With websites around today such as Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow, many buyers and sellers tend to think, “Who needs a real estate agent?” The answer is everyone!
Even though these websites are extremely user friendly and can make the whole real estate process seem like a piece of cake, the truth is there is so much more that goes into a real estate transaction other than finding a home, or selling your home.
While it might seem like we are being a little biased on the topic, hear us out! This is probably the biggest financial decision/investment you will ever make. That’s a big deal! Here are some reasons why we believe it is so important to use an agent rather than try to venture the industry of real estate alone.
Real estate Agents have a ton of experience: “Want to check the MLS for a 4B/2B with an EIK and a W/D? Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your Realtor is trained to speak that language fluently,” notes Realtor.com. This isn’t exactly an end all reason to use an agent, but wouldn’t it be nice to be working with someone who knows what they’re doing rather than scratching your head in confusion and having to look things up at every turn? What if you miss something, or overlook something? Well, an agent is paid to avoid exactly that! They are also very familiar with the dozens of lengthy contract forms you will be required to sign both as a buyer and a seller, and help you navigate those wordy jungles so you fully understand what it is you’re signing exactly. Any mistake could end up costing you financially, legally, and emotionally. Real estate agents work hard to prevent that.
They have access to all the best home searches: With websites like those mentioned above, realtors and the public alike have access to them, and there are so many places to look for homes on the internet. However, realtors have even more! They have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which every home has to be listed on except FSBO (For Sale By Owner) – see what we mean about the acronyms? Realtors also often have some homes not yet on the market they could show you, giving you a jumpstart on any new listings. Good local realtors also know their areas better than anyone and will be your best resource for finding a home in the neighborhood and price range you want.
They’re master negotiators: When looking to buy or sell a home, you better believe there will be some negotiating involved in today’s real estate market. Depending on the home, there could be a lot of competition, all cash offers, bidding wars, and more. Do you want to try to traverse these waters alone, or would you rather have a knowledgeable and experienced agent at your side that has dealt with these types of situations before? Your realtor will always have your back, fight for you, and look out for your best interest to make your transaction as smooth as possible.
They know everyone: After years in the real estate business, real estate agents know the best people when it comes to buying and selling homes. Mortgage companies, real estate attorneys, Escrow companies, home inspectors, and the list could go on and on. Real estate agents will know who’s the best, who they’ve had trouble with in the past, and everything in between. This expertise is priceless considering a bad home inspection could cause a home to fall out of contract, or a mortgage company that isn’t on the ball could delay closings.
They have to stick to a strict code of ethics: Not every licensed real estate agent is a Realtor. A Realtor is an agent that also belongs to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which is the largest trade group in the country. To be a Realtor with NAR, you have to adhere to a strict code of ethics that not only protects the agents, but also protects the buyer and sellers from any agents looking to take advantage.
They wear a lot of different hats: A Realtor is a parental voice, data analyst, therapist, expert, and so much more. They do a lot of work to earn their commission even though it might not always look like it. They are constantly looking for new homes for their buyers and using their own money to market their seller’s homes. They drive around neighborhoods and towns with you to make sure you find exactly what you are looking for. They do a comparative market analysis (CMA) on your home to see what you could possibly sell it for to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment. They are texting, calling, and e-mailing at all hours of the day. This is not a 9-5, Monday-Friday job. It is 24/7 all week long job because your real estate agent wants to be there for you!
We hope some of these reasons make sense and that in your next real estate transaction, you’ll consider using an agent.
If you’re looking for an agent’s assistance now, or have any questions about what it looks like to use an agent, give us a call. We’d love to help! 928-771-1111.