1.
Research
A
smart consumer is one who has independently done his or her own
research into every aspect of a transaction. Never is this credo
more applicable than in the field of real estate. You will be making
a lifelong investment, and by taking some small proactive steps
along the way you can ensure that you are working with true professionals
who know and understand the landscape of the business. We of course
urge you to hold us to the same standards that we propose and take
our advice listed below regardless of whether you choose Island
Starlight Realty to assist you with your home purchase.
-
Is your real estate professional a licensed REALTOR(c)?
Only
realtors associated and licensed by the National Association of
Realtors and the Staten Island Board of Realtors are permitted to
use the REALTOR(c) designation in Staten Island. REALTORS(c) are
bound by a specific code of ethical conduct and are specifically
trained to be the leading entities in the real estate communities
of the United States. Broker/Owner Matthew Lenza, Esq. is a licensed
REALTOR(c) and takes all ethical considerations dictated by the
National Association of Realtors very seriously. You can search
for a licensed local realtor on the Staten Island Board of Realtors
website (SIBOR.com) and we urge you to verify each and every individual
or entity who claims to be a REALTOR(c) by using this free search
tool.
- Is your real estate professional licensed and operating as a corporate
entity in New York?
It
is important to research your real estate professional with the
New York State Department of State. You can check the current license
status of agents and brokers and can also potentially review the
state website for license suspensions and/or revocations. You should
also check the New York State Corporate Entity Database to ensure
that your company is properly registered as a recognized business
entity in New York State. Island Starlight Realty is licensed by
the state as a limited liability company and Broker/Owner Matthew
Lenza, Esq. and all agents of Island Starlight are licensed professionals
with active licenses.
-
Is your real estate professional insured?
It
is IMPERATIVE that your real estate professional is insured by a
reputable Errors and Omissions Insurance Provider. This protects
your assets and your interests in the event that a claim should
ever arise against your real estate broker/owner. Dealing with a
real estate professional that operates without E & O insurance
jeopardizes your investment in a serious manner. Island Starlight
Realty is insured by one of the nations leading E & O providers
so you can be sure that you are dealing with true licensed and insured
specialists.
-Neighborhoods,
Schools, Shopping, Etc.
While
we will always help you in researching the above listed items, it
is certainly a good idea to investigate them on your own. It is
a great idea to create a prioritization list that you can easily
refer to. This list often will help you make a tough decision between
two or more homes and keeping it handy is a wonderful way to make
sure that you and your real estate professional remain "on
the same page" throughout the buying process. |