Buying and selling property is complex and sometimes stressful. Often, it’s the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. New laws, technology and increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers have placed demands on the REALTOR® profession to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.

On the wall of your favorite doctor or dentist there might be a certificate with the professional’s name, followed by the initials of their specialty. When the name of the professional real estate agent is displayed, there may also be initials that describe their specialty. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recognizes many special real estate fields that enhance the service provided to the public.

Real estate agents in the State of Washington are licensed through the Department of Licensing. Only a licensee who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS® can identify himself or herself as a REALTOR®. REALTORS® agree to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. Some areas of expertise recognized by the NAR are Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Accredited Land Consultant (ALC), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), and Certified Property Manager (CPM).

Here are several others that can be easily identified, yet none are easily acquired! Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) requires 90 education hours of specialized real estate related subjects. The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education.

One of the newest designations is NAR’s Green Designation. Agents have advanced training in green building and sustainable business practices so they can seek out, understand and market properties with green features.

Other designations for real estate specialties are: Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), Counselor of Real Estate (CRE), Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), and Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR). “At Home With Diversity” (AHWD) and “e-PRO” Internet Training for Real Estate Professionals are two additional Certification programs.

As REALTORS®, we strive to provide a valuable service to our clients. We believe in property ownership and property rights. Our efforts to seek higher education and specific designations are made to serve YOU! Choose a REALTOR® who is qualified and meets your specific needs. Choose a REALTOR® you can trust!

Linda Miller invites your email comments. She can be reached at President@SpokaneRealtor.com.

Printed in the Spokesman Review April 25, 2010

REALTORS are servants. All of us have experienced good service, and occasionally service that leaves us feeling neglected. Many books are written about how to give quality service. Realtors are trained to help and serve. There is something about a Realtor’s heart—they really care about their clients. Have you considered how difficult it is to move? Packing up personal belongings, leaving behind favorite neighbors, deciding where furniture should be placed in the new home. Realtors work with their clients during difficult times and continue to be cheerful, encouraging and supportive.

REALTORS are resources for information. Have you ever had a question about where to find a good roofer? Or maybe need advice regarding someone to help with home updating projects? Call your REALTOR—he/she can offer help. Maybe it’s simply direction to a favorite web site (such as www.houselogic.com) or possibly a referral to honest and quality contractors.

REALATORS are advocates. Our goal is to represent the client to assure that they buy or sell properties with all knowledge and disclosure. Sellers can expect honesty and all-out efforts to market the client’s properties. Buyers can expect good advice regarding the market and how to move forward with wise purchasing skills.

REALTORS are specialists. We live in a world of specialists. Educators, doctors, even retail stores specialize. REALTORS  specialize in property values, marketing, staging, real estate laws, and how to serve! We are sensitive to the importance you place on this major investment and commitment you are about to make.

REALTORS are professionals practicing under a Code of Ethics. The standards of the code assure the public that they will be served according to high principles of integrity and honesty. We hold one another accountable and continually strive to grow in character.

Your dream is our dream! The commitment of your REALTOR is based not just on the need to earn a living—it’s helping you and your family meet defined goals. We only earn a living if your needs are met.

Check out www.SpokaneOpen.com for locally sponsored open houses. Call your favorite REALTOR today! Comments or questions can be directed to me at president@SpokaneRealtor.com

Printed in the Spokesman Review March 21st, 2010

Spokane REALTORS® want to help consumers make the most out of owning a home, and we have a gift for you.  It’s called HouseLogic.  This is a new, comprehensive consumer Web site about all aspects of homeownership. It’s FREE and created by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) for you. The web site is designed to help homeowners across our region make smart decisions regarding their property’s value.

HouseLogic is a great resource for helping homeowners plan and organize their home projects.   You will find timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to’s;  information about taxes, home finances and insurance. Unlike other homeownership Web sites, HouseLogic helps consumers view their home through a financial lens. It’s important to consider our homes as an investment. Families can set goals for saving money on their home…or perhaps increasing its’ value. How about the ability to track the progress made on those goals!

Registered users can save relevant information, create to-do lists and set project reminders. The Web site can also be customized for individual homeowners depending on how handy or ambitious they are regarding home projects.  How much money do you want to spend or save? Where do you live?  What are your priorities? Maybe its’ increasing the value of your home or improving the neighborhood.

HouseLogic can also empower homeowners who want to get more actively engaged in shaping community life. Are you interested in becoming an advocate in your neighborhood? What homeownership issues matter most to you?  The site provides users with the tools and know-how to effect change and address concerns, like establishing a neighborhood watch program, building a community playground, or participating in city or county planning efforts.

HouseLogic takes owning a home to the next level, empowering consumers to build their futures through homeownership.  Visit HouseLogic at www.houselogic.com.  Two other great online resources to remember are www.WAhomeowners.com and www.SpokaneOpen.com.

Last year, Spokane REALTORS® helped over 4,660 homeowners achieve their goals of owning a home.  For 99 years, Spokane REALTORS® have been serving our community with heart and bringing families home.  Contact a Spokane REALTOR® today. Remember that the Homeowner Tax Credit expires April 20!

Printed in the Spokesman Review: March 7th, 2010

I have finally realized that this identifies me. Why is it that we must go through so much of our life to find who we are? Recognizing personal strengths, and weaknesses, gives power to my goals.

As a Realtor I now know what my clients need, how I can help them meet their goals. As president of our Spokane Association of Realtors I believe in a group of 1800 people who are caring, honest and ambitious in their endeavors. As their leader my desire is to direct their ambition so that it will grant all of us long term benefits – community and real estate professionals. After much thought I came to the conclusion that we needed a focus of community service.

With the help of a group of seasoned Realtors, I chose to work with Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. It is thrilling to see the excitement grow as we “plunge” into unknown territory and work our way through the details of creating a new volunteer program.

Here’s a quote that sums up the “Jim and Linda” philosophy:

“I expect to pass through this life but once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not return this way again.”
William Penn

I am noticing that there are more and more “for sale” signs going up in neighboring yards. Open house signs are popping up on the streets on Sunday afternoons. It must be spring. While I am busy with our Realtor association business, my priority is still helping my clients with their real estate needs.

The clock frequently reports that Linda is up later than usual. Jim and I were laughing today about our awareness that life is short and we are just “tap dancing” a little faster. So much to do! This last week you can find five new homes listed on my web site. Every seller is being reasonable in their pricing and I am very proud to say that each home is attractive and has been lovingly prepared for the marketplace. We are optimistic about the market this year—families still wanting to make changes.

On a quick note, congratulations to two families that recently closed on their new homes! Amy and Curtis and their children—what a delight. Kevin and Kay—from the East coast all the way West! It has been my privilege to work for these families.

Let’s talk weather – common topic. Always changing and out of our control! When we’re taught how to carry on a conversation the weather is a real “opener”.  Last year our great northwest was buried in snow – really buried. I was reminded of the extent of our record breaking snow fall while looking through the tax records and saw a picture taken December 22, 2008. I couldn’t see the house!

While giving a chuckle and feeling very smug after having taken a walk outside without my coat, my sympathies were with the east coast residents. Weather patterns change and it does affect our real estate market. There are buyers looking at homes right now… and they can see what they are buying. This year’s mild winter has been a blessing for buyers and sellers! It’s time to get your home ready for market if you’re planning on making a move this year. Statistics tell us that spring is the most active time for buying and selling. Time to move!

There is good news for home owners. If you are looking for resources and reliable information there is a new web site designed just for you. HouseLogic is designed to provide everything you need to know regarding wise investing, financing, home projects and more. We have found it to be about one of the absolute finest places to go when you have a question. It’s free, easy and a must-see! You will also be able to permanently get to the site through the Resources section of my website. So, go take a look.

Christmas is about to pop up as reality once again. All of us at Linda Miller Real Estate want to wish you the very best holiday season. Jim and I are very blessed with energies for business, family and volunteer projects. Further, we are grateful for all of our friends and clients that have made our business year a success once again. Thanks also to Mike our photographer and IT guy, the office staff at the north Prudential office… and the list goes on. Merry Christmas everyone!

Jim and I have traveled a lot this year. Business in Las Vegas, Chicago, San Diego, Suncadia in Cle Elum and a “fun trip” to Santa Cruz via train. What’s the greatest part of the trip? Coming home. Do you round the corner to your neighborhood and breathe a sigh of relief?

We cherish home. Our heart and love is where we nest. Maybe that’s why I love helping others find their new home. The week after my clients have closed the sale they are anxious to tell me the new wall colors; yellow in the kitchen, the lovely blue bedroom, taupe in the family room and little Suzi’s lavender room!

It now appears that the home buyer $8000 tax credit will be extended through spring. More importantly a credit will be given to purchasers who have previously lived in their home five of the last eight years. When the bill is finalized I will provide more accurate details.

This is an opportunity never before offered and just might be the change needed to spur our real estate market in homes priced over $200,000. I’m looking forward to a busy winter and spring and more happy nesting families.

We’re all playing the guessing game as to whether or not the $8000 tax credit will be renewed. There are those that have made the conclusion that it’s almost certain – after all, hasn’t it helped some buyers make the decision to move forward with their purchase of a new home?

I’ve enjoyed helping several first time buyers recently. And yes, a few were motivated by the tax credit, and others were ready to purchase regardless of the motivating dollars. So, the Realtor buzz is “can we get all these loans closed before December 1″? Of course, it all remains to be seen if an announcement will be made late November that there will be an extension and all our panic was unnecessary.

Now you need to hear the rest of the story. Of course, there’s always another piece to the puzzle. News released today discussed the fraud that had already occurred with the tax credit. Some applications for the credit are being investigated because it appears they are under-age buyers. Four years old! When there’s cash to get there will be someone willing to give up their morals and ethics. Now I’m picturing getting the signature of the four year old that supposedly purchased his new home. Crayons, maybe. Lots of candy in the back seat of my car as we toured the city. Could have been an easy client!