CONSUMER ALERT
CONSUMER ALERT!
“A 2006 Harris Poll surveyed American adult consumers and asked them to rate the level of trust they placed in certain professions when it came to getting the professional advice that was right for them.
Of the 11 professions featured in the survey, Real Estate agents finished a dismal 10th. According to the survey, people put more trust in mechanics and lawyers than they did in real estate professionals.”
This quote from a Broker Agent News letter I receive by email has prompted me to address this issue for interested consumers.
As a career professional in real estate, who has invested the hours and financial resources required in becoming a real estate Broker, I feel that the credibility standards in the business are seriously compromised by the ease with which a real estate license can be attained. Many large companies shift the primary focus of the real estate business-serving clients, to recruiting “new” agents so that the profitability of the company increases. In my opinion, this dilutes professionalism and respectability by reducing a serious business to the lowest common denominator.
Equally disturbing to the career professionals with whom I enjoy conducting business is that many agents in the business take no extra measures to educate themselves on the market issues and conditions in which they work. This de-values the business and limits the level of true representation the client can expect. When service is sacrificed for profit, the consumer loses and the perception of greed over service is validated. It is, therefore little wonder that consumers think so little of real estate agents.
The list of valid questions below is provided as a service to you and reflects the issues in my market area that a consumer must be aware of in order to make an educated decision. Many of these can be adapted to any market area.
· How long have you resided in your market area?
· How long have you been licensed and practicing real estate?
· What can you tell me about the topography, geology, geography, climate, and natural history of the area?
· What concerns should I have about water wells?
o What is the average depth?
o What is the average water quality?
· What do you know about oak wilt? (We are experiencing a very devastating problem in areas of the hill country and the consumer should go online to educate themselves in this; however, your agent should be able to recognize and advise you of the warning signs).
· What can you tell me about air quality?
· What building codes apply in your county?
· Who provides road maintenance?
· Where are the flood plain lines? (particularly on river or creek front property)
· Do you have any experience in home building?
o Can you point out any latent defects?
o Can you point to specific problems that will come up in an inspection?
· What can you tell me about:
o Septic systems
1. How do they work
2. What is required of the home owner to maintain it
3. What type of system will the county require
Affirming that your representative has a thorough understanding of the market area, should help ensure a high level of trust in the professionalism and credibility of the person you are working with.
It is my goal to secure that trust so that your real estate transaction goes smoothly with a minimum of inconvenience and stress to you.
