An interview with Bob Ashauer, RE/MAX Alliance
an Accredited Real Estate Consultant
Q – What In The World Is Real Estate Consulting?
A – Mostly, it is a business approach taken by a Realtor to a client. A consultant works only for a client, putting the client’s interest first, just like many other professionals. Most real estate agents still work on a commission basis, even though there has been a gradual shift from a sales perspective to providing expert decision support for clients. Some REALTORS today are becoming more like consultants than salespeople to meet the needs of their clients.
Q – So Why Do I Need To Know About This?
A – It has always been important to know who an agent is working for – you, someone else or for the sale. In today’s market, it is even more important to have professional service dedicated to you and your interests alone – and for you to know it. Real estate transactions are complex, expensive and the results last a long time.
Q – Can I Save Money With A Consultant?
A – In today’s economy, that’s a real good question! Consulting is not cut-rate, reduced service. (There are some of those around, still trying to provide one-size fit-all options.) Consulting, however, is full professional service dedicate to you as a client. It starts with your needs and your choices. Consulting fees are fully transparent, with who pays what, when and why. A consultant may be paid on a commission, or a flat fee, or both. Yes, you may save money working with a consultant, but for sure you will receive the best value for professional services that you actually need.
Q – Is Consulting For Buyers Or Sellers?
A – Both, really. In fact, a consultant offers professional services even if you are not ready to buy or sell at the moment. (Did I mention consulting is based on your needs, not on a sale?)
Q – How Do I Find A Real Estate Consultant?
A – Truthfully, there many traditional real estate agents that service their clients very well. But how do you know until the deal is done, or even then? Well, you look for an Accredited Consultant in Real Estate – an ACRE® REALTOR. Real estate professionals who have earned the ACRE® designation have completed a course of study and taken an exam that tests their ability to provide unbiased counsel to the consumer in matters that deal with real estate. They have developed tools to offer different choices to you based upon a comprehensive needs analysis. Most importantly, they conduct their real estate business on a consultant basis with only you as a client.
You can learn more at my page http://www.eastofthearch.com
Or find ACRE agents at http://www.myreconsultants.com/
Or just call me at 618 581 1695 for a free 1-hour initial consultation.
