While I don't believe that a competent real estate professional MUST have the fact that they have bought or sold property on their resume, I do feel it is ultimately important!
Putting your money where your mouth is and backing it up is essential in the world of real estate! I know I know certain things because *I* am a homeowner myself and have been one since I was 19 save 8 months. When you reap the tax benefits, deal with the homeowner's association, pay your mortgage monthly, (+all other things) etc you are constantly reminded of those benefits and pitfalls. While I cannot directly counsel on tax benefits, dealing with your homeowner's association or make your house payment for you, I can most definitely empathize.
I run into plenty of situations which I would not have the means to solve if I were NOT a homeowner! I use my personal expertise to tell potential buyers to look at something at this angle or that angle. When I enter the realm of an area that I should not be giving advice on, I have resources at my fingertips that I forward on to them!
SOOOO When you are interviewing Las Vegas Realtors to work with, whether you are a buyer or listing your home, it wouldn't hurt to ask if they own property here!
If they say YES, you can go to the Clark County Assessor's Website to verify the information! This is a great place to verify information if they are telling you they are investors (and have bought xxx investment property) or just to check to see if they own property. You can search by current records or past and current records. I do find it is hard with dual names on a deed to put a first name in the search, as the record will not come up. Try searching by last name only and hopefully that last name isn't a common one!
Renee, I really agree with you. I think it's awful to see real estate agents who I know don't own a home. I have been to apartment complexes picking up clients and noticed a Realtor car with the magnets advertising for business and wondered why would someone choose you. People should certainly practice what they preach.
Ava
Jeff: Thanks for your kind comments
Anthony: Great points!
Jason: True it isn't a must but for someone who is trying to sell you on the value and they don't even own themselves is a bit disingenuous!
Ava: That would be great wouldn't it?
Larry King writes: Does that mean there are only women OBGYN's? I'm glad that you own a home. The better question is how many transactons have you compleated this month - year?
Larry: I have "completed" over 3 million in closed volume in this last year. One half million closed this month~which equates to two "transactions". I have four listings and two buyers under contract. I do also know how to spell in the MLS and on contracts unlike some of my competitors. :winks winks: Thanks for the chuckle. Is there anything else you need to know?
Larry
"gourmet" kitchen = new ceramic backsplash
"professionally" landscaped = the grass isn't brown
"large" master suite = the master is larger than the other bedrooms
"fantastic" outdoor "living" area = patio off the kitchen door
I just make it into a joke and eventually the buyer is joining in on the laugh :)