Let me start by communicating, as a REALTOR I am held to a higher professional standard; accountability AND the standard that conveys to our Clients, to my fellow REALTORS, as well as the public in general.
Duties to Clients and Customers
Article 1 (Case Interpretations for Article 1), states,
When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly.
Duties to the Public
Article 10 (Case Interpretations for Article 10)
REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Duties to REALTORS
Article 15 (Case Interpretations for Article 15), states, REALTORS® shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, or their business practices. (Amended 1/12).
Having said this, YOU as a client will need to vet your broker and here are a handful of tips on exactly how to make sure you are picking the RIGHT Broker for YOU!
Questions to ask:
1. Do you even own your own house BRO?! Based on our research most REALTORS DO own their own home. That’s the good news! This question becomes a good indicator as weather or not this is the right broker for you. The fact remains that if your potential Broker does not own their own home, they have not physically gone through the process themselves; how on earth could they possibly relate to the emotional struggles you may be facing during the process?
2. What makes you different from the rest of the REALTORS out there? The fact remains that the primary marketing strategies are very similar for many of the Brokers out there. What you do not want is a Broker with the sick a sign in the yard and “hope and pray strategy”. Your Broker should be able in an instant to tell you exactly why she/he is the BEST broker for you with a detailed marketing presentation and plan.
3. Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate broker? A surprising number of Brokers will attest to the fact that they DO NOT work in the industry full time. This means that when you call your Broker with a pressing issue you are likely to get the full-time manager of Pep Boys or a part time bartender, that is if they answer the phone at all. Client beware, do you really want a part time agent handling a full-time transaction.
4. Will I be dealing directly with you or someone on you Team? In today’s competitive Real Estate environment, it is common practice to outsource many of the daily activities relating to buying and selling a home. This is a double edge sward and can hinder your efforts as a buyer/seller and may also help you in many circumstances. The intent with this question is to understand if you will be pawned off to an individual whom you do not professionally connect. You will be communicating often with your adviser/team and it is imperative you have a good working relationship with your professional.
5. Can you make available names and contact information from previous clients? The information requested should be readily available and within your grasp in a short period of time. There are a myriad great resource to get reviews on your potential broker online. However, the intent here is to understand and communicate with directly your brokers former clients.
In the Albuquerque Metro Area, there are thousands of REALTORS to choose form. It is the intent of this article to empower you with the tools necessary to make the best decision for you and your family!
*For the purposes of this article the terms Broker, Agent, Adviser, REATOR are used synonymously. Although each term has specific and individual meaning.
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