Dear Santa, All I Want Is The Perfect Home

By Nancy Minor

Please help me find the perfect home. All I want for 2014 is a beautiful home, in a perfect neighborhood with all the updates and priced below market. Santa can you do that?

Santa may not be the best person to help you in your search for the perfect home. A Realtor is the perfect Elf to help Santa in this department. I thought you might find it interesting to learn a little about these helpers and what governs their behavior.

Did you know that Realtors abide by a strict Code of Ethics? This Code of Ethics is very clear in establishing the guidelines by which a Realtor works with the public and with other agents. The following paragraphs are the last two in the Preamble to the Code Of Ethics.

In the interpretation of this obligation, REALTORS® can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, “Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

Accepting this standard as their own, REALTORS® pledge to observe its spirit in all of their activities whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means, and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth below. (Amended 1/07)

The Code goes on and list in detail the manner in which the Realtor conducts their business. These guidelines provide an environment of mutual respect among peers and clients. Not all real estate agents are Realtors. Ask your professional if they are a Realtor?

As dedicated professionals, most Realtors work seven days a week. A day off means they wear jeans instead of their normal work clothes. The smart phone is always at hand and now the laptop or iPad is their companion. The phone must be answered because you have a duty to buyers and sellers to respond to their needs in a timely manner. Holidays cannot be holidays for a Realtor if they are negotiating an offer. When the buyers offer comes in, it is time to react, holiday or no holiday.

Realtors care about their buyers and sellers. A good Realtor becomes a counselor for the family during the process of buying or selling. Sometimes  this means everyone is in tears at the closing table but that is what separates the good agent from the great agent.

Realtors care about their community. Realtors give back because they know the importance of taking care of their neighborhoods. They sponsor their local schools. They serve on boards. They volunteer. You can call on a Realtor when you hear of a need in the community. They step up. Can you tell that I’m proud to call myself a Realtor!

When it is time to find your next home Do not call Santa, call a Realtor. He or she won’t come down the chimney but I can assure you they can help you buy or sell one.

If you would like more information about the Realtor Code of Ethics or have a real estate question give me a call at 404-955-7653 or email me at Nancy@Minor.net.

See all Metro Atlanta listings at NancyMinor.com

The following homes were just listed by Realtors and are ready for you to call home.

3982 Centre Court Priced at $325,000 shown by appointment.