PEOPLE TO TAKE REAL ESTATE ADVICE FROM

When I got into this business over 20 years ago it was the culmination of a number of years of curiosity. I was always interested in this world. It was really hands on. It was local (yippee no more kooky commuting). It had people and architecture involved (2 of my fave things). Seemed to have it all. Except for one thing. Zero job security. But if you’re a gambler and willing to believe in what you can achieve then why not go for it. When I was still at the CFL, every spring I would call a certain realtor and ask how’s the market. She would explain the ups and downs and even went so far as to show me around her brokerage. But I was still unsure. After the 4^th time calling she finally blurted out JUST DO IT. So I did. And glad I did. On some days wish I had done so sooner, but you can’t go back and many of the contacts I made and people I met are forever etched in my mind and soul. What I am getting to in a most circuitous way is....wait for it.... there are people to take advice from, and people NOT to take advice from. This week and next we will discuss. This week is people you SHOULD listen to.

1. Your Parents. This also falls under the not to listen to category, so beware. Most parents have a good handle on things. They’ve been through the struggles and come out on the other side. In many cases they will offer advice and also a few dollars to set you on your way. They will explain the advantages to owning your home versus renting. They will advise on previously unknown topics like “equity”, cost certainty, and return on investment. In short, they can be a valuable asset.

2. A GOOD Realtor. There are thousands out there and if you did some background checking you’d be surprised. There is all kinds of data available about who the players are. I saw a post that said in 2024 74% of all realtors sold 0 homes. 2% sold between 11 and 20. And 0.14% sold 45 or more. Wow. We have long understood the fact that 95% of the business is controlled by 5% of the agents in any given area. That makes sense when you look around and see certain signs everywhere. Big thing is third party endorsement. Many realtors spend thousands of dollars a year advertising with flyers and such but when crunch time comes it depends on who will refer their friend to you. And that carries way more weight. So listen to the pitch and see if that person fits your need.

3. Your Friends. To many this is the most important. They are your buddies and you trust them implicitly. But, like anything else, don’t take advice blindly without looking into things first. Close friends can be your best resource or your worst. Just depends on how much trust you have in their judgement and knowledge of the topic.

The most important aspect of all of the above is using your own common sense. Let’s be real. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. So like any other wise purchase you make, just do your homework. You’ll get an A+.

As always if you have any Real Estate questions or suggestions for future stories feel free to drop me a line at slackie14@hotmail.com Love to hear from you.