Every profession has it’s own alphabet soup of degrees and designations.  Some are very familiar to us such as  MD., PhD., RN., and DDS.  While some are specific to a particular profession such as medicine, others apply across fields  of study such as a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree.  What they all have in common, however, is that these degrees and designations identify a level of training or proficiency in a particular field of study.

The same is true in the real estate industry.  Real estate agents are required to have a license and a minimum level of training.  Some of us, however, pursue advanced levels of training and expertise.

When  you see that an agent has multiple letters or designations on her business card or website you can rest assured that your  agent will be among the most highly trained professionals in the industry. It shows you that your agent has pursued advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and technology so you can be confident that your agent has the dedication, experience and commitment to excellence that you need to guide you through the real estate process.

When chosing a real estate agent to represent you  when buying or selling a home, doesn’t it make sense to chose a agent who demonstrates a high standard of expertise? Here are  the designations and advance training I’ve acheived so far, but stay tuned… I’m working on a new one!

I played golf this Saturday.  Yes, it was a little chilly, especially in the morning.  As I put on my winter golf gloves and set up for my first drive of the round, it occurred to me that playing golf in November in Andover  is somewhat like buying or selling a home in Andover this time of the year.  Golfers who brave the autumn winds and chill to play truly love the game.  Similarly, homeowners who list their homes for sale and  home buyers who are actively searching for homes in the fall and winter, are truly committed to the process.  So yes, now can be a good time to be an active home buyer or home seller and here are 6 reasons why this is true.

1. Sellers, we know buyers must feel at comfortable in a home before writing an offer.  What is more comfortable than a warm, festive home dressed up for the holidays?
2. Buyers, sellers who takes the time and effort to keep their homes tidy and welcoming for you, especially during the busy holiday season, have a sincere desire to sell the their home.  They may therefore be more willing to negotiate the various terms of the purchase contract.
3. Less competition–yes, throughout the year home buyers and home sellers are in competition for one and other.  While there may be fewer home buyers actively searching for homes and fewer homes listed for sale, when the right home comes along buyers will have fewer competing buyers to outbid, and when the right buyer comes along sellers will have fewer listings to outshine.
4. The “off season” makes it easier to schedule related services such as appraisals, movers, attorneys and contractors.
5. Corporate moves.  Corporations make more employee transfers in January than any other time of the year so this is an opportunity to tap into the relocation market.
6. Interest rates, interest rates, interest rates.  You’ve heard this before…interest rates at historic lows and home prices leveling off.  Buyers and sellers can both take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Search for your new home.