Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak about real estate to a room full of first time home buyers in Anoka County. They were attending a Home Stretch workshop given by the Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) and I was fortunate enough to be the guest REALTOR®. I had somewhat of a free rein on what to speak about. I could follow the outline in their manual or share information on what I thought first time home buyers need to know.It was an easy decision for me; for one hour I explained what agency is and why a first time home buyer needs to sign a buyer’s agency agreement with a REALTOR® early on in their hunt for a home. I did wrap up the discussion with an update on the local market and what they might expect if they decide they want to purchase a foreclosure (multiple offers) or a short sale (a very long wait for bank approval).
But I learned a few things from the questions these Anoka County home buyers had too…I learned that it is hard to know how to interview for an agent. The first time buyer (or any home buyer) can have a hard time distinguishing who is going to be the best person to help them on their home buying journey. I stressed to these home buyers how important it is to TRUST your agent. Interview agents until you find the one you want to partner with in search to find a home. You need to find someone who will work with you, for you and at your pace.
On the first page of information of every comparative market analysis that I present to potential sellers I have the following quote. This short statement gives insight into who I am and how I work. It is a quote I am going to incorporate into my Home Buyer Success Packet as well.
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”
~Barbara Jordan
As your REALTOR®, it is my job to understand your needs and respond to them promptly, professionally and with integrity. It is my pledge to provide you with sound real estate advice, helping you understand the wisdom of the decisions you make.
By being your REALTOR®, our relationship is built on trust. Value and service will be provided before, during and after the transaction, so that your changing needs are always addressed and satisfied.
It is not only my business philosophy, but also a commitment to provide you with exemplary personalized service beyond your expectations. My practice is to listen, hear and truly understand your needs; a quality of business conduct that often seems to have been forgotten in today’s fast paced, highly automated society.
Whether you are considering buying your first home or selling the home you have lived in for years, it is important to realize that not every REALTOR® works in the same way. While other agents may pay lip service to statements such as these, making promises that cannot always be delivered, I take an honest approach and work with you to find the best way to get the job done. I take time to explain the real estate market and if things change, work with you to adapt to the situation in a way that will work best for you. This is truly how I work; anyone who knows me can tell you this is who I am. If you want to work with me to sell or buy a home, I will be your partner in the process from start to finish.
If you are interested in signing up for the next Anoka County HOME STRETCH class, CLICK HERE for additional information. My part of the workshop was on real estate but the one day class provided a ton of information for the first time homebuyer including information to help you understand the mortgage approval and closing process. The workshop is also HUD Approved and those who complete the workshop will earn the certification necessary to meet eligibility requirements for a variety of affordable loans.
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota..JPG)
Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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Hi Teri, I'm glad you were able to help people in even the simplest way. :)
Teri I dropped in to wish you and your family the very happiest Thanksgiving Day
Teri
Nice to see someone wonderful like you giving those first time buyers that little extra
Teri I hope all is well with you and your absence from posting is either business or vacation although you did comment on my video post
Hi Teri, I think this might have been very insightful for you. We in the industry often do fail to understand how little the public actually know about how to interview and what is or should be of importance. But perhaps even more so is the difference between the agent's history and what they say about themselves. Most always have a good intent in the discussion but can fail to actually follow through on their own plan of service. Great post and one that should be featured. I am suggesting this.
Teri, it is wonderful to practice your craft and your professional. It is artful in the way we form our way of teaching and sharing with our clients. It is so personal and such a part of who we are. You have a lovely post here and I agree with William. I will suggest also. I love this post!
Excellent post, Teri. It is difficult to put ourselves in first time buyers shoes, there is so much for them to learn. We know that educating our clients about the process makes it easier for all of us. Your promise of dedication to your clients best interests is a key factor for a successful Realtor or agent. And liking their personality - I would work with you if I were buying in Anoka & Washington Counties.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Hi Teri. Anoka County first time home buyers are blessed to have such a knowledgeable and competent Ham Lake MN Real Estate Professional like yourself providing valuable real estate information to potential home buyers and sellers. And like Karen Kruschka said you haven't responded to none of the comments so I hope all is well. Happy Holidays to you and your family. Great post.