Proficiency is Key

Being proficient in your chosen profession is an asset to having a great experience.  It works the same in real estate.  Becoming a licensed agent is merely the basic education you need to hold a license in the state you work in.  For me, that’s truly only the beginning.  When I work with clients, they are always surprised when I share that I actually have a 4 year college degree from Louisiana State University (Geaux 🐯).  My degree is a Bachelor of Fine Arts focusing on Photography. Having a visual background in photography is an asset when showing your home in the very best light.  In addition, I have 15 years of sales experience in corporation so this truly sets me apart in my experience from others. 

Experience is very important in this business. Each transaction is very different and you truly do learn through each transaction.  Having closed over 200 homes, I truly feel that it is equally important that you have the right education to help you understand the best processes and procedures.  Recently, I had the privilege to finish with the GRI designation.  This designation is 3 classes with each class being 4 days. This is a total of almost 90 hours of classes. The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation.  Roughly about 15% of realtors hold this designation.  It is truly a sign of superiority.  

Below I have provided you with some optimal questions you should consider before hiring a proficient realtor. When I meet with my clients, all of these topics are typically covered.  It is truly my pleasure and privilege to help you find a home and “Love Where You Live”.

Five New Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

A qualified real estate agent can streamline the homebuying and selling process, help you avoid costly mistakes and serve as a liaison with your best interests in mind. But how do you find the right agent?

Here are five critical questions to ask when you’re interviewing agents
1. How many buyers or sellers have you helped in the past year?
A productive agent is more likely to be up-to-date on the market. Furthermore, an active agent with experience in your neighborhood, or the neighborhood where you’d like to move, is better positioned to help you.

2. Will you be representing me from beginning to end?
In this real estate market, you need to move fast and you need an agent who is focused on you, not just opening doors and writing contracts. Look for a full-service agent who will help you identify properties, schedule showings and walk you through the home and help you negotiate.

3. How will you help conserve my time and make the most of my investment?
Plenty of online services claim you can save money and time by completing the process without a real estate agent. But as many clients discover, the savings don’t always come through as promised. In fact, going through this complex process without professional guidance can lead to costly problems later. If you work with an agent, you’ll have a representative who’s in touch with the local market and can lend a helping hand every step of the way. Their expertise can help you find that perfect house and help you craft the right strategy for your offer.

4. What technology do you have that will help me find the right home?
Technology coupled with experience makes a great team. In 2017, 42 percent of recent buyers began their home search online. The ability to be alerted of new listings, research school districts and even take virtual tours is important to home buyers but real estate agents can offer a wider range of details about a house than a website can. Does the home back up to a busy street? Why was the price adjusted on the home? Why was a home that was sold recently come back on the market? Using both technology and an experienced real estate agent can help you find the perfect home.

5. How often will I hear from you?
Make sure the communication plan aligns with your expectations. For buyers: Do you just want to hear when there’s a new home that may interest you? Do you want regular check-in calls or emails too? For sellers: Do you want to hear from your agent only after a buyer has toured your home, or do you want to be kept in the loop on a weekly basis?

What questions do you have for me? I would love to work with you during your next homebuying or selling experience.

Let me help you “Love Where You Live”