The life of an independent real estate broker is exciting especially if you work in Carmel-by-the-Sea on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula in California.
I really value my "independence" with my own office, my own hours, especially in this vibrant art community that has been found by vineyards who have opened up wine tasting rooms all over town. And what goes with wine? Excellent food, of course, so top chefs have opened restaurants in our one mile square town that attracts visitors from all over the world.
And many of these visitors decide to stay or at least buy a second home, often with the thought of retiring here someday.
Not a day seems to go by that a buyer will call me and ask what I think about a certain property since I have been a stakeholder in Carmel-by-the-Sea since 1995 and have seen several ebbs and flows in the economy and neighborhoods change over the years.
Although I can give them my impressions and some of them will actually make offers on a home sight unseen, I advise them to come and see for themselves. Why? Even though photos of the home can tell a buyer a lot, there is nothing like actually being there, seeing yourself living in the home, driving the neighborhood, seeing that sunset on the beach for yourself.
Back to my independence as a real estate broker, I love that I don't have anyone to answer to except myself. No managing broker with franchise rules, team members who become interchangeable, transaction coordinators who duplicate a lot of the work, and all manner of others who seem to be involved that it can get confusing.
What brought on this blog that makes me thankful that I'm an independent real estate broker? An owner of a large brokerage firm called to tell me that they were looking for a "mentor", someone who will also look over other agents paperwork. Much as I like to help others, the reality of that is pretty scary: do most agents even know what they are doing? Need their hand held? And the answer is definitely "yes" and that should make anyone pause.
As an independent broker since 2009, I am very confidant in my own abilities.
When you hire me as your broker, my focus is totally on you, my client. I am there for you from start to close. I will work closely with necessary professionals that get involved in transactions such as the title company and your lender. I urge you to get advice from your own lawyer or tax attorney when the situation warrants it. Think about it, buying a home is a big financial deal, a huge investment.
I love it when past clients call me to ask my advice about events, restaurants, art galleries and whatever else is happening in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Is it any wonder that many become friends?
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