Blog posted On August 22, 2024
A staple of the mortgage industry is the need for a REALTOR® during your home buying (or selling!) process. Many potential homeowners are questioning whether utilizing a real estate agent is even needed these days, believing they can just save the money and do the legwork themselves. Fortunately, there are still a multitude of reasons to work with a REALTOR® — why don’t we tackle a few of them?
You’ll Be Working with an Expert Negotiator
Whether you’re buying or selling, price negotiations are a cutthroat part of the business. It’s worth it to have access to professional negotiating power. For home sellers, it’s also important to note that for those doing an FSBO (For Sale By Owner) deal, many buyer’s agents will discourage their clients from pursuing a home without a professional representing the seller. It’s best to have a qualified individual negotiating for you since their credentials will open those doors to you. You want to save yourself as much money down the line as possible — an agent will help you snag the best deal possible.
An agent will also draw up the purchase contract; they’ll be familiar about which conditions should be used, which can be safely removed, and how best to use the agreement to protect you.
You’ll Have Access to a Connected Network
If you end up needing a home inspector or a real estate attorney, your expert agent will be connected to professionals throughout the industry. Rather than spending days doing your own research and vetting through various options, a REALTOR® can save you the exhaustion and provide you with multiple referrals within minutes. They’ll also broaden the pool of potential buyers if you’re selling your home, which will help get your house sold more quickly instead of languishing on the sidelines.
Agents Will Help You Spot Red Flags
You’ll be able to depend on a real estate agent’s experience, especially when touring through homes and attending open houses together. Agents will also spot red flags in case you become too emotionally attached to “the perfect home” and disregard warning signs that would otherwise be apparent. You want to avoid falling for a listing that has sneaky signs of water damage, leaks, mold, and other structural issues. An agent can help you with all of these things and more! Even if you are willing to take on a fixer-upper, your agent can save you additional costs by recommending trusted home inspectors and repair services.
Informed Guidance and Market Expertise
You don’t want to be buried in more paperwork, do you? An agent can guide you through this process, including handling contracts and other legal documents. They will ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently. You won’t even be aware how much work they’re taking care of behind the scenes, such as scheduling inspections, coordinating with other real estate professionals, and other transactions that you’d have to take care of without them. Out of sight, out of mind! Additionally, their market expertise means you’ll have access to their in-depth knowledge of market trends, local listings, and property values. They’ll save you from being buried underneath mountains of paperwork and bookmarked listings, helping you cut straight through the mess and to your potential dream home.
Have you been convinced? By spending the money on a REALTOR®, you’ll be saving money and hassle down the road, potentially thousands if they help you avoid cost-draining houses and find the best fits. Whether you’re buying or selling, working with a real estate agent is well worth the expense when hunting for your new home.
Source: Realtor.com, Zillow
