Marry your Realtor...

I often wonder what it takes to be a good, successful realtor. As a realtor, I see myself as a professional; in the field of sales, specializing in real estate properties. I hope that this is the same image that is received by any clients I have had the pleasure of working with.

Is this my own fairytale? Am I in a business of shame and deceit? Am I viewed by the masses as an uneducated, overpaid, schmuck?

I have spent some time recently on a couple different real-estate discussion forums and I seem to be defending the real-estate profession from the first click I post, and usually tend to give up on people who really detest this industry.

I have no doubt they exist, and I have heard stories about bad Realtors. I am not going to spend anytime defending them, that's silly, but every industry has their duds.. right. I have heard that agents are

1) uneducated

2) overpaid

3) lazy

4) and are con artists.

Like I said there are always a couple rotten apples. But let me spend a minute playing defense attorney for myself as a realtor.

1) I have a Bachelors in Elementary Education - so you would think I would be able to deal with these boneheads a little better right...

2) After spending hours traveling to several different properties; finally got an offer; drew up contracts; set up attorneys; got all tax info/maps/contracts to lenders/attorneys/clients; called Park agency about permits; spend 3 hours at structural inspection; change contracts for the 3rd time, and the deal falls apart and they are not moving after all. I earn $0.

3) Doing floor time, viewing open-houses and previews, BPOs, keeping updated on all listings in 3 counties, gathering all the necessary listing info that the owner just doesn't know the answer to, meetings, continuing education classes, listing proposals, Internet advertising.. whens lunch?

4)No comment- like I said there are some bad apples.

OK my rant is over....

I love the entire process of selling real estate. I have a true passion for it and take it personally when people classify all agents as scum and worthless.

I believe that the right agent is PRICELESS.

When you find the right agent whom you trust, he/she is looking to get you set up in the precise home you have described to them, and that is how we sell real estate.

Let us know some of your experiences with Realtors and the things that you found to be especially important with your realtor.

Lake Placid Waterfront Home For Sale

Resurrected from the hey-day of the prestigious Lake Placid Club along the shores of Mirror Lake sits Mirror Loj. This lakeside retreat built in 1906 is only 10ft. from the waters edge. Completely renovated in 2003 this classic club cottage incorporates exquisite high end features throughout while retaining a classic cottage feel. With hardwood and tile floors, in floor radiant heat, fir bead board ceilings, cherry cabinets and granite counter tops throughout, this property represents a true piece of the old and is full of all the amenities of the new. Craftsman style finishing touches by one of the areas finest builders. Offering 175 feet of sandy waterfront & 4 porches with sunset mountain views.

Features: 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 2,850 sq.ft., radiant heat. Walking distance to the Village of Lake Placid

Exclusively listed by Century21 High Peaks Realty

Up and running

Well here we are...blogging at long last. I hope others find this site useful as we have spent SOME time setting it up. This will serve to showcase some of our listings as well as other listings that our agency has. We are doing this for a couple of reasons. One is that we are starving real estate agents in a tough market and have families to provide for. Another is that for better or for worse the Internet is becoming the way to disseminate information. In a market such as ours with too many real estate agents it makes sense to partner up and try our best to get as many leads into our agency and to us as possible. We both have the same goals and instead of working against each other, we figured it best to work together. Our site is not meant to get political. It is not meant as a place to vent or badmouth other agents or agencies...simply put it is the best way to get a start at marketing ourselves to the nation. Every week our intent (may not happen this way) is to showcase a listing or two, and to provide commentary on the everyday happenings around the northern Adirondacks as it pertains to real estate. We also will have links to search our local MLS and other links that will better serve the buyer or seller when working with us in the Adirondacks. Your comments are welcome and your opinions are welcome. We hope that we can be of service to you! Please feel free to drop us an email!