Realtors truly care and will protect you from disaster and disappointment like a Mama Badger.
What I have learned as a realtor in the past 10 years in Flagstaff is that this profession, like many others, is filled with highly educated, ethical and compassionate client advocates and trusted advisors. A realtor’s basic skill set revolves around contracts, representing both buyers and sellers, our code of ethics, and expands to negotiation skills, local inventory knowledge, accurate price opinions, marketing and the basic tenets of financing, title and escrow.
Because conditions and technology are constantly changing, realtors must be life-long learners in order to represent and advocate for their clients to the best of their ability. Besides the knowledge and experience, your realtor is your advocate. Realtors truly care and will protect you from disaster and disappointment like a Mama Badger. If you’ve found a great match with your realtor, you already know this, but if you are new to real estate, here are a couple of tips from the trenches to start off on the right foot with your realtor.
Be loyal. We are loyal to you, we educate you on the current market conditions and learn your specific needs. Our ears perk up when we hear about a property not yet on the market that would be perfect for you. You are on our minds. Don’t go rogue and call and work with multiple realtors, including realtors at open house sales offices or new construction. You need your own trusted representative. Realtors are compensated by commission only. We are only paid once your sales transaction has been completed and recorded, which sometimes takes years of work. See a “For Sale by Owner” sign? Call your realtor. Your realtor may be able to represent you after a simple phone call.
Believe us. If you are a seller, believe our recommended list price ranges. Our goal is to make sure you get every penny out of your property, so please listen to our vast experience to strategize, market and stage in order to not only list, but to sell your home in this market.
If you are a buyer, believe us when we detail what strategies and prices may result in a contract acceptance. Our goal is to give you a set of keys and not disappoint you with news that another buyer’s offer was accepted on a home you love.
Be nice. Be respectful of your real estate professional. We are on your side. Our goal is to make your transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. Don’t call or text after or before office hours if it’s something that can wait until the next day. There are exceptions, of course, if there are time constraints, or if there’s an emergency.
If you are a buyer, be prepared. Decide what you are looking for and be able to list your top three or four priorities. Show up on time for showing appointments and narrow your search to what is in your prequalified budget, your chosen neighborhood or focus area in Flagstaff. Communication is key in this lightning-fast real estate market. If we call you, please pick up or get back to us promptly. It’s probably important. Although we likely have multiple clients, we will do our level best to return that courtesy.
One of the biggest joys of being a realtor for me is the satisfaction of helping clients navigate our real estate market and achieve their goals, whether it is selling their large family home to downsize, or moving closer to family out of state, or buying that first home in Flagstaff and then welcoming them to our fabulous community.
I have great respect for and am proud to serve with my dedicated realtor colleagues in Flagstaff who have such tremendous compassion and care for clients who become our neighbors and friends. FBN
By Paula Mack
Paula Mack, SRES, is a REALTOR with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. She can be reached at 928-699-6837 or paula.mack@russlyon.com.
