Lillian Macken
Broker
Macken Realty, Inc

At Macken Realty we understand that for most people, their home is the biggest investment of their life. Whether you're buying or selling a home, you want to be sure you're maximizing that investment. Choosing the right Realtor can make a big difference in how fast you find or sell a house, the price you pay or receive and the smooth completion of the transaction. Our principals and team members understand how important the best decision truly is. For this reason we have included some important information and encourage you to take the time to review it. In the end we are confident that you will find Macken to be that “Right Realtor” and the best one “for you!”

Go with a Pro
The terms agent, broker and Realtor are often used interchangeably. But not all agents or brokers are Realtors. The term "Realtor" identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and subscribes to its strict code of ethics, which in some cases goes beyond state law. The Agents at Macken Realty go one step further. During the past twenty years, our firm, a family enterprise has continued to pride itself on a reputation that remains unsurpassed.

Experience Counts
Whether you're looking for a Realtor to help you buy or sell a house, you don't want to be part of someone's learning curve. "One of the first questions you should ask a potential Realtor is how long they've been licensed and how long they've worked in the area. Although Macken conducts weekly sales meetings, it does not have an introductory program for newly licensed agents. Typically, rookie agents align themselves with some of the larger nationwide real estate companies. At these firms, they have the opportunity to gain training as to the paperwork associated with a transaction. Often these very same agents train at these firms for some time and then align themselves with locally well known firms that may provide more personalized service. Unlike most brokerage entities, we are proud to report that it has been our experience that once an agent becomes affiliated with Macken that relationship becomes last for the duration of their career.

Think Locally
"Both buyers and sellers should look for a Realtor who is familiar with the area." "Ask what they have sold or listed in the neighborhood recently." If you're buying, a Realtor should be able to provide you with information on the community, the schools, taxes and other facts. If you're selling, you want your agent to be able to talk to prospective buyers about these details. At Macken Realty our agents live in our area. As resident professionals we share a vested interest in making sure our community improves one resident at a time.

Use the Right Type of Realtor
Should you use a conventional Realtor or a buyer's broker? Many home buyers don't realize that Realtors may be employed in a variety of different manners. In the past Realtors only worked for the Sellers. But, in today’s evolving market Agents may be employed in a variety of different and exciting manners. Macken Realty offers a variety of relationship opportunities, and they are highlighted below. The first to be discussed are Transaction Agents. In this case our Agents represent the transaction and while they owe a fiduciary to both the Buyer and Seller, he or she is employed by neither. In such an event they work diligently to consummate the transaction but represent neither party.
A seller’s broker represents the best interests of the seller, and is bound to keep anything you say to them confidential. Seller’s Agents work diligently to achieve the highest and best price for their client. In that endeavor they are principally responsible for seeing to it that the Seller’s interest are pinnacle of importance.
A buyer's broker, on the other hand, represents the best interests of the buyer, and is an option that's growing in popularity. Buyer agents are bound to keep anything you say to them confidential. Since they are not working for the seller, they are less likely to try to gloss over any problems with a particular home and do their best to make sure you find a home that is right for you. The key is to make a better deal on the home that you buy to cover the cost of the assistance the agent provides.

Agree on Expectations
If you're selling a house, ask your agent to discuss their vision to best market your home. If necessary a a written marketing plan detailing the steps Macken will take to sell your home can be provided. The agent should offer advice on how to prepare your home for the market and who has enthusiasm for your property. If you're buying a home, make sure you know how often your agent will supply you with listings, how many houses you can expect to see in a week, etc.