Buying a Home
Purchasing real estate is a complex and major transaction with many details to be handled. In the majority of cases the seller will be represented by an agent. Wouldn't you want to have complete and fair representation in the real estate transaction?
The term agent, broker, and REALTOR are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings. For example, not all agents (also called salespersons) or brokers are REALTORS.
The term "REALTOR" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
In making your decision to work with an agent, there are certain questions you should ask when evaluating a potential agent. The first question you should ask is whether the agent is a REALTOR.
Other questions include:
Does the agent have a license in good standing? Does the agent belong to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Is real estate their full-time career? What real estate designations does the agent hold? (This indicates a willingness to pursue additional education beyond the minimum required to get licensed.) Which party is he or she representing - you or the Seller? In exchange for your commitment to a Buyer's Agency Agreement, how will the agent help you accomplish your goals?Be sure to request a Buyer's Agency Agreement before you begin looking at homes. This will ensure that you are fully represented by a dedicated agent who has your best interests in mind at all times.
Alice Leeper's answers to your questions:
- I am Missouri-licensed Broker-Salesperson*. I will be happy to show you a copy of my current license when we meet.
- I am a member of the Columbia Board of REALTORS which gives me access to the Columbia Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
- I am also a member of both the Missouri Association of REALTORS and the National Association of REALTORS.
- Real estate is my full-time profession. I have other interests that I pursue in my free time, but real estate is my business.
- I am currently working on my GRI, ABR, CRS, and ePro designations. Please see my resume in the About Us section for more detailed information.
- As a Buyer's Agent, I would be representing your interests in the transaction. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Please give me a call.
*This means that I have completed both the 48 hour Real Estate Salesperson licensing requirement and the additional 60 hour Real Estate Broker licensing requirement.
