Gene Neal

For most consumers, real estate agents are a dime a dozen. If you asked the average Joe what the difference was between an agent, a Realtor, and a real estate consultant they would probably have no idea. Recently I asked an acquaintance of mine if they knew the difference and I was answered with "There's a difference? Anyone that can help me find or sell a home I guess!". I find that the average consumer usually lumps them all together. I believe that there are even people that call themselves realtors, consultants, or agents that don't know the difference themselves. I explained to my friend that although he believes he is getting the same services, there can be vast differences in what you get. Depending on an individuals needs it could cost them in the short and long term.

In my humble opinion these are the general differences that I see.

THE REAL ESTATE AGENT

This professional took his real estate classes and obtained their license to practice real estate. They can l offer real estate advice and can fill out real estate contracts. Real estate agents can negotiate on your behalf and coordinate transactions until completion. Most part-time people in our profession will fall into this category. A real estate agent may or may not have your long term goals in mind, but most are focused on the deal at hand.

THE REALTOR (NOT RE-LA-TOR!)

Realtors provide everything for you that an agent provides and more. Realtors have spent the time and money to join an association that lobbies on their behalf for them and the consumer. They generally have more real estate education and take more classes to stay up to date as to the latest trends and activities in the marketplace. Realtors have to adhere to a higher standard of codes and ethics than a normal agent or risk having their designation revoked. Most people that take the time and expense for the realtor designation are full timers in the biz and plan to be for a long time.

THE REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT

A true consultant does everything that an agent and realtor do and can provide for even more. Consultants usually have a team of professionals on hand to plan with you the best course of action for your personal situation. Most agents can put you in contact with a lender to see what you can get approved for. Consultants will do that, but also provide you access to other professionals like a financial planner. The planners will sit with you and map out your goals to see what you can really afford or if it is even the right time for you to buy or sell. You will also have access to people like insurance professionals who can let you know what your extra costs for that property will be before hand. Many real estate consultants will also have attorneys and tax professionals on their team to provide clients with all of the tools to make the most informed decisions possible. Almost all real estate consultants are full time professionals and have your long term well being in mind before doing any type of real estate transaction.

Like I said these are my general opinions of the differences between professionals. I'm sure all of you out there can add to it and I encourage you to do so. Some people fall into more than one category and not all consumers necessarily need the full service consultant. My goal here today was to provide some type of distinction since I believe that we are all not the same!

What do you folks think? Are we all the same? Are there huge differences between designations and service? Open forum so go for it!

Wow what a crazy 30 days this has been. Last month we were bombarded with the wet stuff and now the winter chill is on it's way! Are you and your family prepared for the curve balls that mother nature can throw our way? If you are like me you may think you are prepared but reality is that there are things missing from your list. I recently did a quick check through my home and was missing things that weren't necessarily necessities, but would make life a whole lot easier should we lose power or perhaps worse.

Here is a list of the basics that you should have easily accessible in event of an emergency.

This is the bare minimum. I know most of you with kits at the ready have more than this. For those of you that need to prepare go to the Weather Information Site. This is a one stop shop for all information and contacts that are winter related.

This site also has great energy saving tips to keep your home warm and comfortable without wasting tons of money. Give it a look and use this great year round resource.

Stay Safe and Warm During This Winter Season!

The short answer is no! The MLS is a great resource for your home search as the majority of available properties will be there. I cannot stress however that my clients and I have found some great deals that are not listed in a conventional way. Most of you have seen signs of "For Sale By Owners" as you drove around town. Many times these homes fly under the radar because you will not see them unless you happen to stumble upon them. I make it a point to view these homes at least twice a week to make them available to my buyers. Some realtors also have "Pocket Listings" that are available but for any number of reasons the seller does not want them listed on the open market. I also have a few of these properties availble for the right buyer. Occasionally I post off market properties and pocket listings as featured properties on my website. Feel free to go to the website and view this great Sumner Home.

If you or anyone that you know are thinking about buying or selling in King or Pierce county go to KingCountyHomeValues.info or PierceCountyHomeValues.info to get detailed reports on properties or neighborhoods that you may be interested in.

Well here we are wrapping up the first month of fall. If you live in the Green River Valley there is no doubt that you have been keeping up on the news of the Howard Hanson Dam situation. If you were a victim of the last years flooding then I'm sure you have already laid plans for this winter long ago. Some of you may still be scrambling for flood insurance information. Many companies have stopped insuring private homes but the government still has programs available. If you would like up to date information on exactly what the river is doing this season you can access the Green River flooding information straight from the USGS. The government has been steadily working this past year to minimize any damage that we may have this upcoming rainy season, but we still need to take responsibility ourselves. Be safe out there!

Until next time.

Lakeland Hills in Auburn Washington is both a beautiful and diverse community located in South King County. There are many parks and recreational activities available year round in Lakeland. Whether you just want a fun day at the park, to boating, or golfing, this area has it all. Lakeland is a smartly master planned community that includes a diverse range on single family homes, townhomes, and condos that are all layed out in a functional and lifestyle friendly manner. The Lakeland Town Center offers many shopping and dinning choices right in your own backyard.

Sounds like a great place to live right? Wondering what it costs to live in this community? Do you already live in Lakeland and want to know what your home is worth? For free communtiy information and a current look at all home sales in the are click on KingCountyHomeValues.info and sign up for a free monthly report that will break it all down for you in one easy snapshot. It's a great tool to use and easy too!

If you are a resident of Lakeland please feel free to post here. What are your likes and dislikes about the community? How much do you love living here? Let the community know and learn from you!

Until next time!