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The short answer is YES!  It actually matters quite a bit.

When I was first starting to out as a Real Estate agent, I didn't think being a Realtor was important.  Even as a Real Estate appraiser, I did not see the value in an agent being a Realtor.  And, I imagine, most of the people reading this won't see it as a big deal either.

Now, that I am in the business, I realize that a Realtor is a cut above.  A Realtor has made the commitment to be a professional and to invest in their career and invest in themselves.  

As a Realtor, I have agreed to uphold the NAR code of ethics, which are at a higher level than those of state requirements.  I have attended training that is required to be a Realtor, but not to be licensed by the state.

Perhaps the most important, is that being a Realtor in my state gives me access to the best Real Estate contracts, which are not to be used by someone who is not a Realtor or does not license the contracts separately.  These contracts are better written and defined than the general contracts used by non Realtors.

So, why don't all agents become Realtors.  Well, I would hope it isn't because they don't want to be held to a higher standard of ethics, although, that could be a reason for some.  I think the bigger issue is that they don't want to spend $400.00 every year to be a Realtor.

Frankly, an agent not wanting to spend $400.00 a year to ensure they are better equipped to represent their clients in the purchase or sale of a home that would be in the 100's of thousands is difficult to understand.  

Now, does hiring a Realtor ensure that you will get a top notch professional?  No, but it definitely increases the odds. 

As always, I hope this article helps you make the wise move.

You are probably aware that the real estate market has improved greatly here in Buford, GA, and the surrounding metropolitan area.  In fact, in many areas, property values are at all time highs, even above the peaks we saw back in the mid to late 2000's.

One unfortunate side effect is that the property tax assessment that you just got in the mail probably reflects a significant increase to your assessed value.

I just received my property tax assessment from Gwinnett County, for my home in Hoschton, GA, and my assessment went up over 198%.  I wish I could call them and tell them I'll take their offer!  

Make sure to check your assessment and don't just throw it into a pile of paperwork that doesn't ever get looked at, or get's looked at six months from now.  This is time sensitive information.

My assessment is 50% higher than I have any hope of selling my home.  So, needless to say, I will be appealing my value.  

The process is very simple.  In Gwinnett County, you file your appeal online and wait for a date to go before the board.  If you live in a different county, the assessment should outline steps to appeal.  The important part is to make sure you file your appeal before the deadline.  My deadline is May 23rd, 2016.  Your deadline should be listed on your assessment.

An added bonus, is that in Gwinnett County, if you win your appeal, your property tax assessment will not increase for 3 years.  My understanding is that is also the case in other counties, however, I cannot personally verify that.

Finally, if you live anywhere in the metro Atlanta and want to know whether you should appeal your assessment, and would like help putting together comparable sales for the appeal, let me know.  I will be happy to do that for you.  There is no charge or obligation, we just want an opportunity to build relationships in our community.

And if, by some chance, you stumble on to this article outside of the state of Georgia and you need help, I would be happy to find someone in your area that could help you out.

Just another way we hope to help you make the wise move!  Take care and thanks for stopping by my blog.

We are representing a home seller in Lawrenceville, GA who has been under contract since March 26th.  We were scheduled to close on the 27th.  On the 26th, the loan officer told us they were declining the loan,  (despite us calling and asking about the loan 10 days prior and we were told everything looked good), and he would have to resubmit.  His debt to income ratio was too high and he would have to pay off a large debt.  As a former loan officer, I suggested that he just pay it off at closing.  Or, at worst, pay it off and get proof prior to closing.  So as to push the closing date by a week instead of a month.  He said that with this loan type, it can't be done.

Obviously, at this point the sellers are angry.  The buyer has done nothing wrong and is actually a very strong buyer and has good credit.  Stuff happens and things don't always go smoothly and we know that as well as any agent with as much experience as we have.  The funny part was that once he called our preferred lender, she was able to get him approved in short order.  

Here is where the story really goes south.  I am used to working with below average loan officers.  (Unfortunately, buyers often get partnered up with someone and they have no idea if they are any good or not.)  The part that makes this story a new low is how this has gone since.

The buyer takes the loan to our lender.  The lender has to get the appraisal from the old lender.  The previous loan officer calls the processor and starts talking about things in the file and tries to raise red flags for this buyer.  Basically trying to raise objections for the processor to take to the underwriter to try to get the loan killed.

How petty can this guy be?  Just because he isn't going to make the commission on the loan, he is trying to keep the buyer from getting the home and kill the entire deal.

Here is the thing, we have a list of people in this business who do not act ethically.  We call it our 'bad checks' list.  The name comes from one of our previous agents who worked at a Piggly Wiggly.  So, now, any time an offer comes over with this guys name on it, you can be assured we will tell our sellers about this story.  And, we will encourage our sellers to make the buyers go with a different lender if they want to buy the home.

Be careful out there.  There are a lot of great agents and a lot of great loan officers.  There are also a lot of bad ones.  It is up to you to choose carefully and make the wise move.

And, as always, if there is anyway we can help you make the wise move, please give us a call.

Oh, and the story will end happily.  My preferred lender knows what she is doing.  The file is structured the way it should have been done in the first place and the loan will close.  It is great working with Jenny Keenan with Brand Mortgage.