Never under estimate the value of an experienced, educated, diverse Realtor.  Now I know there are folks out there that say - yeah sure - the realtor just wants the check and drive the big expensive car.

No. no. no.

I am here to prove you wrong - read on:

It is not "just about the check" it is about relationships and good negotiation skills.

Qualifications - On this first point, most realtors today (taken from NAR education polls) possess one or more of the following:

40% B.A Degrees in Finance, Marketing, Business

15% M.A. in Business, Marketing

10% J.D. & P.h.D. -  Law, English, Education, Liberal Arts.

Education - What does this mean for you? 

In addition to an excellent education and training, your agent is a word warrior, effective writer and negotiator. He or she also has a quest for the knowledge of effective Internet and Mass Media Advertising, combined with excellent communication skills in the areas canvassing, negotiations, the art of effective open houses and acquiring listings. 

Still not convinced?

Communications - What you want is an agent who is assertive, competent, eager to LISTEN to you. She  knows how to save costs for you on advertisting and so forth. 

Advertising - On this second point, did you know on Ebay you can get fabulous custom-made signs for your new listing as little as 11.00? Yep! Try the sign guys at Coralspringsrentals as these guys are the champs of quality and cost control.  Beautiful two-sided full-detailed signs.   I order monthly and my buyers and sellers love these signs!

Tools - check out Ebay for additional items too, lock boxes, palm pilots,laptops,portable printers, brochure services - it is all here at your fingertips!

Fingertips - on that very point - websites - folks there are at least 90 websites out there you can post your property - for little as 5.00 a month while the other 1/2 of the 90 sites - are free!  Need a virtual tour?  No problem - Flyaway.com, OXL, FreeFSBO, Miadiamo, Craigslist, TheFlyer.com,Zillow,Zipfly,Truillio,Lycos, and tons more out there!

Business Background - What kind of realtor works best for you? One with a business background BEFORE they got into real estate. Former Certified Public Accountants. Former Law Enforcement. Lawyers, Mediators - yes - they are invaluable as they have a wealth of experience with rules, process, people, places and things. Surprised?  There are many realtors with these backgrounds!

Today's Reatlor - she is a realtor not just driving around in big expensive cars popping signs along the road while to only be later siting around sipping a brandy at brunch. No. That is old school.

Today's Realtor - what we do - We are saving sellers from bankrupcy and foreclosures through a lot of hard work, research, time and committment.

How do I know this first hand???

Simple. Like most of my cohorts, I have spent a lifetime working in the court system to help others.  This includes civil law, criminal law, probate law, family law, county court evictions  - all of it!  I hold a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Law, a J.D. in Law, a License as a Mediator and work as a law clerk and a realtor. 

To add further, I have numerous clients I help each day - not just for a check either!  These are long-term relationships built on trust, competence and dedication. 

If you don't believe it - then - check it out at kathleenlongrealtor.com.

About the author:

Kathleen is a Tampa Florida native, with an extensive background of 20 years in law, business and public relations. You can get additional information on properties and statistics by contacting her at KathleenLongRealtor.com or

calling 813-470-0047.