Well - time moves on and I learn something every day!  I remember when I thought a Realtor "sold homes".  That is honestly one of the smallest (and easiest) parts of the job. Understanding what a good agent is equipped to do for you really is the best way to take advantage of the opportunity of having a professional work for you in the area of real estate.

So - briefly - what can you expect an agent to do for you?

> Get you the right financing, for openers. Gone are the days where you just stroll into the nearest bank and have them "give you a mortgage". There are more lending programs out there than flavors of ice cream at Baskin Robbins.  And if you are not dealing with them each and every day of your life, you probably don't have the info you need to make the best decision.

> Understand what your goals are and tell you specifically what the existing market can, and can not do, for you.  Using the MLS data base and the attached search program several hours each day is not only informative, it is critical to staying on top of what is available, and what it is worth. Bear in mind, the list price of a property might be about as useful as the sticker price on a car. How do you know? Valueing property is a skill agents develop through many, many hours of comparison, data research and application of several valuation tools we are trained to use.

> Provide neighborhood information. Give you complete lists of schools and churches, stores, parks, whatever inthe area you might be considering moving in to.

> Lead the complicated process of making the transaction. Do the following words trigger questions for you? Inspections, appraisals, inspection period, survey, lead based paint, well and septic tests, restrictions and covenants, zoning, taxes, closing costs, HUD disclosure, title company, title insurance, general warranty deed, commissions (my favorite), offer to purchase, counter offer, and contingencies?

They are ALL - every one - part of the process of almost every real estate transaction. And all are related to one or more state and federal laws governing real estate transactions.

So - still think "for sale by owner" is a good idea? I used to. In hind sight, I realize I lost thousands.

I will now climb off my stump and go to bed.

Peace.

Mike Johnson,  Missouri Licensed Realtor

Charles Burt Realty

mike@mike4844.com