Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak about real estate to a room full of first time home buyers in Anoka County. They were attending a
Home Stretch workshop given by the
Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) and I was fortunate enough to be the guest REALTOR®. I had somewhat of a free rein on what to speak about. I could follow the outline in their manual or share information on what I thought first time home buyers need to know.
It was an easy decision for me; for one hour I explained what agency is and why a first time home buyer needs to sign a buyer’s agency agreement with a REALTOR® early on in their hunt for a home. I did wrap up the discussion with an update on the local market and what they might expect if they decide they want to purchase a foreclosure (multiple offers) or a short sale (a very long wait for bank approval).
But I learned a few things from the questions these Anoka County home buyers had too…I learned that it is hard to know how to interview for an agent. The first time buyer (or any home buyer) can have a hard time distinguishing who is going to be the best person to help them on their home buying journey. I stressed to these home buyers how important it is to TRUST your agent. Interview agents until you find the one you want to partner with in search to find a home. You need to find someone who will work with you, for you and at your pace.
On the first page of information of every comparative market analysis that I present to potential sellers I have the following quote. This short statement gives insight into who I am and how I work. It is a quote I am going to incorporate into my Home Buyer Success Packet as well.
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”
~Barbara Jordan
As your REALTOR®, it is my job to understand your needs and respond to them promptly, professionally and with integrity. It is my pledge to provide you with sound real estate advice, helping you understand the wisdom of the decisions you make.
By being your REALTOR®, our relationship is built on trust. Value and service will be provided before, during and after the transaction, so that your changing needs are always addressed and satisfied.
It is not only my business philosophy, but also a commitment to provide you with exemplary personalized service beyond your expectations. My practice is to listen, hear and truly understand your needs; a quality of business conduct that often seems to have been forgotten in today’s fast paced, highly automated society.
Whether you are considering buying your first home or selling the home you have lived in for years, it is important to realize that not every REALTOR® works in the same way. While other agents may pay lip service to statements such as these, making promises that cannot always be delivered, I take an honest approach and work with you to find the best way to get the job done. I take time to explain the real estate market and if things change, work with you to adapt to the situation in a way that will work best for you. This is truly how I work; anyone who knows me can tell you this is who I am. If you want to work with me to sell or buy a home, I will be your partner in the process from start to finish.
If you are interested in signing up for the next Anoka County HOME STRETCH class, CLICK HERE for additional information. My part of the workshop was on real estate but the one day class provided a ton of information for the first time homebuyer including information to help you understand the mortgage approval and closing process. The workshop is also HUD Approved and those who complete the workshop will earn the certification necessary to meet eligibility requirements for a variety of affordable loans.
