Griffin, GA

In a single word: No.

That probably isn't the answer that you were expecting or hoping to hear from me, but it's an honest one. As much as I would love the opportunity to gain your trust - then hopefully your business - I will not lie to you in order to get it.

Whenever I hear about other agents guaranteeing to sell their clients' houses, I just have to shake my head in disbelief that the agent could be so careless with their words, and in sorrow for their clients' possible letdown. Unless this agent has super-powers and is capable of doing a Hiro Nakamura - bending space and time to be able to glimpse into the future - I'm not exactly sure how they can make guarantees such as this.

Perhaps they reason: it's all about getting the seller listed today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Besides, they didn't say when they would sell it - only that they would. Could be 20 days from now, or it could be 20 years. Who's counting? Right?

Well, you're counting - that's who.

You're counting on honest and professional advice. So, I can't guarantee you that I will get your home sold. However, I can guarantee that we will always hold up our end of the bargain: We will provide you with a full-blown strategic marketing plan that will generate a steady flow of ready, willing and able buyers - buyers who are still looking to purchase, even in this market.

I can guarantee you maximum exposure and constant communication. And I can guarantee that I will never stop thinking up new ways to help make your home stand out from the crowd and buyers unwilling to walk away from it.

I can guarantee you that I will make it my mission to do everything possible to get you and your family where you need to go - when you need to be there. To always put you in the best negotiating position possible and to make things easier for you every single step of the way.

I can even guarantee that I won't attempt to hold you hostage - if you aren't satisfied then you will not be a prisoner to a listing agreement.

I can guarantee you these things, but I can't guarantee with absolute certainty that your home will sell. Not in this market. Not in any market.

Hello Home Buyer!

Have you noticed that many real estate agents think they have to be your 'shadow' and follow you around every step of the way while you search for homes? You probably have...

The agent may claim it's because they are looking out for your best interest, but I have to strongly disagree with that line of reasoning. I think it actually has more to do with the agent looking out for their own pocketbook than it does the myth of 'buyer representation'.

What do I mean?

It simple: The agent wants to make sure that you don't find a home that you like and decide to write up an offer (without them). So, they follow you around like that guy that you broke up with in High School. You know the one: The guy that shows up every time you pump gas, go to the movies or have a hair appointment.

Always there...

Always watching...

Always waiting...

Always freaky!

Yeah...that one!

So, we aren't clingy because it's just weird.

I am happy to report that other agents may be reading the manual on how to properly be a stalker that also sells houses, but we aren't buying that book. We don't have any use for it. However, we do practice what's called: "Book End Selling" at Jessica Horton & Associates.

What is "Book End Selling"?

"Book End Selling" is realizing that today's information age home buyer (you) doesn't want to be smothered by a real estate agent 24 hours a day. Today's buyer (you) wants a real estate agent that will:

1. Devote lots of time listening and understanding their needs in the beginning (Book End #1).

2. Freely provide them with information on properties.

3. Give them plenty of space to go out and look (on their own if need be).

4. Allow them to decide whether or not they want to come back (to the agent).

5. Help them negotiate the offer and handle the myriad of details that go with the purchase (Book End #2)

Does that sound like your type of agent?

Good! We aren't going to make you register at our website to look at all the pretty photos. We aren't going to ask you to sign paperwork in order to get property addresses. And, we aren't going to run into a telephone booth and change into our Captain Obvious uniform....

We're pretty confident that you can spot "The Kitchen!" without us telling you that's what they call it.

Yep. If you're grown enough to get online without having to sneak around late at night so that your mommy doesn't catch you on the computer - you're probably grown enough to drive around town looking at neighborhoods and open houses without a real estate agent chaperoning.

However, I am happy to accompany you...if you like, but that's entirely up to you! :)