Think about this for a minute. The population in the State of California for 2010 is estimated at 37,206,000. The California Department of Real Estate currently claims that there are 475,714 licensed Real Estate agents and brokers. So … on average, 1 in 78 persons living in California is a licensed Real Estate professional.
YIKES!!! This means that there is a very high likelihood that you, and everyone else in California, personally knows a Real Estate Agent. Perhaps, the good news is that, when you need a Real Estate Agent to help you to buy or sell a home, you likely have a friend or family member who is available to take the money from your wallet.
While you contemplate the above statistics and at the same time, think about that friend or family member, consider that not all of the licensed Real Estate Agents are active in the business, nor are many actually good sales people. Also consider that The State of California does not require any training what-so-ever in selling, to qualify for the Real Estate Sales Agent exam. I would estimate that at least 70% of the currently licensed agents, work full-time in some other job as a primary source of their income, and only work Real Estate as a part time endeavor – I would guess that they make their part-time Real Estate commissions waiting for people like you.
My business partner and myself have made a personal and financial commitment to dedicate the time, energy, and money to seek professional sales training and coaching. We are investing tens of thousands of dollars in our continuing professional development so that we can improve our selling skills, and to learn new techniques for selling houses – your house. Every month, we travel to the offices of a well-respected coaching firm known widely throughout the Real Estate industry, and spend several days, so we can improve upon our skills. We have also chosen to invest a significant amount of money in hardware and software to upgrade our telecommunications system that allows us to prospect for potential buyers and sellers directly, and as a result, build up a large network in the market.
So … consider a few of the following questions as it regards your friend or family member. (1) Do you absolutely have to sell your home, or are you just looking to do them a favor. (2) Do you prefer to have someone selling your home who is an objective third party, and one who has a high regard to protect your equity and interests. (3) As for buyers, do you want a trained Real Estate Agent to represent you in the negotiation process, or will you be satisfied at the possibility to overpay. (4) Does your friend or family member truly have the devotion and drive that you need for pursuing your interests, and will they tell you the truth. (5) Will you be prepared for the heartache of a distanced or severed relationship in the event that your friend or family member causes you to lose money, (6) Has your friend or family member upgraded their professional training and skills in such a way as to earn their commission.
So ... before singing that contract with your close friend or family member, consider the longer-term impact. Hopefully they will understand, and value your relationship above that of a commission check.
Contact us soon - and let us help you to sell or buy your home, and to move onward with your goals.
Charles M. Schevker (CPA)
DRE # 01875556
Broker Associate
Prudential California Realty (858) 449-8250
1299 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA. 92037
http://www.San-Diego-Cal-Homes.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesschevker
