I'm A REALTOR
I'm proud to be a REALTOR, not just a real estate agent. Less than half the agents in San Diego are REALTORS. What's the difference? A real estate agent has a license to sell real property - nothing more. A REALTOR, on the other hand, subscribes to a higher standard of ethical behavior, far beyond that which is required of a simple agent. As a REALTOR, I not only invite, but welcome and assist in the scrutiny of my transactions to insure maximum honesty and integrity. Agents that don't (or won't!) toe the line ethically can't be REALTORS - period. The most important line in the REALTOR Code Of Ethics states: "REALTORS pledge themselves to protect and promote the interest of their client."
Since hiring a REALTOR doesn't cost any more than hiring a mere agent, doesn't it make sense to go with the professional who has taken an oath to prove his honesty and integrity?I Have A Broker' License. What's That?
Being a licensed broker is like being a 2-star general: it's understood that the bearer has developed levels of education, knowledge and experience that exceed those of an agent. Did you know that the State of California officially calls agents "real estate salespersons" on their licenses? Compared to "salesperson," what does the title "Broker" say to you?"
My Broker title brings with it a responsibility to teach, lead and nurture agents whenever I can. As an understood senior-level member of the real-estate world, I am charged with promoting the growth, security and efficiency of the business. More importantly, I have accepted the solemn task to do everything I can to help keep the industry "clean:" to root out and repair issues which could harm our clients or the world they live in. That's why real estate brokers are commonly seen on the front lines of efforts to build jobs, increase access, establish financial security and, in general, repair America's damaged economy.A Gentle Education
We are shouted at 24/7. Radio, TV, Internet, billboards - even the dashboard of my car blares that my fuel is low, my tires need inflation or the road surface is icy. It's no wonder that many of us have a hard time learning new things! Who can think with all this shouting going on?
Amid all this noise, research indicates that a quiet, no-glitz approach to education works best. We've all heard that a whisper is heard when a shout is ignored. That's how it works.
I stand for the possibility that all my clients are open to a "gentle education," empowerment that they will need to make the decisions that are right for them. It's more than hand-holding. It's the real belief that buyers and sellers WANT to learn how to be experts in their deals. That they want to feel comfortable actively making decisions, NOT just being passive in a complicated storm that swirls around them.
This gentle education can take 2 weeks or 2 years - it's essential that prospective buyers and sellers understand that only THEY will know when THEY are ready.
And it works both ways. I need to be open to learning how to work well with each client in the most appropriate way. We all know no two clients are alike. They don't speak, share or teach in the same way either. My job is to remain patiently receptive as they open up to me, releasing their instructions to me on how to serve them best.
