<![CDATA[Carolyn Young's Blog]]><![CDATA[Where to Buy?]]>Location matters now more than ever when buying a home.  Not all parts of the country have been as devastated by the "bursting of the bubble" as the media would have us think.  There are places where prices have stayed flat and even gone up, believe it or not.  If you are buying a home it is crucial to consider not just the general area, but even the specific neighborhood and the location within the neighborhood.  People are still buying homes and always will be, and good houses in premium locations will still sell for premium prices.

]]><![CDATA[Trust in the business of real estate]]>Traditionally real estate agents are not among the most trusted professionals.  In fact, they are usually quite the opposite.  There are definitely those who earn that lack of faith, so that we that are worthy of it have to work harder.  When choosing a real estate agent its important to feel good about the person you are working with.  You don't necessarily want to choose the person who is the most well known, or who is in the multi million dollar clubs.   You want an agent who will work for you and tell you the truth.  None of us are perfect, by any measure, but I try to do the best job that I can and integrity and honesty are extremely important qualities for me to strive to have and to find in others.  An exclusive buyer's agency also has some built in differences that can make it a better option for buyers who need a guide, not a salesperson.  Exclusive buyers agents do not have listings to sell, therefore no incentive to show certain homes to make double commission.  Exclusive buyers agents are never dual agents, working for a buyer and a seller at the same time.  Why are Exclusive Buyer's Agencies so few and far between?  I've had listing agents say to me "Why would you want to be a "buyer's only" agent and give up half your income?  I do it because I feel it is the right way to do business.

Mutual respect and effort in any business transaction are what create true sucess.

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