shoulda, coulda, woulda, DIDN'T!

There are many tales to tell in the circle of Realtors about offers that were rejected!  In hindsight many of those offers were the best to come along and the property ended up selling for significantly less.  So why the rejection?  Maybe it was the first offer (often the best) which got the seller to thinking that maybe they should ask more money.  Maybe the seller was emotionally involved still with the property and not ready to let go.  Maybe the seller didn't like the buyer.  Maybe the buyer watched the news and got scared silly that the sky was falling.

Over and over and over again there is one cliche in the business that proves itself about the two things that kill successful real estate transactions:  Fear and Greed.

When you are dealing with a professional Realtor, a great Realtor, they are going to advise you to act in your best interest.  At the end of the day, we have to follow all of your "lawful instructions" however you do pay us for professional advice!

While great Realtors are empathetic, they should not be riding your emotional roller coaster.  They should be the voice of reason.  You might not always like what we have to say -- but you've employed us for that very reason...to give you the best possible guidance through and often complicated process.

Of course all bets are off if any careless Realtor is only after making a deal.  Those are not the ones I'm talking about.  (And, if you suspect the one your dealing with does not have your long range best interest at heart, I encourage you to look to find a truly fine Realtor.)  You want a Realtor who will collaborate with you from a strong and honest place.

When I advise people I often lead with this statement:  "When you see me in the grocery store in 2 years I don't want to have to duck the oranges you're tempted to throw!  I want you to be happy to seem me and happy with your choices."

On the ground this means I've pointed out the drawbacks as well as the great points of your choices.  I've counseled you on re-sale options, perception of neighbourhoods, possible area impacts and any other factor which might have long term consequence.  On the ground this means that when you have a good offer on your home but start getting cold feet I will do everything in my powers of persuasion to keep you moving in the direction that will best serve you.

I don't want any of my clients to be the ones regretting missed opportunities for happiness and wealth.  So, when the time comes to talk about real estate transactions -- do speak with a trusted professional!  A living, breathing, accessible professional!

To once again steal a phrase from the movie, Jerry Maguire, "help me help you!"

Money wasted avoiding professionals

I know, without a doubt, that my accountant saves me at least as much money as he charges me.  So, really, for no money, I get to use the services of a great professional whose job it is to stay current with tax laws and every possible way to optimize my situation.  And he's fun to boot.  And he knows me, knows my business and recommends me.  How great is that?  And I save countless hours of work if I was to prepare my HST quarterly reports and taxes.  Not to mention the tedious pain it would cause me to do it myself.

Similar savings occur because of the hygienist that scales my pearly whites a few times a year.  Because she knows what she's doing I avoid more costly dental procedures.  Again, I also avoid the pain!  Yes, I can brush and floss myself...but I cannot do what she does!

Let's consider the fellow who services my furnace; once again, by investing in his professional services I prolong the life of my furnace and it runs more efficiently.  Again, this saves me money in the long run.

I could go on, but you catch my drift.  By investing with professionals I actually save money!  And I save time!  And I save pain!

So it is with investing in the sale of your home.  Go with the best professional to earn the most money and realize the best savings.  What you invest in a top notch Realtor will deliver great return on that investment!

If I had a magic wand, I would be able to communicate effectively enough to anyone reading this why it is foolish to do yourself what someone better trained can and should do for you!  I'll blog further about why you want to invest in the best Realtor with the highest commission structure to realize the best return on your home investment.

Meanwhile...do learn a little about everything...but don't punish yourself and lose money by avoiding professionals!