How to Choose a REALTOR®

Not all agents or brokers are REALTORS® -- there is a difference.

As a prerequisite to selling real estate, a person must be licensed by the state in which they work, either as an agent/salesperson or as a broker. Before a license is issued, minimum standards for education, examinations and experience, which are determined on a state by state basis, must be met. After receiving a real estate license, most agents go on to join their local board or association of REALTORS® and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the world's largest professional trade association. They can then call themselves REALTORS®.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics (which in many cases goes beyond state law). In most areas, it is the REALTOR® who shares information on the homes they are marketing, through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Working with a REALTOR® who belongs to an MLS will give you access to the greatest number of homes. Read More

Area Lenders

There are many Home loan lenders in the Boyne City and Lake Charlevoix area. This list represents only some of the lenders in the area. The best advice we can offer in buying a home or waterfront property in the Lake Charlevoix area is to get pre-approved for a home loan before you actually start searching for your new home. The success rate of people who get pre-approved for a home loan is substantially higher than those who didn't. And don't forget Pat O'Brien & Associates is ready to answer any questions you may have about finding the right home in the Lake Charlevoix area. Read More

How to Find Your Dream Home

As you consider buying a home or waterfront property in Boyne City, Boyne Falls, East Jordan, Petoskey, Walloon Lake, Ironton, Charlevoix or Ellsworth, feel free to call or E-mail one of the agents at Pat O'Brien and Associates. We truly love these areas ourselves, and are committed to helping you find the perfect fit for you. Our dedicated staff will help you walk through the whole exciting process, leaving you with a great new piece of real estate as well as peace of mind. We promise to use all of our resources to protect your interests, eliminate the hassles and confusion, and make your experience trouble-free! Read More