I usually write about clients and people I know, but this time I want to share a personal story with you—my own.  For the past twenty years I’ve dedicated my career to enhancing the way people make financial decisions, so they achieve the goals that matter most to them.  I have shared with tens-of-thousands of financial professionals what my research and work has taught me about the psychology of money management.

 Today, more than ever, consumers want professionals they can trust—professionals who truly understand them and their needs.  My husband and I recently met such a professional just when we needed one, when we moved from Northern California to Sarasota, Florida.

 Our real estate agent, Lee Byron ( www.sarasota.com), intuitively understood

that we needed to buy a life and not just a house.  Lee not only asked us the right

questions—she listened to our answers!  When we occasionally became sidetracked,

she kept us focused on what we had said was most important in finding our new home.

 When embarking on something as life-changing as buying a house, make sure your team of buyer(s) and agent has the following characteristics: good negotiating skills; pays attention to details; respect for schedule demands; personalities that match; and mutual trust.

 For example, let’s look at the idea of personalities that match, something most people don’t consider when selecting a real estate agent.  If you want to be in control, find someone who is comfortable with you giving the orders and setting guidelines for working together.  If you have the opposite need, or perhaps simply don’t have the time, find an agent who likes to take charge from the get-go.  However, remember that you should always be involved enough to understand the details of anything you sign or commit to.

 In terms of respect for one’s schedule demands, find an agent who gladly sets up appointments around your schedule, and consistently follows up in a timely fashion.

 If you feel as I did—that I needed to buy a life as well as a house—find someone who will introduce you to the community resources available.  I’ve learned that competent professionals, in any field, make a point of introducing their clients to people they trust.  They often make suggestions for exploring new situations and experiences.  This is their way of trying to help you feel welcome in a new arena or endeavor.

 Our successful transition in changing our home and lifestyle can be attributed to a few key steps.  First and foremost was establishing a list of priorities and values: living near family or living by the sea, a golf course, and/or the arts.  Next priority was establishing a budget for purchasing the home and lifestyle.  Finally, I suggest researching the cost of living in those communities you find most appealing.

 Much of this research can be conducted on the Internet without leaving your home.  We ended up visiting four cities in Florida before choosing Sarasota.  And before choosing Florida, we also considered the Carolinas.  The idea is to cast a wide net, then narrow your choices down based on your values and priorities.

 Once you have decided on your dream spot, interview real estate agents via e-mail and on the phone.  Find people you trust and feel comfortable talking with about financial matters.  You should be welcome to ask for a list of references—and if you’re not, beware.

 In the end, the process will be as successful as you make it.  It is up to you to hire the right people to help make your dreams a reality.  Finding these people will be challenging, often tiring.  Yet since you are in many ways purchasing a new life, nothing can be more rewarding than working with people you admire and respect.