It’s okay to have high expectations!

This is a trap a lot of buyers fall in! You aren’t alone. Real estate is full of complexities. Our instinct is to defer to “the experts,” and trust that we’re in good hands. Sometimes that’s the right thing to do, but the mistake here is assuming that most buyer’s agents are indeed experts.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. According to the NAR in 2023, one quarter of all commissions earned are by part-timers who do only a few transactions per year. That’s not a basis for expertise. When you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, you deserve full service and expertise.

You don’t owe anything to that friend of yours who got their license as a side hustle. Nor should you accept that your agent decides what you need to know, and when. A good agent is a true partner, a transparent, consistent communicator. They make sure you know everything they know when they know it. They never make decisions for you; they equip you to make a considered decision.

Beware of agents who are more like parrots, or porcupines. A parrot is just there to mimic whatever you say or tell you what you want to hear. They’re loathe to give you objective advice for fear that you’ll ditch them for another buyer agent. Too many buyers end up in homes that are wrong for them because their agent was afraid to be candid. On the other hand, a “porcupine” agent will be needlessly confrontational. Too many deals fall apart or never reach a contract because of prickly, aggressive agents who get in their own way. The stakes are too high for your expectations to be anything other than top-level care and advocacy. So, as you work through the buying process this time, embrace your heightened expectations and ASK QUESTIONS.

If you’re curious about the philosophy and practice behind one of the most pro-active Realtors in the Upstate of South Carolina, read Joan Herlong’s book, As-Is: An Insider’s Guide to Real Estate. You’ll learn what it really means to speak house fluently, and everything they don’t tell you on House Hunters. It’s replete with hilarious mishaps, misadventures, practical advice, and vital wisdom she’s gained over the course of her 30+ years in the industry. Pick up a copy of your own here.

If you feel like your expectations haven’t been met in past buying experiences or aren’t being met in your current engagement, Joan can help. If you’re local to the Upstate of South Carolina, reach out today to see if you’re a good fit for Joan or one of her associates. If you need help anywhere else, Joan can connect you with the best Realtor for your needs, too. Get in touch with Joan here.

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