While it's true that most people purchase and sell only a handful of homes during their lifetime, there are dozens of situations when consumers can benefit from unbiased, disinterested information provided by a real estate consultant, perhaps as often as one or more times per year. Real estate consulting works well when consumers want information and suggestions that can be used to make better decisions, decisions which save time and money. The consultant evaluates the consumer's situation and provides suggestions and solutions devoid of pressure to make any buying or selling decision. A real estate consultant can be licensed as a broker or salesperson, but such consultants can also hold other professional credentials such as a contractor's license or an appraiser's certificate.
Consultants are unique in that they specialize in only a handful of areas.
This depth of knowledge commands that a consumer pay a professional fee when accessing a consultant, much like a defense attorney who is sought for his or her track record in the courtroom. Once satisfied with the neighborhood, it's logical that should the owners outgrow the house, improving it rather than moving to another in another neighborhood often appears to be the most logical solution. While logical, improving may not be the most financially prudent solution for the long run. A real estate consultant can examine the improvements desired, price each out compared to similarly-equipped homes, and help the consumer weigh the financial pros and cons of improve vs. move. If interest rates are dipping as they are at the current time, cocktail-party conversation is likely to gravitate toward releasing sleeping equity via refinancing or equity lines of credit.