Think of all the professionals you use in your life. Have a pretty comprehensive list in your mind? We don’t blame you if a Realtor® didn’t automatically pop into your head as most people, on average, move around only once every five years. Nonetheless, when you decide to sell your home or buy a new one, the urge to go about it alone can be enticing. What is often overlooked, though, are the drawbacks to not using a real estate agent from the start.
SELLING
The quintessential piece in our puzzle of real estate are the listings. There would be no real estate without them, and as a seller, listing your home at the correct price can be the difference between receiving an offer within a month versus letting your home sit dormant on the market with no activity for over a year. Your Realtor® knows the area front and back; this is their specialty, after all. Solar panels are all the trend right now, but is it really worth it to spend thousands of dollars on a feature that might not even give you a return on your investment?
In addition to pricing, there is also the issue of legalities. Your Realtor® has had to go through numerous hours of studying to ensure they are following the rules and regulations set forth by the state. What’s required in one state differs from the requirements in others, and a Realtor® in your area is well-versed in what you’ll need to complete in order to ensure a smooth transaction. Taking advantage of your agent’s expertise and negotiating skills gives you peace of mind that your transaction won’t fall apart simply through oversight.
BUYING
On the buying side, the benefits definitely outweigh the consequences. Particularly for first-time homebuyers, a Realtor® can help you navigate through the lengthy process of purchasing a home. This is arguably the largest purchase most Americans make in their lifetimes, and avoiding paying too much for a home that could be severely overpriced is an advantage a Realtor® provides you with. Time is money, and as such, count on your agent to effectively coordinate between all parties involved to make sure closing is accomplished in a reasonable timeframe.
Not only can your Realtor® access the local MLS to locate your perfect home, they are also a part of a network of professionals in their local communities, around the state, and even the country. Think of it as a networking web filled with hidden gems your Zillow search could never inform you of, but which you receive unlimited access to.
Perhaps one of the most important reasons to work with a Realtor® is knowing the job will be done right. True, not all real estate agents belong to the National Association of Realtors®, but most do, and those who do abide by their Code of Ethics. For such a large investment, trust is essential. No one you’ll work with during your transaction understands this better than your Realtor®. Finding the perfect Realtor® for you might take some time, but once you’ve established that relationship, you can feel confident that you’ll be in a better position to negotiate, pay a fair price, and close on time.