Realtor Questions & Answers
The National Board of Realtors lists the following questions to consider when choosing a realtor. You will find that Matt is a REALTOR® who will provide superior service and meet your unique needs. He has provided the answers to the National Board of Realtor questions for your consideration when chosing a realtor.
1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full time job?
Matt has over seven years of full time residential real estate sales experience. During his tenure, he has experienced every type of real estate market. In June 2008, Matt started his own real estate brokerage firm, Focus Realty, which is located in Bend, Oregon and serves the greater Central Oregon community.
2. What designations do you hold?
Matt is a member of the Central Oregon Association of Realtors and he holds the e-Pro designation from the National Board of Realtors. E-Pro indicates a high level of proficiency, experience and education with Internet and electronic technology. Matt uses the latest advanced technology to assist his clients in attaining their goals whether they are buying or selling real estate.
3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year?
In 2008, Matt closed the following real estate transactions; 16 homes, 3 land, and 2 lease options.
4. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home?
Matt provides aggressive and innovative marketing for his clients and knows how to market your property competitively. The Strategic Market Plan outlines his roadmap for successfully marketing your property in detail.
5. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction?
Oregon law provides for three types of agency relationships between real estate brokers and their clients:
Seller’s Broker – Represents the seller only;
Buyer’s Broker – Represents the buyer only;
Disclosed Limited Broker – Represents both the buyer and seller, or multiple buyers who want to purchase the same property. This can be done only with the written permission of both clients.
Matt intends to act as an exclusive broker. However, there have been instances when both parties in a transaction have given written permission for Matt to represent them as a Disclosed Limited Broker.
6. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done?
Matt can easily refer his clients to a number of experienced mortgage brokers. In addition, Matt has a wide network of builders and construction industry contacts due to his years working as a Superintendent for a local premier homebuilder. Matt readily helps his real estate clients by providing a list of reputable vendors for various jobs.
7. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you?
Focus Realty brokerage is operating by Matt and his wife, Zenita. Matt is the owner and principal broker. Matt utilizes many local professionals when needed for a transaction. Use of the latest technology available is integral to Focus Realty’s smooth and efficient operations.
8. What’s your business philosophy?
Focus Realty strives to give service that extends beyond the ordinary in care, integrity, professionalism, tenacity and industry knowledge while maintaining a positive and proactive approach in all situations.
9. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients?
Recent client feedback is listed on the attached Client Testimonies page. If you want additional client feedback, Matt will happily provide you with the contact information for his three most recent clients.
10. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently?
Matt uses email and phone contact as primary methods to communicate. He is a full time broker and is accessible daily. Matt has a policy of returning messages as soon as possible throughout the day. The Focus Realty professionals are available to meet your needs during regular business hours.
When we are in the middle of negotiations you can expect timely and proactive communication regarding your transaction.
When your home is marketed with Focus Realty, you can expect regular and consistent marketing status updates. You will receive current information regarding changing market conditions, immediate showing feedback, and property website statistics and inquiries.
When working with Matt Lathrop to purchase a home you can expect notification by email or phone when a property matches your search criteria.
Matt makes it his priority to be in contact with you as often as necessary to keep your transaction moving forward toward closing.
Questions reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
