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Consulting a REALTOR®

REALTORS® are members of The National Association of Realtors who subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. Members of the Northwoods Association of Realtors Board are members of both the Wisconsin and National Real Estate Associations.

• A REALTOR® will fully explain the details of your working relationship (called "agency") so that you are clear as to when a REALTOR® is working for you or for the seller.
• A REALTOR® has access to hundreds of current listings of homes for sale because of a co- operative system called the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).
• A REALTOR® can provide you with a customized list of homes that best meet your needs -- size, style, features, location, proximity to schools, shopping, etc. - and then make arrangements for you to view those homes that appeal to you the most.
• A REALTOR® will help you determine how big a home you can afford.
REALTORs® are familiar with the local lending market and can offer helpful advice.
• A REALTOR® has no emotional ties to any type or style of home and can be objective in pointing out the merits of one home over another.
• A REALTOR® will have information on zoning changes, taxes, utility costs and school and recreation services that could affect your decision to buy a home in a specific area.
• A REALTOR® will assist you in negotiating the terms of your purchase, which can be a nerve- wracking process for someone who is not experienced in negotiating.
• A REALTOR® will advise you of the legal process required in obtaining title and taking possession of your property; the costs associated with buying a home such as insurance, mortgage registration and legal fees will be explained in detail.

Selling Your Home - Why it Pays to Use a REALTOR®

Before selling your home, you will need a clear understanding of the legal issues and potential pitfalls. One wrong action could result in a lot of cost and frustration, which is why it is essential to have a REALTOR® working with you, as he or she will make the sale of your home a successful and satisfying experience.

REALTORS® use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) to give your home maximum exposure. MLS® is a computer-based system that relays valuable information about your home to hundreds of REALTORS® and potential homebuyers.

Setting a price for your home is an important but difficult process. Again, this is where the services of a REALTOR® prove invaluable. REALTORS® have the experience to help you understand how the market works and decide upon a realistic price that meets your goals. REALTORS® also pre-screen potential buyers to make sure only those who are serious and financially qualified view your home.

REALTORS® will also develop a marketing plan to help your property receive maximum exposure. This will likely include placing your home on the MLS® system and placing a "For Sale" sign on the front lawn. The plan will likely also include arranging open houses for other REALTORS® and potential buyers, and developing advertisements and feature sheets/mailers to market your home.

Once you have accepted an offer to buy your home, your REALTOR® will help ensure that all the proper paperwork is completed. He or she will also make sure that both parties meet the necessary conditions outlined in the agreement.

When you work with a REALTOR® you will likely get a better price for your home than if you try to sell it yourself. Apart from the financial benefits, however, there is an extra measure of comfort and security that comes from having a REALTOR® on your side. Remember that REALTORS® are governed by a code of ethics and standards of business practice. They have also been trained and licensed under the Wisconsin Department of Professional Standards to assist in transactions involving real property. When it comes to buying or selling property, using a REALTOR® just makes sense.

Carrie was born and raised in a small town in Minnesota and has recently moved to the Ironwood, MI area with her husband, son, and boxer. Carrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism with a minor in Property Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and an MBA from Walden University. After college, Carrie moved with her husband to Denver, Colorado to start her career in restaurants. During her tenure in the restaurant industry, Carrie gained experience in all levels of management, including Area Director in casual dining and fast casual segments of the industry. She also moved from Denver to several areas of the mid-west while overseeing and opening new restaurants. After over 20 years in the restaurant industry, Carrie moved to the area to enjoy quality of life with her family and pursue a career in real estate.

Carrie has extensive customer service and sales experience gained from her restaurant career. Carrie’s hobbies include any outdoor activities including camping, down-hill skiing, hiking, biking, and spending time with her family. She is excited to start this new career and is licensed in both Wisconsin and Michigan.