REALTORs (real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors®) take an oath upon joining the association, that upholds them to the strictest code of conduct. This code is one of many reasons to hire a Realtor, but to me it is the most important.
We are only as good as our word, and actions speak louder than words. I’m a firm believer in integrity, the things I do when nobody’s watching. This keeps me, and my clients, out of any foreseeable legal trouble. Of course there are always oversights, but when the code is followed, transactions proceed without legal interference.
The REALTOR must “protect and promote the interests of their client.” NAR Code of Ethics REALTORs have a duty to be honest and fair, not only to their clients, but to all involved in the transaction. This includes agents representing the other party. Another of the reasons to hire a Realtor is that if the other side is adhering to the same level of ethical standards as I am, cause for worry about legal issues is decreased.
If only everyone out there were living by the same oath. As a REALTOR, I have access to trends (good and bad) in the real estate industry. This information keeps me up-to-date on issues such as:
- Wire fraud – hacked email accounts leading to buyers wiring money to fraudulent accounts
- Mortgage fraud – Stolen identity, borrowed down payments that aren’t disclosed, inflated appraisal amounts on “flipped” homes, are all examples of mortgage fraud
- Errors and Omissions –
As REALTORs, we are up-to-date on latest Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) rules. These rules relate to securing mortgages for real estate, and to protect consumers from unknowingly agreeing to unreasonable settlement charges. The rules also protect the consumer from paying higher charges due to “kickbacks” from agencies that are passed along to the home buyer through the mortgage premium category of the mortgage.
Why Hire Me?
I hope my reasons to hire a Realtor educated you on why it’s important to choose a professional to handle your real estate needs.
Testimonials from clients are the most powerful means of advertisement for me. I’m not one to give you a list of all the reasons why you should hire me, but I’ll let my clients tell you. I have built so many wonderful relationships with buyers and sellers over the years. Here is a sample of what folks have said about their experiences with me: Testimonials
One thing that I will tell you about me, and this relates to working with me, is service after the sale. I believe that the transaction is the first of many opportunities to get to know my clients and provide a way to help them. Anything from maintenance technicians to the best burrito in town, my clients know they can call me for recommendations.
In case you can’t tell, I love being a part of this community. “There is no place like home” as a famous ruby-slippered movie character once said. From college football Saturdays, and all the wonderful tailgate food that goes along with football games, to the local theater, College Station is a great place to live. If you have yet to experience College Station for yourself, or are looking to join me in this wonderful city, please read my Top Ten Reasons to Live in College Station post.
I’m also proud to work with some wonderful College Station realtors. I feel like as a group we work together to be a resource to our clients, as well as helping them attain their real estate goals.
My job is to represent your interests as a client, but my real satisfaction is to find a good fit for your priorities. That’s why it is so important for me to get to know you as a client, so I can understand what is important to you.
For example, if you are relocating here to work for Texas A&M, and you have a child that is in school, you would want to know about the different school districts and homes in those areas. Easy access to schools and stores, plus a hassle free commute to campus might also be on your list of things to consider when searching for a home.
Each situation is unique when it comes to real estate. In my experience the process of getting to know a client is the cornerstone of a good real estate experience. Contact me today so we can start this conversation.