We
are committed to providing such superior customer service
that our clients not only
call us for their future real estate needs, but refer their
family and friends as well.
Our
office is based on honesty and integrity.
Our office policy is the Golden Rule - "Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you.
As REALTORS, rather than only Real Estate Agents, we are
bonded by a code of ethics.
We remain informed on current real estate issues by attending
classes.
To provide a "personal touch," we have a secretary
in our office. Calls during regular business hours are answered
personally, rather than by an impersonal voicemail system.
Our policy is to attend showings of our listings whenever
possible.
Our office is based on teamwork. Our agents work together
to sell your property.
As a member of 2 real estate boards, rather than only
one like most offices, our listings receive more exposure,
and we have access to more real estate information than
most offices.
OUR
ETHICAL DUTIES TO OUR CLIENTS
Performance
Since the agent is selected on the basis of trust
and confidence, performance refers to the personal performance
of the agent to carry out the duties and responsibilities
outlined in the agency agreement.
Obedience
An agent is bound to obey the principal’s instructions
in carrying out the agency relationship provided the
agent is not asked by the principal to do something
unethical or illegal.
Loyalty
The key obligation
an agent owes to the principal is one of absolute
loyalty. Simply, the agent must always place the interest
of the principal above all others in carrying out
the agency relationship. The best example of loyalty
would be that of absolute confidentiality.
Accountability
Refers to the strict accounting and proper remittance
of funds of the principal’s coming into the possession
of the agent.
Notice
The agent has the duty of keeping the principal informed
on any and all matters pertinent to the transaction
for which the agent is acting. (E.g., changes in market
conditions, status changes on contracts)
Due Care
The agent must exercise reasonable skill and care
in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the
agency relationship. Since the principal has delegated
these duties to the agent, the principal is relying
on the honesty, integrity, and knowledge of the agent
to effectively represent their interests.
Real estate agents have access to information not available
to the general public. This information will help in marketing
your home, and in finding a buyer.
Real estate agents can provide an expert opinion of how
to get the most value out of your house. They are trained
to know what prospective buyers look for in a home.
REALTORS® are required to attend regular training
and seminars to keep informed on current real estate ethics,
legal requirements, environmental hazards, and effective
marketing.
Why
not try For Sale By Owner?
Because the general public does not have access to the
same information as real estate professionals, FSBO’s
are often over-priced and sit on the market, or under-priced
and the sellers do not receive the full value of their home.
Most FSBO’s do not realize all that is involved
in helping a transaction to flow smoothly. REALTORS®
are trained to guide a client through the entire process.
Real estate professionals are experts in marketing properties.
Why pay for advertising which may not even be effective?
IMPORTANT FACTS
“The median FSBO (for-sale-by-owner)
selling price in 2003 was 20 percent less than the median
agent-assisted transaction price. - National Association of
REALTORS®, 2004
"Only 5 percent of buyers in 2003
purchased directly from owners they didn't know in advance
of the transaction” - National Association of REALTORS®,
2004
Finding a buyer is only 25% of the transaction;
getting it to close is the other 75%.
