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Representation
Anyone
can price a property, but positioning your property in the market is one of
the most important financial decisions you may make. Sound, experienced advice should be a welcome
harbor at this point in time.
The Right Representation: Good agents strive to continuously improve
themselves. Ask about their credentials
and education. Only agents who are
members of the National Association of Realtors can call themselves a REALTOR®
and wear the pin that distinguishes them. And ask perspective agents about other
designations they may have.
Why
Choose a REALTOR® with a GRI Designation?
Buying
property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single
investment many will make in their lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions
have become increasingly complicated. New
technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and
sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing
level of professionalism. So it's more
important than ever that you work with a REALTOR® who has a keen
understanding of the real estate business. The GRI program has helped the best and the
brightest in the industry achieve that level of understanding. When you see the letters "GRI"
after an agent's name, you can count on receiving the knowledge and guidance
you need to make your transaction go smoothly. In short, you can count on getting the best
service available from a real estate professional.
GRIs:
- Are
nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry.
- Are
knowledgeable
- Are
dedicated to bringing you quality service
- Have dedicated their time and money on professional real
estate education to bring you a higher quality service. Graduate
REALTOR® Institute designees have made the commitment to provide a
high level of professional services to their clients. The GRI curriculum incorporates a common body
of knowledge for progressive real estate professionals. A REALTOR® who possesses the GRI
designation has not only completed a course of study required by the program,
but also subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS®.
- Have taken at least 90 hours of specialized real
estate related courses. Graduate REALTOR® Institute
(GRI) is the designation awarded by state associations to members of the NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who successfully complete a predetermined
course of study
- Are up to date on the latest real estate trends and
issues. Any person awarded the GRI designation must be a member
of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and must maintain that
membership to retain the designation. The
GRI Designation was established by the Education Committee of the NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and approved by the NAR Board of Directors
on February 12, 1974. It was amended and
approved by the Education Committee in January, 1992.
Additional Questions:
Look for a full-time agent who has sold a number of properties similar
to yours. Ask for a list of properties
they’ve sold and for a list of references. Interview a few agents. Find out if they are familiar with your
neighborhood? What do they recommend you
do to prepare your home for sale?
Find
an agent who is tech-savvy. Today’s
transactions move at Internet speed. Ask
how much time the agent will have for you, and if they have a licensed
assistant. Successful agents are often
the most efficient, and can afford to pay a knowledgeable assistant who will
always be available to answer your questions.
Ask
the agent specifically how they will market your property. Does the agent return your calls promptly? Time is money when attempting to sell a home. Complex issues will arise over the course of
selling your property. You should feel
comfortable that your agent is willing to explain everything to you until you
understand clearly.
Finally,
a good agent will spend more time listening to you and asking you questions
about what you want, rather than talking about themselves. Pick an agent with whom you feel comfortable.
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