People who are planning to buy or sell a house have the same goal: to purchase their dream home or sell their property at the best price and least amount of time possible.
To make sure this happens, buyers and sellers hire a real estate agent. There are those who specifically want us to assist them in their real estate transactions. Especially clients in San Diego County who put a premium on track record, excellent service, and the prestige and peace of mind that come when dealing with a company that’s associated with the rock stars of real estate.
After all, we are linked to top-tier clients in Hollywood, in professional sports, as well as assorted celebrities and high-net-worth individuals.
Ryan Ahearn and Guy Ravid are seasoned local experts in San Diego who put a premium on clear and consistent communication and a devotion to customer care and complete client satisfaction.
As a Realtor, Ryan has worked hard to simplify the process of buying and selling in San Diego. He believes in keeping clients in the know and educates them every step of the way. He has been in the business for 19 years and counting.
Guy, who is Ryan’s partner, is a long-time resident and Realtor who has honed a reputation for being a skilled negotiator, especially when it comes to complex real estate transactions. Clients value his professionalism and attention to detail.
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REAL ESTATE AGENT AND A REALTOR®?
Before you hire a real estate professional, it’s good to understand the difference between a real estate agent and REALTOR®. While both terms are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
A real estate agent is a professionally licensed individual to help you buy, sell, or rent real estate. This is the best representation of the mental image we usually have when we talk about an expert who helps clients with real estate needs, primarily when buying or selling.
A REALTOR®, on the other hand, is a real estate agent who’s also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), America’s largest trade association. The association is composed of more than 1.5 million real estate professionals, such as agents, property managers, appraisers, and brokers.
A real estate agent and a REALTOR® are both licensed and can help you navigate through complex real estate processes.
But Realtors are held to a higher standard by NAR. They adhere to a Code of Ethics that is constantly being reviewed and updated. And only bonafide members can use the term, REALTOR®, in their business cards, websites, and correspondence because the word is a legally registered trademark of NAR.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A REALTOR®?
For sellers
- Sell your house quickly and at the best sales price possibleAn important factor in selling your house fast is making sure it’s appropriately priced for the market. As the homeowner, you may already have an estimate of the price of your home, but it might turn out to be too high or too low compared to its actual value. When you work with a Realtor, the price you’ll set for your home is backed by data, which factors in the prices of homes within a specified radius and the overall state of the real estate market at the time of sale. Additionally, they have the expertise needed to make sure the transaction is completed as quickly and smoothly as possible.
- Get your property included on the multiple listing service (MLS)One of the challenges of selling a home without an agent or Realtor is distributing your home listing to potential buyers. You will need to do some advertising and marketing on your own to get your listing in front of as many eyes as possible. By working with a Realtor, you can easily get your house included on MLS, where most buyers go when searching for a home.
- Gain access to valuable connectionsAnother benefit of working with a Realtor is that they can use their industry connections to help you achieve your real estate goals. Whether it’s looking for a certified home inspector or finding a reputable contractor for home repairs, a Realtor can get you connected to professionals and other resources to make your home selling experience hassle-free from start to finish.
For buyers
- Make your home search more convenientA Realtor has access to many other properties listed by fellow Realtors and other real estate agents. After getting important details of your dream home such as budget, preferred neighborhood, square footage, and floor plan, a Realtor can track down homes and narrow down the options that meet your criteria. Your Realtor will also be the person to reach out to the sellers or their agents and make the appointment for a private house showing.
- Close the deal at the best price possibleNegotiating is tricky business. You want to make sure you get the house of your dreams in terms that are favorable to you, but at the same time, you don’t want to jeopardize the deal by inadvertently making a lowball offer that may irritate the seller. This is where the expertise of a Realtor comes in. A seasoned Realtor knows how to make a strong offer that represents your best interests in a way that won’t ruffle the homeowner’s feathers. Often, the Realtor will make the case that your offer is fair to all.
- Have an expert to help you prepare and understand the requirements and paperworkBy working with a Realtor, you’ll have someone who will help you understand the terms and conditions of the deal, as well as the benefits you’ll get from it. This way, you can be confident of your decision before you sign that contract. Your Realtor will also help you review documents such as property disclosure forms, inspection reports, and other communications from your loan officer (if you are buying a home through mortgage financing). From there, your agent will advise and assist you on the next steps to take to make your buying experience as stress-free as possible.Deciding whether or not to work with a Realtor depends on your circumstances, including the amount of the time, effort, and money you’re willing to spend. While there are people who are definitely qualified to buy or sell a home on their own, the process is not as easy as it sounds – because when things get tough and complicated, it pays to have a professional team like The Altman Brothers who will work with your best interests in mind.
ABOUT US
Ryan Ahearn and Guy Ravid are real estate professionals who bring with them vast knowledge and years of experience to every transaction they handle. Aside from their skills and capabilities, what makes Ryan and Guy stand out are their down-to-earth personalities, love for their community, and determination to exceed their clients’ expectations.
Ryan Ahearn
Ryan believes in the importance of transparency and tailored strategies in every real estate transaction. When you work with Ryan, you can have peace of mind knowing you have someone who will guide you throughout the process, with your real estate needs and goals in mind. He will also take the time to sit with you and answer your questions or concerns so you can make informed decisions.
Ryan takes pride in his deep knowledge and love of the local community. As a resident of San Diego for many years now, he knows almost everything there is to know about the city. Because of this, buying and selling real estate properties with Ryan has never been easier.
Guy Ravid
Thanks to his decade’s worth of experience in the hospitality industry, Guy has learned to handle every task with the goal of making his clients happy and satisfied. This commitment to providing excellent service has remained the same over the years, even after he transitioned to the real estate industry.
Guy values the trust his clients place in him. This drives him to work tirelessly, advocating for them so they can finally find their dream home or land that deal they’ve been wanting to close. With Guy Ravid’s knowledge and dedication, your next real estate transaction will be in good hands.
IN SUMMARY: THE QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL REALTOR
With so many real estate agents and Realtors to choose from, it can be hard to decide who to work with. Take the time to list down the key traits you’re looking for in a Realtor. This will help make your screening process easier and ensure that the Realtor you choose fits your needs, goals, working style, and personality.
Your ideal Realtor should possess the following:
- Solid experience that will allow them to navigate even the most complex real estate transactions. They should be highly familiar with the process from start to finish so they can effectively address your concerns and assist you in preparing the necessary documents and requirements.
- The skills to negotiate on your behalf so you can land the best deal possible.
- In-depth knowledge of the community and neighborhood the property is in so that the buying or selling process is as seamless as possible.
- Frequent and timely communications to close the deal quickly.
- A problem solver who can come up with workable solutions to navigate the roadblocks you’ll face in your real estate journey.
- A person of integrity who will always advocate for you while adhering to the highest ethical standards. At the end of the day, the best Realtor is someone who works for your best interests.
Ready to start your home buying or selling journey? Call us today at 858.429.9220. You may also contact us here to set an appointment. We look forward to serving you!