Can You Handle the Truth?
A famous, oft-quoted movie line is ‘You can't handle the truth.' Yet have you ever considered how that statement might relate to hiring a Realtor? In other words, since agents provide information that can help your bottom line, are you interested in being informed with the truth, or might you prefer not to know?  It's no surprise that some sellers and home buyers aren't always willing to deal with certain issues, even given the prospect of a significant payoff one way or another. And the list of those possible challenges is endless.
Enter the Real Estate Problem Solver
Some examples of significant real estate issues include the results of a home inspection, such as a leaky roof, crumbling foundation or rampant mold. Alternatively, it might be something completely different, like an unreasonable loan underwriter, or even a low appraisal. A myriad of issues can throw real estate transactions into seeming chaos. But without mutual trust between the client and their Realtor, even the best of relationships can become needlessly more challenging if trouble comes. But by hiring a Realtor, you've got a real state problem solver on your team. A good Realtor is like a Swiss army knife-very handy to have around in a variety of circumstances. 
The Truth Hurts
By desiring an honest real estate agent, be prepared for certain situations where the truth hurts. So sincerely ask yourself if you actually want honesty in a Realtor. For example, do you want to know about that nearby just-sold comparable property that suggests your home may not be worth what you thought? The alternative may result in overpricing your home for months. Or when buying, will you disregard your Realtor's suggestion that the home you so desperately want is located close to a freeway and is likely to have issues upon resale? So whether buyer or seller, when your Realtor is being open and honest with you, can you handle it? Do you really want an honest real estate agent? 
The alternative is to ‘fly blind' when it comes to avoiding issues that might come back to haunt you later. After all, if you're going to hire a professional, whether it's a doctor, lawyer, architect or real estate agent, it makes sense to seriously consider their input. So if you're in the market for an honest Realtor, what are the kinds of things to look for and how do you locate one? Find out today, in this insightful Oregon real estate podcast!
Honesty, Trustworthiness & Integrity
Honesty is about telling the truth. Trustworthiness involves deserving someone's confidence. Integrity is being honest with strong moral principles. Most homebuyers and homesellers agree all three of these qualities are what they'd like their real estate agent to possess. And while these concepts are somewhat different, the words honesty, trustworthiness and integrity are sometimes used interchangeably in describing our comfort level with certain professionals. And speaking of professionals, one interesting aspect is a general consensus among most Americans on those professions deemed most trusted. 
How Trusted Are Real Estate Agents?
Overall, a recent poll shows the public most trusts nurses, doctors and pharmacists. On the low end of trusted professions are members of Congress, car salespeople, telemarketers and attorneys. So while polls show Realtors at neither extreme, as with any pr