All REALTORS® are not the same

Sun., May 28, 2006

Don Walker The Spokane Association of REALTORS®

All real estate licensees are not the same. That’s as true as saying all of the people alive are definitely not the same. Even though the REALTORS® subscribe to a code of ethics, they are not like peas in a pod.

And, be happy this is so. This affords the diversity of choosing the person or persons who carry the REALTOR® pin with pride, integrity and knowledge. This person will be guiding you through home buying situations with the inherent grace of one who knows how things work and how to be most effective for the job at hand.

It should be that way — easy. Real estate transactions are among the biggest financial investments most people experience. These sales of homes can create, at times, a large amount of stress among the buyers and sellers. That’s just normal. Not fun, but normal. There is a lot at stake for both buyer and seller.

A REALTOR® can provide the buyer and the seller with knowledge such as how much to ask for the home you have for sale or what the proper selling price for the home should be.

Give one of these professionals some facts about your available savings, income, current debt and he or she can refer you to the best type of mortgage for your individual situation.

Your REALTOR® has a lot of resources and can assist in the selection process about each property. That is good information. Real life stuff, this. They can provide local community information on schools, utilities, zoning, etc. There are two things you will need to know. 1. Will the property provide the environment you want for a home or investment, and 2. Will the property have resale value when you are ready to sell?

Your guide will help you through the process. They can objectively evaluate every proposal. They will help you with advertising and — more important — advise you when it will be best to advertise to be most effective.

One of the most important things you as a buyer or seller can do for yourself is to team up with a REALTOR® with whom you can be compatible through the processes necessary to produce either event.

Chose the one who you would enjoy working with through the trauma that selling or buying a home can sometimes produce.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.