Realtor in Austin Texas

I tell people I am a REALTOR®.  And I am…but most have no idea exactly what that means.  They think I can open a door, show a house, and fill in the blanks on a standard form contract. 

I also have to be knowledgeable in Mortgages, Insurance, Home Inspections, Home Repairs which include knowing the approximate costs of roofs, flooring, painting costs, fencing, appliances, etc.  I have to know about resale homes, but also about the process of a new home from start to finish. The approximate costs for upgrades that builders want for a third garage bay, stone instead of siding, tile instead of carpet, light fixtures, water fixtures, jacuzzi tubs and granite, etc.  I am expected to know alittle about what HOA’s are all about, city restrictions, golf course communites, lakefront communities, swimming pool community’s, tennis communites and the over 55 communities.  I have to understand photography and decorating and stageing and sometimes a little about landscaping. 

I also have to know other agents around the country.   I may need to refer you to another qualified agent incase of a relocation.  So I have spent time networking to find the best agents I would be proud to refer you to, and know that you are in good hands.

I had to also know how to be a marketing person.  How to get clients, stay in touch with clients, and get those clients to bring me more clients. I need a website and these days I have to understand how to blog…which brings me to having to learn about key words, tags, SEO, writing so folks know that I did graduate from school, but not so much that they need a Phd to understand it. (Okay, we know I don’t have a problem there.)  

I have to be computer literate.  I have to be able to understand how to use email and how to set up my email so I have a professional looking signature whenever I send an email out. (I am still amazed at how many agents don’t do this.)  I had to learn how to search for homes on our Boards MLS, and how to send clients listings.   I have to know how to search for things and send that information to someone, or just use in my research.  I have to learn how to use social media, keeps my contacts together, and just learn about all the different programs on the internet that are available to me.

I had to learn how to search tax records, understand Maps,  Lots and Blocks, Surveys and how to read floorplans. I have to know if I want to sell Farm and Ranch or Commercial Properties, I need more education, or need to know someone to refer it to.  That brings up the fact I need to network and get to know other agents who specialize in things I know very little about, or are willing to teach me.  I meet mortgage brokers, inspectors and insurance folks in my networking to keep me up to date so I will be more knowledgeable for my clients.  

I also have to learn how to read people.  Are they strickly a visual type person, or are they all about the details? I can tell if they are interested in the home they are viewing…or we need to move on! 

I get a call sometimes on a home in the Austin area.  Sometimes they assume that I have seen every home in our MLS.  We have typically approximatley 12,000 listings.  These cover the towns of Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Jarrell, Round Rock, Hutto, Taylor, Coupland,  Pflugerville, Elgin, Manor, Bastrop, Smithville, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Westlake, Lakeway, Bee Caves,  Jonestown, Lago Vista, Marble Falls, This covers 18 counties.   63 different area descriptions in my MLS search.  There are thousands of subdivisions, and more springing up everyday in our growing market.

So, when someone says…”I am a real estate agent”….remember just what all that involves!  We do more than open a door.  We also don’t get paid by the hour, no one pays our gas, our insurance, our dues or anything else. We don’t make money unless we can help you buy or sale or lease a home.  So we appreciate it when you work with an agent, you stay with that agent. Don’t go hopping from agent to agent.  Let one agent help you. We will get to know exactly what you want…and you don’t have to explain it over and over.  You will be happier in the end, and haven’t wasted anyone’s time.  Especially your own!  

Sherry Scales, REALTOR®

HomeNet Realty

12444 Research Blvd, Ste 100

Austin, TX  78759

512.925.8928 Cell

sherry@sherryscales.com

Visit my website: www.SherryScales.com or www.Luxury-Homes-in-Austin.com  to search for homes.