For us real estate is not a hobby, side job or something to pass the time while retired. Northwest Montana Real Estate is what we do - the only thing we do. We continually strive to expand our knowledge while keeping abreast of current industry trends and perspectives. This is your future, its comfort and safety, so our commitment is professional, not casual.

Review our below designations to learn more about what they mean for you.

CRS
A Certified Residential Specialist is a REALTOR® who has earned certification from the Council of Residential Specialists by completing a rigorous course of advanced training, and by meeting significant experience requirements.

Only 5% of all REALTORS® in the U.S. can call themselves a Certified Residential Specialist. That's because just one in 20 has the extensive experience, the unique commitment to the real estate business and the hours of advanced training necessary to call themselves a Certified Residential Specialist.
 

ABR
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who have met the specified educational and practical experience criteria.

The criteria for ABR designation:
 

- Completed the comprehensive two-day REBAC course in buyer representation - Successfully passed a written examination - Demonstrated a practical experience of having completed five closed real estate transactions in the field of buyer representation - Received recommendations from two of the real estate practitioners buyer clients - Be a member in good standing with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Look for those real estate agents that proudly display the ABR® designation and know that they are professionals in the field of buyer representation.
 

GRI
The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.

JD
Juris Doctor is a first professional graduate degree and professional doctorate in law. The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century as a degree similar to the old European doctor of law degree and the legal studies counterpart to the M.D. degree in the United States. Originating from the 19th century Harvard movement for the scientific study of law, it is the only law degree that has a goal of being the primary professional preparation for lawyers. It is the only professional doctorate in law and is a three year program in most jurisdictions.

REALTOR®
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources.

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position.

12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home.