There is an old saying that goes something like this: “If I have a broken arm I don’t go to my accountant to take care of it.”  The concept is that you see the professional (in this case, a doctor) who has the professional expertise, experience and education to take care of you specific need (in this case, a broken arm).  This is true of any profession.  If I have a tax problem, I’m not going to ask my auto mechanic for his advice.

In today’s highly specialized world, most professionals take the time to get the education they need to do the job.  Experience and expertise come with time.

However, it seems with real estate, it’s OK to ask  friends, family and co-workers about various aspects of the home selling or home buying transaction. This seems to be particularly true of first time home buyers. Sure, buying your first home is a scary thing no matter how much you may think you have prepared for it.  There are lots of moving parts and it’s important to get it right. It’s also true that most first time home buyers really don’t know what’s involved in the process and really haven’t prepared that well.

Why Sticking With A Good Realtor May Also Be A Good Idea.

It’s a good thing when anyone consults with a professional Realtor to assist with the process.  That’s what we’re trained to do — assist with the buying and selling of real estate. It’s also a good thing to ask around to see who a great Realtor might be and even talk to a few before making a final decision about who you choose to be your Realtor.  However, once the choice has been made and you connect with the Realtor who will be helping you through the labyrinth of rules and regulations, it’s a good thing to stick it out.

Many people like to go out and get second, third and fourth opinions about what they’re doing and/or what they’re Realtor has advised them to do.  Is it the right house? At the right price? In the right neighborhood?  At the right time?  Will prices go up or down?  Will interest rates go up or down?  Should we low ball an offer? If the seller agrees to my offer, am I paying too much?  If the buyer agrees to my price, am I “giving it away?”

There is a lot of uncertainty that can come up during the home selling or home buying process.  Getting two,three or more opinions from people who are not trained professionals is like seeing your auto mechanic for a tax problem.  It just adds to the confusion.

Even when well meaning friends offer their advice, you want to take it with a large grain of salt.  Every experience is a little different. Real Estate professionals know the terrain. Let the one you pick be your guide through the maze.  Chances are he or she knows the way through to your goal along the path of least stress.

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