More than 2 million people in the United States have real estate licenses. However, real estate is a tough business with a steep dropout rate, and the result is that only a small percentage of those with licenses actively help buyers and sellers. The National Association of Brokers (NAR) includes over a million brokers and agents, individuals bound together with a strong Code of Ethics, extensive training opportunities and a wealth of community information. Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At first it might seem that by checking online sites you could quickly find the right home at the right price and go after it by yourself. But a basic rule in real estate is that all properties are unique and no property can be fully and professionally evaluated by a computer which only looks at surface data.
No two properties -- even two identical models on the same street -- are precisely and exactly alike. Homes differ; neighborhoods differ and so do contract terms, financing options, inspection requirements and closing costs. Also, no two real estate transactions are alike.
In this maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricing and negotiating, it is essential to work with a professional who knows all the aspects of the real estate business and can guide you through it. Our Seattle Area Real Estate Team is made up of brokers that are experts in the real estate industry and have an in-depth knowledge of the current market in Seattle and the surrounding cities and counties.
You may or may not know that some brokers represent sellers while others represent buyers. As a buyer, it is important that you have your own representation and Broker that represents your interests first. If you were to work with a broker representing the seller they have first duty to the seller, so you become just a customer and not a client.
Once you've decided to work with us, your Seattle Area Real Estate Team broker will provide you with information detailing current market conditions, financing options and negotiating issues that might apply to a given situation.
Remember: Because market conditions can change and the strategies that apply in one negotiation may be inappropriate in another, this information should not be set in stone. During your time in the market, your Seattle Area Real Estate Team broker will keep you updated and alert you to each step in the transaction process and guide you through theeach of them from start to finish.