If you’re getting ready to sell Davie real estate, your best strategy is to hire a Realtor. Not a real estate agent, but a Realtor. And, when you’re choosing a Realtor, you need to look out for the signs that a Realtor isn’t being truthful, and steer clear of that person!
What’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor?
Each state establishes a list of requirements for someone to get their real estate license. It’s an unfortunate truth that getting a real estate license in the U.S. is ridiculously easy. Regardless of which state you’re in, the requirements are very low.
In Florida, for example, here are the requirements. You must:
- be 18 years old and have a high school diploma
- complete a 63-hour pre-licensing education course
- submit an application with an application fee – as of this writing, the fee is less than $100
- pass the state Real Estate Sales Associate Examination
- activate your license by completing a form signed by a managing broker
Once you complete those steps, you are a licensed real estate agent. It’s not a lot of education for someone who will guide you through a transaction that will have a big impact on your life and finances. It encourages anyone who is between jobs to “give it a try.”
A Realtor is more than a real estate agent. Yes, they have completed the steps above to get a state real estate license, but they have gone beyond those minimum requirements. To become a Realtor, you must first join a local Realtor association. Realtors on the Teri Arbogast Team are members of two associations:
- Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale (RAGFL)
- Miami Association of Realtors (RAMB)
We need to be members of both associations to ensure that we can provide you with the latest home listings anywhere in our geographic area. You’ll see the initials for each association when you look at listings on our website. Association memberships have a fee associated with them that is paid each year. It represents a much larger commitment than just being a real estate agent.
Once you’re a member of at least one association, you can apply to become a member of the National Organization of Realtors (NAR). As a new member, you must take an online course in real estate ethics. You must pass an exam after that course, and renew your commitment every four years. There are also requirements for ongoing education that must be completed to maintain your membership.
Real estate agents become Realtors because they are committed to providing real estate consulting services to the public. And, because they care about the industry and want to promote ethical practice in real estate. Realtors also want to take advantage of the continuing education that is available to help them hone their skills related to real estate law, financing, and other issues that help them protect their clients’ interests.
Do Real Estate Agents and Realtors Stretch the Truth Sometimes?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. As in every profession, some real estate people earn a good reputation by providing reliable, ethical, and outstanding service. However, there are others who want to do as little as possible to get by, and still others who go outside the code of ethics to make a buck. You want to stay away from this type of agent. Here are just a few examples of real estate agent lies that should raise a red flag.
Sure, I can sell your home for your preferred price.
This would only be true if you choose your preferred price based on a comprehensive market analysis. Most homeowners don’t use that approach to come up with a price for their home. You may be thinking of all the work you’ve done on your home and expect to get that money back in your sales price.
Unfortunately, many maintenance items don’t increase the value of your home. For example, let’s say you replaced your HVAC system. Buyers expect that your home will have an operational HVAC system. You can’t tack on the cost of that replacement onto the price you paid for your home and expect people to pay you for maintaining the system.
A professional Realtor can help you understand the market value of your home to get it sold quickly and at top dollar. Any agent who tells you they’ll be able to sell your home for more than it’s worth is just trying to get your listing. In the end, you’ll probably end up selling for less than you should if you overprice your home in the beginning.
I’ve got buyers just waiting to buy your home.
A professional Realtor may be aware of buyers who are looking in your neighborhood. But, how can an agent be sure that those who are looking would be perfect candidates for your home? Finding the right buyer takes time, effort and a marketing plan that will get your home the exposure it needs to attract that perfect buyer.
If an agent knows someone who will buy your home at the right price, with locked-in financing, and no outlandish conditions, it’s just an accident.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to do a thing to your home to get it sold.
That statement isn’t true for the vast majority of homes that are entering the market. There are always things you need to do to prepare your home to sell. You may need to paint that black bedroom your teen just loves. Or, there may be squeaky doors you need to oil. Or, you may need to get rid of the cat hair from the 20 cats you foster. As always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you’re thinking of hiring a Broward County real estate agent, please consider the Teri Arbogast Real Estate Team. Our expertise, professionalism and ethics will make your home purchase or sale a success. Take a look at our Google reviews, and you’ll see that our clients have lots of good things to say. We’d love to make you our next successful client! Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email today.
