Imagine the situation of buying a car. A bit of internet search, a bit of playing with an online configurator. A bit of a dreaming while watching the Top Gear and then getting back to reality and getting started for real. What should we buy? New or used car? Compact, limo or SUV? Vehicle brand? Additional equipment? There are a lot of questions and options.
Through market research, we are trying to find what meets our needs and expectations. Ultimately we find a few cars that need to be reviewed, evaluate their condition (especially if they are used). After that - potential maintenance issues and repairs and so on. In that situation, each and every one of us will invite some friend (we all have that one friend that knows about cars) and who will inspect and review the car. He will eventually help us make a decision. We will ask for help from someone we trust that will give us honest and objective advice on what to do.
But what happens when we are looking for and investing in real estate? When our needs or desires require investment five or ten times as much as buying a car? Do we then seek an expert for whom we will be confident that he will advise us what to do in the same way? Honestly and objectively? And will it be backed up by documentation, not just some opinion?
When is the right time to seek a help from a pro?
Confidence is gained, as well as in private life, by understanding the motives behind a person's actions. There are many real estate brokers and agents on the market, with more or less successful businesses. All of them have a similar working principle. Their services are charged through commissions from the transactions executed through their brokerage. This is the basic and ultimate difference between an agent and a consultant.
The agent is focused on the realization of the transaction. And the consultant's primary task is to meet the client's needs - even if it means canceling the transaction. An agent can help buy or sell real estate, but a consultant provides valuable information to a client. It is before a client makes a financial decision to buy a property through market and portfolio analysis, investment studies etc.
Real estate agent vs. Real estate consultant
This does not mean that real estate agents are unnecessary because we work closely with different agencies, but investors need to be aware of each professions role within the overall investment and real estate process.
Bottom line, the consultant represents the client, objectively guides the client through the entire process, and communicates clearly and in detail with the client. The whole purpose is to help the client make the best possible and financially as profitable decisions. It is the sole and main motivator for the consultant, that the client is satisfied with the relationship and financially successful in his investments, and that the client continues to invest.
This is the reason why we adapt to our clients’ needs, actively listen to their desires and answer their questions and demands.
Beginning your real estate investment journey? Don’t do it alone! Contact us!
