Selling one's property and at the same time buying, or moving to another locality is always very traumatic and emotional. Our Legal System creates the intensity and the seriousness of transferring Titles. All real estate licensees are required to take courses before engaging into the profession plus continuing education seminars to enhance their skills. When there are misrepresentations in transactions, we are faced with the possibility of the revocation of our license to practice which means an end to our career.

There have been a great number of anomalous real estate transactions, some have even been publicized. Most of them were caused by people who act as real estate brokers without the knowledge and expertise or worst without the license to practice the profession. One will discover that most if not all of these lawsuits have been filed in courts often because parties to the transactions have no full knowledge and disclosure of the subject properties. Most judges or prosecutors tend to favor more the buyers and not the sellers. No one is exempted to any liability that may arise in any sale or transaction.

As times get tougher , we are inclined to be more careful who we deal with and know their capability to deliver a professional service. Though the real estate trend these days were not as bullish as in the previous years, still real estate is one such basic factor in one's lifetime achievement. It is for this reason that the advise of a professional is sought. If one cares more about their health, we go to see our doctor. In the same manner that we care about our wealth, we ought to let a real estate professional handle the transaction for us.

For many years that I have observed, many real estate owners as well as buyers still are prejudiced over hiring a real estate professional to do the job for them. I have heard from a number of my clients their sad experiences with real estate brokers, which at times, the public can't really be blamed for. As a real estate professional, I never fail to remind my clients of the term " Caveat Emptor", meaning "Buyers Beware".

In so far as hiring a real estate professional, the seller, or buyer should consider several criterias before signing up with a real estate professional. Look at it as if you're hiring your office personnel. Qualifying is always the key. Here are some questions to ask a real estate broker if you decide to hire one.

· What is your guarantee?

· Do you personally answer phone calls on the property?

· Can we cancel the listing if we're not happy?

· Do you have a personal assistant?

· May I see your resume or personal brochure

· What systems do you have in place that will keep you in constant contact with me during the
  listing and the transaction?

· Are you fully automated with your personal computer, FAX machine, copier, cellphone, pager,
  voice mail, etc.?

· What is your average market time vs. other brokers.?

· What professional designations do you have?

· I want to give my property the advantage of the latest marketing strategies. How much time
  and money do you invest each month in professional training?

· Can you give me a list of your clients who have closed with you and can I call them?

· What are you personally motivated to sell my property?

Proper representation is vital to any business transaction. Each person has his own field of expertise. Trying your hands at something you are not fully educated and skilled to do is a "death defying act" that could not only cause one person's life to be in trouble.

A real estate professional will fully represent you and negotiate at your best interest. We put our shoes into yours, so to speak. As a professional, they will not put their clients in a spot that the other party in the transaction could "read" through their minds and use it to bring you into their favor. This and many more advantages can be had if sellers and buyers will realize that their real estate properties deserve as much equal respect as to be handled only by those with the proper training, knowledge and skill.

Mores so, many sellers or buyers think they can do away with real estate brokers for the simple reason that they would like to avoid paying any commission. Real estate professionals receive no compensation until the subject property of a transaction is turned over. We work hard and long at own expense until we get you into a property you prefer or until a buyer is willing and able to purchase. Most people do not realize how costly this can become (i.e. phone calls, time, overtime at odd hours, gas, auto expense, insurance board fees, business license, clerical costs, paper and copier costs and more), especially if a client has no sense of loyalty to their broker.

Homes that are "For Sale By Owner" many times do not include a commission. Sellers will have no professional representation, advise, negotiating expertise, or legal protection. The broker would not have worked for nothing. Select a broker carefully, be honest and follow their advise.