Today we’ve got a special guest who is going to discuss the market and the one piece of advice that could save you from a sour sale. Casey Angel, Director of Communications at the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors, has got high hopes for the real estate industry and is excited to see diversity spread in his community and throughout the country. He dives in and debunks common misconceptions about realtors and why neighborhoods flourish, and gives some quick resources that are just a click away. Listen in to hear Casey’s advice on when to pick an agent – and when you should let one go. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:50 – Casey’s work within the association 02:10 – The membership is diverse and cares about their community 03:23 – The diversity in South Florida and North Carolina 03:45 – It’s exciting to see diversity spread in the community and industries 04:30 – The things realtors unite on: The American Dream 04:56 – Private property rights, housing affordability, the idea that everyone should have a safe, flourishing place to live 06:05 – The economic study they performed in Raleigh 06:15 – They could see that the neighborhoods that were flourishing because of the communities and families in them 06:50 – The association used data to expel myths 07:30 – The myth that realtors are only in it for the money 08:00 – Realtors consistently have one of the highest rates of volunteerism; they are very active in their communities 08:30 – Consumers see that when they get more involved in their community 09:10 – Resources to get education on realtors 09:40 –The local Chambers of Commerce, municipal website, and public school 11:00 – The chamber has data on how long homebuyers stay in their home 11:45 – Casey’s one piece of advice for a buyer or seller of real estate when they pick an agent 12:20 – It’s important to sit down with someone and feel confident that they know what you want and where you want to go in the transaction 12:45 – It’s an emotional purchase; it’s important to have a professional realtor that you can be honest with 13:30 – Don’t sign paperwork with a realtor you don’t like – pick someone that suits you better; the NAR finds that over 70% of buyer/sellers use the first agent they find 15:30 – How to reach Casey or the Raleigh Association: rrar.com 3 Key Points Neighborhoods flourish because of the communities and families in them. Your local Chamber of Commerce holds data that can help you. Find an agent that understands you, your needs, and your goal in the transaction.  Credits Audio Production by Chris Mottram Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder