Who's The Boss in Richmond VA Real Estate?

As a kid I loved the show "Who's The Boss?" and, I admit, I enjoy watching some re-runs from time to time. Did you ever figure out who WAS the boss? Was it Angela, the successful business executive? How about Tony, the lovable and level-headed housekeeper? Sam, the sassy, adorable pre-teen who had the power of persuasion in the palm of her hands? Maybe it was Jonathan, the innocent kid who didn't seem to get a ton of screen time. Or possibly it was Mona, the sexy "grandma" who had a passion for living life out loud! The answer? No one was the boss or everyone was the boss! What do you think?!

Why do I bring up this sitcom that certainly shows my age? Because I recently had a conversation with some friends who commented on how wonderful it must be for me not to have a boss as a Richmond VA Realtor. I can do what I want, when I want, and answer only to myself. Oh, how this is a fallacy! Who's the boss in Richmond VA real estate? Everyone BUT me!

My Client is the Boss in a Richmond VA Real Estate Transaction

During any given transaction there are a host of people I am accountable to. First and foremost is YOU, my client. When you hire me to sell your Richmond area property or to assist you in finding your new home, I work for YOU and your best interests. Want me to hold an open house? You got it! Need me to drop fliers off? I am on it. A shoulder to lean on? I am there. You are the boss, you call the shots. Sure, I am there to guide you and I hope you follow my advice, however you are the one ultimately making the decisions. I will do as you ask as long as the request is legal and reasonable. 

My Broker at Jefferson Properties is the Boss of Me as a Richmond VA Real Estate Agent

You know who else is the boss in Richmond VA real estate? My broker. Although most Richmond VA real estate agents are independent contractors, we have to "hang" our license with a brokerage and mine is Jefferson Properties. Did you know as a seller you do not actually pay ME? Nope, you pay my broker and then THEY pay me. My broker makes sure we follow the rules, regulations, and laws. In addition, my broker has policies I must follow such as signing an agreement not to text while driving. 

A Mortgage Lender is also the Boss in Richmond VA Real Estate

How about the mortgage lender? They are my boss as well because they work for you and they need my full cooperation to achieve your goals. When a mortgage officer asks me to obtain an addendum to a contract, I jump and ask how high. If they need signatures on particular document, I get them. No matter what their request, I work at lightning speed to get it as time is of the essence in Richmond VA real estate. 

The Title Company or Real Estate Attorney is the Boss, too

Yet another person who I work for is the title company or real estate attorney you have selected as your closing company. When they need any details at all, they call me and I quickly gather the information they need. What happens if I don't? You, as my client, won't close on time. 

The Richmond VA Real Estate Appraiser is the Boss as Well

An appraiser is the one who determines if a loan will go through or not by stating the fair market value of a property. They are a critical piece to a Richmond VA real estate deal, no matter if you are the buyer or the seller. So, how are they my boss? For one, I have to give them access to the property for sale in question so they can make their assessments. If I forget about that appointment, the buyer is often charged a re-trip fee. Also, if the appraiser is having a hard time finding the value and asks me to provide comps, therefore justifying the asking price, guess who is a good solider saying "Yes Sir" or "Yes Ma'am"? Me!

So, Who's The Boss in Richmond VA Real Estate?

As you can see, as a Richmond VA Realtor, I have a lot of people to answer to. I didn't even mention the insurance agent, the termite inspector, the HOA representative, contractors who need to make repairs, etc. What about the agent on the other side of the transaction? They are my co-workers as we must cooperate in order to carry out the wishes of our clients. Remember, the other agent has their own set of bosses to deal with...and that is a lot of hands in the pot!

I love my career and feel very blessed to be gainfully employed by my client, my broker, the mortgage lender, the title company, the appraiser, etc. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it also takes a village to realize your Richmond VA real estate goals!

Richmond VA Realtor for Hire

Searching for a Richmond VA real estate professional to assist you in selling your property or helping you find your next home sweet home? Give me, Shannon Milligan at the RVA Home Team with Jefferson Properties, a call today! I am ready to work for you...and everyone else!

Originally published at: http://www.rvahometeam.com/richmondvanews/whos-boss-richmond-va-real-estate/