Selling or buying a home is most likely the biggest financial decision of your life. And you will need a Realtor if you want to do it right. Here’s why :
They have loads of expertise
Want the check the MLS for certain homes? Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and jargon, and your Realtor is trained to speak that language fluently. Plus, buying or selling a home usually requires dozen of forms, reports, disclosures and other technical documents. Realtors have expertise to help you prepare a killer deal – while avoiding delays or costly mistakes that can seriously mess you up.
They have turbocharged searching power
The Internet is awesome and you can find almost anything. And with online real estate listing sites such as Realtor.com, you can find up-to-date home listings on your own, anytime you want. But guess what? Realtors have access to even more listings. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A Realtor can help you find those hidden gems. Plus, a good local Realtor is going to know the search area way better than you ever could. Have your eye on a particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range? Your Realtor is equipped to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood, so she can direct you toward a home in your price range that you may have overlooked.
They have bullish negotiating chops
Anytime you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations – and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated. You can expect a lot of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers and bidding wars. Don’t you want a professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you? And it’s not just about how much money you end up spending or netting. A Realtor will help draw up a purchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections, contingencies and anything else that’s crucial to your particular needs.
They’re connected to everyone
Realtors might not know everything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, interior designers -the list goes on-and they’re all in your Realtors’ network.
They adhere to a strict code of ethics
Not every real estate agent is a Realtor, who is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of Realtors, the largest trade group in the country. What difference does it make? Realtors are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to the Code of Ethics.
They’re your sage parent/data analyst/therapist – all rolled into one
The thing about Realtors : They wear a lot of different hats. Sure, they are salespeople but they actually do a whole lot to earn their commission. They’re constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. They spend their own money on marketing a home and researching to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. And, of course, they are working for you at nearly all hours of the day or night – whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer you just put in. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through isn’t a responsibility Realtors take lightly.
