20, 2008 12:59 AM

Hi Kirk - you brought up a really good point about FSBOs. What I have found when I am working with buyers is that they are hesitant to sign a buyer broker (CT is a buyer broker state) because they are afraid that if they come across a FSBO that isn't willing to pay a commission, they will have to pay the commission. I had this happen to me when I showed these clients relocating literally 30+ homes in a long weekend (we signed for the specific properties I showed them). They told me that they were considering a FSBO and didn't want me involved since the SEller wasn't willing to pay my commission. I was OK with it because they were honest, but it was a little hurtful at the same time. The good news is they ended up finding a better property in a better neighborhood with me and thanked me later for my service. They even went as far as to say they are happy they had me because they wouldn't have known what to do otherwise.

Feb 20, 2008 02:15 AM

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