Do your research

19 out of 20 times someone I meet has a person in their pocket who does what I do.  Sometimes I have a hard time figuring out how they came to the conclusion to make that someone "my guy".  "My guy realtor" might be a neighbor, a friend of a friend, someone who gave you a calendar, or someone who leaves directional signage up all year.  

So, when you or someone you care for is thinking of selling, you have to check "their guy" out.  Unless your a Broker in the state of Virginia your designation to the state is as a Salesperson (Realtor).  Would a "salesperson" tell you they give away more of your money at closing than anyone else or "I really don't know much about marketing"?  I don't think so.  The bar is low when becoming an agent and when you are an agent the number one thing you have to do is find clients so most Realtor's concentrate on self promotion.  That is why you as the prospective Client has to check out where they come from and a few of their last sales.  Ask for the last 3 addresses of homes sold and look at the pictures, how long it took to sell, and ask if they can show you the testimonial from each Client.

Here are a couple of recent Photos that best represent someones' home.  The award winning photograph above the bed takes a Buyers mind away from buying.




Or forgetting to let a Seller know to take down their magnets because instead of soaking in your Kitchen folks will be trying to see who your preferred service providers are.

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And then there is this house which I will see tomorrow.  13 pictures total,  (not shown) 5 of the deck, 1 each of the furnace and heat pump.

Do you really think someone would have chosen this marketing plan? 

Be safe out there and do your research and get second opinions on who "your guy" will be.