By Dana Carlsen

I've been fortunate enough to call myself a Realtor since 1995. I have served on the Silver City Regional Association of Realtors Board of Directors for several years, and am currently serving as the Past President.

I used to say GǣI should write this one down and write a book someday!Gǥ Well, I wish I had! I would wager a good bet that most Realtors spend 50% of their time trying to either educate their clients about how the process of buying or selling a home works, or bordering on marriage counseling, or being asked to give legal advice or financial advice that is better left to the Attorneys and Accountants of the world...well, you get my drift. There is WAY more to being a Realtor than most people can imagine (just ask my sister!).

With that said, I have spent a large portion of my real estate career trying to educate my clients about how to best communicate and work with a Realtor. The first thing I try to do when I meet a new client is ASK them if they are already working with another Realtor. You won't believe how much time and energy that can save!

Here's my advice...if you are currently working with or talking to a Realtor about purchasing or selling real estate, there is no need to go anywhere else if you like working with that person. We can all do the same job for you, certainly in different ways, as we are all individuals. If I find that someone I am trying to help with real estate is seeking other Realtors for showings, advice, etc., my commitment to that person will be less urgent. In fact, I will advise them to choose one Realtor to work with and stick with that Realtor, regardless if it is me or not. It's the best deal going for the client to have one Realtor looking out for you and your housing interests! You will get their full attention.

There is no harm in interviewing several Realtors to find one that you relate to. You should! It will make your transaction much more satisfying and fun if you find a Realtor you enjoy working with.

I hope that this small article will help you to understand that we, as Realtors, really want to help you with your needs. We really do appreciate your questions and concerns and the opportunity to help you understand how the process works. So, ask your questions! Voice your concerns! If you don't like the first answer, get a second opinion!

But most of all, have fun!