I wanted to write about it just to put it out there - it’s a common conversation, and an important one:  what do I do to earn my commission?  Why not hire a discount broker who promises to sell for a lesser rate?  Why shouldn’t you sell without an agent?  Well - first of all, would you rather have a lawyer in court or represent yourself?  Same idea!  Secondly, Selling your home is a lot of work - and I’ve done it many times!  I know the process inside and out - I know what is normal, what is not good, what you should do and what you should not do.

As a Realtor, my job is to help people buy and sell real estate.  My goal is to make your real estate transaction flow smoothly through each step of the process, making my job seem easy.  But, in truth, the process is very detailed, and a lot of what I do for my clients happens behind the scenes.  A day in the life of a Realtor can be very complicated - just ask my husband and kids! 

Being a full-time Realtor who’s goal is to go above and beyond your expectations requires lots of energy, time management and efficiency, as well as strategic partnerships with other professionals who can help the process progress in your best interest.

Here is a good start at a list of responsibilities I take on as your Realtor (not in this order!):

• Schedule Showings
• Schedule Listing Appointments
• Maintain Required Continuing Education
• Deliver Earnest Money On Time
• Coordinate Property Inspections
• Keep Up With Lender Progress
• Verify Buyer’s New Homeowner’s Insurance
• Coordinate Home Warranty Company
• Negotiate Counteroffers
• Schedule Closings
• Attend Closings
• Get All Disclosures Delivered & Signed
• Monitor Dates and Deadlines
• Provide Educational Materials to Consumers
• Keep Your Blog Active
• Maintain Active Social Media Profiles
• Answer the Phone ALL DAY & NIGHT
• Return Missed Phone Calls
• Return Emails ASAP
• Follow Up With Website Inquiries
• Keep Up With Changing Laws
• Run Comparables for Buyers & Sellers
• Determine Accurate Pricing
• Help Stage & Present Properties
• Meet the Appraiser at Property
• Meet the Inspector(s) at Property
• Show 100’s-1,000’s of Homes Each Year
• Get Signed Contract to Title Company
• Negotiate Repairs
• Keep Clients Updated With Each Step
• Provide Comps for the Appraiser
• Coordinate Closing
• Review Settlement Statement for Errors
• Make Sure There is a Clear Title
• Explain the Contract to Clients
• Provide Advice on Offer Price
• Explain The Current Real Estate Market
• Explain Pros & Cons of Each Neighborhood
• Verify Completion of Repairs
• Make Sure The Loan Funds
• Schedule & Attend the Walkthrough
• Negotiate Appraisal Issues
• Verify Delivery of Title Commitment
• Remind Clients to Schedule Utilities
• Manage Your Online Reputation
• Compete with 1,000’s of Agents for Business
• Deal With Vendors
• Keep MLS Listing Data Current
• Attend Real Estate Conferences
• Network with Local Home Builders
• Coordinate Open Houses
• Check Up On Past Clients

In addition to those repsonsibilites, being a Realtor is expensive!  People seem to think Realtors make the “big bucks”.  I would bet you didn’t know that the average Realtor makes around $50,000 a year, after expenses and taxes.  The amount that you see on your settlement statement is not my take home pay - a lot of that goes to maintaining my business and keeping my license current and active. 

Some common fees are:

• Brokerage Splits/ Fees
• MLS Fees
• Realtor Board Fees
• E&O Business Insurance
• Extended Auto Insurance
• Self-Empoyment Tax
• State Licensing Fees
• Electronic Contract Software Access
• Showing Service Fees
• Website Fees
• Marketing Materials
• Yard Signs & Riders
• Photographers
• Office Supplies
• Business Cards
• Property Flyers/Postcards
• Lockboxes
• Continued Education

It is a fact that only 20% of agents last more than a year in the business.  It’s not easy - you have to love it to stay in it.  Loving it means serving your clients and being able to help them navigate the biggest purchase of their lives with joy. 

Realtors get a bad rap - we are looked at as being paid more than we’re worth and trying to squeeze every penny out of people.  That may be true of some - but for most agents, we are professional, trustworthy individuals who are honored to be chosen to represent you.  We don’t take it lightly, and we give you all we have to offer and then some.  We work long hours for months on end for clients with no guarantee of a paycheck. Of course we are human, just like you!  But, when you consider these things, I think you’ll agree that hiring me as your Realtor is a very smart choice!