10 Reasons Why Hiring a Realtor is ESSENTIAL
ERA Evergreen
SPECIAL SAUCE: OUR RECIPE FOR RAVING FANS
SPECIAL SAUCE: OUR RECIPE FOR RAVING FANS
Are you thinking of selling your home– or buying one of your own soon? If you are, then your mind is probably swirling with questions about the whole process. And while it may be tempting to seal the deal on your own, there are many reasons why you should chuck that idea out the window and consider working with a professional real estate agent.
Is hiring a realtor worth the fees? To gain insight, it’s helpful to understand how a real estate agent works and why he/she is essential to the buying and selling process. Just as you’d likely hire a licensed professional to repair your home, a real estate agent gives you peace of mind and affirmation throughout the whole ordeal.
Still unconvinced? Here are 10 reasons why you need a real estate agent, whether you’re a seller, buyer, or investing in a property:
Realtors Know What to Look For
Buying a home without an agent means you’ll have to sift through all the available options yourself and let me tell you, THAT is a time-consuming task. An experienced realtor will shortlist properties for you based on the firm idea of what you want (a.k.a. your wish list!) and typically know every house on the real estate market. They will find the right one for your needs and budget and guide you through the buying process, making it smooth and stress-free.
Realtors Possess Extensive Market Knowledge
The ins and outs of the real estate market are not as simple as you think. No one understands the current housing market trends and conditions better than a PROFESSIONAL real estate agent, and it’s one of the main reasons (and benefits) for hiring a real estate agent, especially if you’re a property investor. And as for mortgage interest rates, buyers’ and sellers’ markets, median and average sales prices, and neighborhood real estate investing? Yes, you guessed right– only a realtor can tackle all that without breaking a sweat!
Realtors Have Connections and Professional Networks
Working with a real estate agent means having his/her access to valuable connections in the industry. They’ll probably have a list of preferred providers they have worked with in the past, which both buyers and sellers will find helpful. Do you need a list of contractors, home repair professionals, staging companies, inspectors, appraisers, real estate lawyers, etc.? Yes, your realtor has all that and more!
Realtors Can Spot Potential Problems
Sellers need to make sure that the property for sale is in great shape, as it helps attract more buyers and potentially sell the property faster at a higher price. On the other hand, homebuyers look for homes in good condition to save on repairs. All these are yet another reason why you need a real estate agent. Realtors have trained eyes that identify potential problems you may not see, like furnace issues, roofing problems, leaks, and mold and insect issues. An agent will also have a home inspector provide a detailed report on the house's issues. Always remember that your real estate agent’s responsibilities include protecting your interests, so this knowledge will help you save thousands down the road.
Realtors Give Valuable Price Recommendations
Think you know how much your house is worth? Think again! Most of the time, emotions tend to cloud a homeowner’s perspective, which leads to overestimating your home’s value. Some owners may even drastically undervalue their homes, and this is a huge stumble on the wrong side of the equation. A realtor can set a price on a home the minute they walk through the door. It’s because of the experience they have in knowing whether a specific house is overpriced or underpriced. They will also perform a comparative market analysis to evaluate all the data that affects home values, and this will help sellers determine a realistic listing price. Buyers will also make the right choice regarding their house offer with their agent’s help.
Realtors Have Impeccable Negotiating Skills
Buyers and sellers have one thing in common: they want to get the best deal possible. To be successful in this quest, savvy negotiation skills are needed, and negotiating directly with a buyer or seller is not an easy feat. Realtors have years of negotiation experience under their belts. Moreover, it’s their job to strive for the best possible price for the client– whether he/she is dealing with a buyer or seller. They will use their analysis of real estate comps in the area to build a strong case so you can get top dollar. Best of it all, they have no emotional stake in the outcome, which can cloud their decision.
Realtors Can Give Home Staging Tips
Home staging helps your home become aesthetically on par with other listings, and your agent can handle that! Realtors are pros when it comes to staging homes for sale to attract the right buyers. A top real estate agent, on the other hand, knows what buyers are looking for and uses his/her tools and resources to make your home appeal to the most likely buyers.
Realtors Can Access Off-Market Listings
Have you heard about off-market listings? Yes, your agent has access to all of that! While it’s true that MLS listing and property search websites already have an array of properties for sale in the area, some sellers don’t want their properties to be widely publicized. And in those cases, only agents have that valuable information– which can work out to your advantage! With access to both listed and off-market properties, your agents can offer you a better selection of properties to choose from.
Realtors Have Studied Effective Marketing Techniques
The sad fact is, many who choose to sell a house without a realtor ends up with their listing on the market for weeks or selling for less than what they’re asking for, as their properties are not marketed well enough to attract buyers. Realtors know the best marketing strategies to get the house in front of potential buyers and make them appear in the open house. Licensed real estate agents also have access to Multiple Listing Services, and this platform can significantly increase the amount of exposure your home gets!
Realtors Save You Time and Energy
Housing transactions are expected to be lengthy. Working with a real estate agent makes the process easier, including working on piles of exhaustive paperwork! It includes tricky contract documents, requests, offers and counteroffers, settlement statements, federal and state-mandated disclosures, and more. In fact, most home buyers and sellers are caught in shock by the sheer amount of paperwork they need to attend to when closing a deal! So, make things a lot easier for yourself and hire a real estate agent. He/She will handle everything, make the process more convenient, and make sure that nothing falls through the tiny cracks!
