Tuesday, July 26, 2011

"Life is like a box of chocolates...."

Some time ago a movie titled Forrest Gump hit the big screens. The title character. played by Tom Hanks, often quoted his mother saying "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get." As charming as that sounds, it really is not all that accurate. A more fitting statement would be, 'Life is like a box of choices, and those choices have a profound effect on the direction of your life.'

We make choices everyday. Some choices have little or no significance on our lives and those around us. Choices on what to eat for breakfast, what to wear, what shoes to buy, and so it goes. But other choices are more weighty. Cars to purchase, careers path to take, whom to date/marry, where to live, home to buy. Even when we decide not to make a choice, we are making a choice.

When I think of the importance of a real estate decision (choice) it seems to me that a buyer, or seller, would want to select a real estate agent that is competent, responsive, experienced, knowledgeable, and offers more than just opening doors. For many, the home investment will be the most significant investment of their lives. Although, we have seen a decline in real estate values of recent years, real estate will still remain to be where a large share of a buyers income resides. Yet, the home as an investment, is just one piece of the pie. What about the home itself, how does the home live. How does the homes floor plan work for the buyer, how does the natural light from the sun affect certain rooms, how is the home constructed, how well has it been built. Further, what are the utility costs of the home, the property taxes, future expenditures, neighborhood projections. All these factors play into a decision, a choice.

I can't imagine choosing to 'go it alone' when it comes to real estate. Whether buying or selling, why make such a big choice, with so little assistance!
The purchase or sale of real estate is often a emotional choice, and emotion is an important part of the decision. But pure emotion unbalanced with sound reasonable counsel is a poor choice. Make a good choice, connect with a realtor of your choosing, and then choose well.