National Homeownership Month

‘It Takes a REALTOR®’

by Kim Shindle

Making one of the largest purchases of one’s lifetime is stressful enough without having to worry about the details. That’s just one of the reasons most consumers decide to use a REALTOR® to help with this major purchase.

June is National Homeownership Month and this year’s theme is “It Takes a REALTOR®.” While many media representatives have stated that the Internet is taking over the real estate industry, many consumers want the expertise and dedication a REALTOR® brings to the transaction.

Deborah Lowry, president of REALTORS® Association of York and Adams Counties, says, “REALTORS® act as a guide through the complicated process of selling or buying a home. There are so many liability issues facing homeowners today – seller disclosures, environmental issues, inspections – it’s difficult for consumers to translate all of these issues themselves.”

Financing is more complicated than 30 years ago and guiding the buyer and the seller through that process also takes experience.

Lowry’s client Connie Ensor sees the value in hiring a REALTOR®. “It’s worth it to me to use a professional,” Ensor says. “My husband and I have lived in our home for more than 27 years and now we’re downsizing. We grew up in our first home together and it’s definitely a bittersweet time.”

In addition to the stress of selling their home, Ensor’s husband is also ill. “I can sleep at night knowing that Deb (Lowry) is taking care of everything for me. My husband definitely feels secure with Deb too. She knows what we’re going through and we know she’s going to get us the best deal she can.”

Westmoreland County President Doreen King says, “You have to show customers that the service you provide has value. I have my own marketing plan that has been proven to sell homes. That’s what we do everyday. Most REALTORS® have a plan in place that will bring in the buyers.

“I go through an educational process with sellers,” King adds. “So much has changed in the marketplace in the last several years that many may not be aware of things they must do. REALTORS® have the expertise. We keep the client on track and make sure they have a successful sale by bringing them qualified buyers.”

Harrison “Bud” Tyson, chair of Suburban West, sums it up, “REALTORS® have a commitment to providing service to their clients from the beginning of the process when the initial agreement is signed to the end of the process when they have their settlement. We don’t leave them hanging. We’re there when they have their inspections, open houses, showings and more. And we spend many hours providing this full service.”

Christine Skrypzak is a repeat client of Tyson’s. She says, “I decided to try selling my home myself. I ran an ad in the local newspaper, placed the house on a dot.com and after 30 to 60 days, I didn’t have one bite. As a FSBO, my house was becoming a bottomless money pit.”

She continues, “I bought my home with Bud so I decided to call him again and in a matter of three days he found me a buyer. Both times the process went as smoothly as possible. Throughout the process, back and forth, Bud dealt with all the little details that could drive me insane.

“It’s reassuring to have representation on your side,” Skrypzak adds. “I would use a REALTOR® from here on out.”