Use a COMPETENT Realtor®, not just some family friend with a license

Use a COMPETENT Realtor®, not just some family friend with a license
by Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTOR
Chandler Arizona Real Estate

So I have a little bit of a rant this morning for all to read.  A friend of mine just notified me that they had purchased a home.  Congratulations!  I always feel happy for people when they purchase their first home.  Its a very exciting time.  SURE, in the back of my mind, I wonder why they didn't use or even inquire about my services (they knew I specialized in the area they bought).  Turns out, they have a long time family friend who is at least an agent (not sure if this person is a Realtor).  Great, no problem.

• Wait, you bought from XYZ builder?  You do know that they are (per JD Power rankings) one of the worst builders in Arizona, right?  Your "family friend" didn't tell you this?
• You do know that XYZ builder offers a 6% co-broke to buyers agents.  What, your "family friend" didn't tell you this?
• You do know that XYZ builder accepts offers?  That you could have easily gotten that home for about 20k less.  What, your "family friend" didn't know this?
• You do know there are other builders within 1 square mile who offer a superior product at a lower price.  What, your "family friend" didn't tell you this? (possibly because they offer lower co-brokes?)
• You do know that there are quite a few resale deals on homes in better areas than XYZ builder's new home subdivision.  I suppose your "family friend" didn't tell you this either.....

For all the readers/consumers out there - a good Realtor knows A LOT about the area they work in and the product they "represent".  Use one to avoid situations like the one above....

Thanks for Reading :)

Kaushik Sirkar, Chandler AZ REALTOR
Chandler Arizona Real Estate