I am a very fortunate real estate agent! Over the years, many of my past clients have come to appreciate my service, trust me to get the job done, and consequently refer me to Buyers who are locating to the South Shore. One of my first questions on meeting these Buyers is: "Which towns are you interested in?" For many, Weymouth heads the "top" of their list. Why?

• Proximity to Boston
• Public transportation and convenience to the highway - especially now that the "Big Dig" is complete
• Close to beaches and the water
• Close to parks for walking and recreation, including Wompatuck State Park
• South Shore Hospital

These are only a few of the attractions to Weymouth, MA. Yes, I am fortunate. For you see, I now have the added pleasure of presenting a townhouse for sale in Weymouth:

• Proximity and convenience for accessibility and commuting - ideal!
• Move-in ready
• And ... affordably priced, too

Check out this video and stop by the Open House at 1000 Pleasant Street, Unit #4, scheduled for Sunday, February 19th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Last year I debuted with my popular free Home Buyer Workshops. I'll be following the same format for this year's series. 2012 sessions are scheduled for the following Saturday mornings:

* February 11th

* March 24th

* April 28th

* May 19th

* September 15th

* October 20th

Join me for a free, no-nonsense home buying workshop. How familiar are you with the home buying process? What does making an Offer involve? What happens to your deposit money? How do you determine a negotiating price for a home? Is it necessary to use an Attorney? How would you choose a Realtor to represent you?

This Home Buyer Workshop is designed to answer these questions and many more.

A specialist in this field, I will guide you through a straightforward, interactive workshop. As a result, you will leave with a clear understanding of what to expect on your way to home ownership.

LOCATION: RE/MAX Realty Advisors • 320 Washington Street • Norwell, MA (2nd floor).

TIME: 10:15 - 10:30am - Registration
          10:30 - 11:15am - Workshop
          11:15 - 11:30am - Q & A

Please arrive on time for registration. Our Home Buyer Workshops begin promptly. Light refreshments will be served.

Register today as space is limited. Fill out the registration form here to sign up for one of the upcoming workshops.

How often do we hear "they're not listening"?

Let me answer that! Repeatedly!

We hear and read over and over  how important listening and communication are in any personal or professional relationship. And, it's certainly critical in the home buying process.

When I first meet with Sellers and Buyers and ask what they expect of me, they answer without exception: "communication" - whether it's via e-mail, text, or a phone call. And, they want the communication to be given in the form that is most comfortable to them. They want to be heard. They want to know that someone is really listening!

In the past 6 months, two Buyers were referred to me.  Both of them commented that they had been working with other Realtors who had not listened to them.  One said, "We told her what we could afford, and she kept showing us homes $30,000 - $40,000 over that."  The other commented, "I would leave numerous messages, and he didn't respond."

Purchasing a home is the single most expensive investment most people will make in their lifetime.  Therefore, it's important that Home Buyers choose the Realtor who really listens to them.  In his book Win, Dr. Frank Luntz writes:  "... listening is more than hearing.  Listening requires genuine understanding.  ... It involves strategic questioning."

Well then ... How will you, as a Buyer, know how to choose a Realtor?  How can you  know you've selected the "right" Realtor? The one who really listens?

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

First: does the Realtor invite you to meet face to face for an initial meeting to learn what's important to you?  What kinds of questions does the Realtor ask? Is the Realtor really focusing on what matters most to you?

Second: ask the Agent how will he/she communicate? E-mail? Text? Phone call?

Third: does the Agent outline what the home buying process involves?  How clearly?

Fourth: tell the Agent what you expect of his/her services.  Emphasize how important price is. Don't hesitate to ask questions along the way - no matter how "silly" they may seem!

Fifth: does the Agent ask for and welcome your feedback after each showing - both negative and positive? Does the Agent take that into consideration in selecting which homes to view next?

Sixth: what are the Agent's credentials? Has the Agent earned a Certification as a Buyer's Agent: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) or CBR (Certified Buyer Representative)?

Home Buying can be both stressful and exciting at the same time.  Yet, if you're in the hands of an Agent who listens, focuses, and understands what matters most to you, you're well on your way to home ownership.

Attend a FREE home buyer workshop to find out more helpful tips.