Jim Valentine on Real Estate
Agents work to protect their clients from legal and financial peril, but there is so much more involved than just the obvious. Residential real estate has a lot of emotion involved every step of the way.
Agents spend a lot of time and effort assisting with managing the emotional roller coaster ride of their clients. This is done by providing understanding and perspective as they progress from shipping to offering to escrow and, ideally, to close.
Along the way the agents must keep their emotions in check. It isn’t always easy as agents spend a lot of time with the clients and their families. They know the family’s wants and needs and emotional trigger points.
To help them pass a problem situation they must remain calm and objective while they work through it. Problems arise in real estate transactions which is why it is essential to have a professional agent involved that is experienced in problem solving or has good office support while they learn how to assess and mitigate problem situations.
It is important to have confidence in your agent, so you are comfortable being candid with them in your discussions. Feel free to ask questions of your agent to help establish a level of confidence.
They should be comfortable with that process and should reciprocate your candor with theirs. With a good level of mutual trust, you will be able to accomplish the sale or purchase of your home safely and with results that meet your wants and needs to the extent that the market and your budget allow.
What does an agent go through along the way? Many changes occur that can impact a transaction like negative inspection reports, low appraisal, unexpected credit problem, title issues, delayed money transfers at a critical time, needing a wet signature notarized when a party is out of the country (we had one out of touch in a South American jungle for 30 days once!), economic or legislative changes while in escrow, etc.
When you’ve seen them all… a new one appears. An agent must adapt, improvise and overcome to safely achieve their client’s objective all the while maintaining a professional demeanor. Real estate is all about the people.
Buyers, sellers, vendors and agents. The agents have a level of technical, legal, financial, engineering knowledge that they must work with the to the satisfaction of all the people involved by navigating the inevitable problems along the way.
Yes, agents do earn their keep. People with good real estate experience are happy to compensate agents for the work they do and the miracles they create along the way. If it was easy two things would occur:
1. Everybody would do it
2. Agents wouldn’t be needed
Agents have good working knowledge on neighborhoods, HOA nuances, soils, water rights, flood zones, zoning, allowable uses, well depths, easements, boundaries, tax ramifications, permitting, construction deficiencies, remodeling options, ways to take title, foreclosures, probates, water quality, repair costs, components of a home, and so much more. The knowledge base for a professional agent is vast and enhanced by experience making the value of the agent immeasurable.
The human agent is needed. Their role can’t be filled by a computer. It’s been tried to no avail. Interview agents. Let them audition to work for you. You should be comfortable and confident with your agent. Do that and enjoy the positive results.
Agents are people who enjoy working with people to be successful in the biggest investment of their life. Enjoy the benefits they can bestow on you.
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Jim Valentine, License No. BS-03481, RE/MAX Gold Carson Valley 775-781-3704. dpwtigers@hotmail.com.