Whether buying or selling a home, it can seem tempting to do it alone. You might think you are saving money by not hiring a real estate agent. However, you could lose money that your realtor would have negotiated for you, and you will probably be more stressed trying to do everything alone. Instead, hiring an experienced realtor to buy a house or sell your home has many benefits. Keep reading to learn how a real estate agent can help you in the buying and selling process.
1. Buyer/seller representation
Real estate agents should have your best interest in mind no matter what. Having someone on your side doesn't just make you feel supported; it will also ensure you get the best deal possible. Someone who has sold and bought many homes will know more about finding the right deal than someone who has only done it once or twice. Therefore, ensure you are hiring an agent with an extensive portfolio.
If you are selling your home, your agent can be at the house to show it to prospective buyers. When the homeowner is at the open house, it can make buyers feel awkward and nervous to ask questions. Your realtor can represent you at the open house, allowing buyers to imagine themselves at home.
2. Negotiation experience
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When it comes time to put in an offer on the house of your dreams, your realtor can go back and forth with the seller to ensure you get a fair price on the house. You will save money by hiring a realtor because they will negotiate the cost of the house on your behalf. On the other hand, sellers need the same negotiation support. Sellers want to get the highest selling price possible, so the realtor will use their negotiation skills to get the buyer to pay more. Make sure you have an equal hand in the negotiation by hiring an experienced real estate agent to be on your side.
3. Market knowledge
If you are new to the buying and selling game, you may not know much about the real estate market. It is constantly changing, and you have to keep up with it to be able to compare properties and conduct research properly. For busy people, there isn’t much time to spend researching the real estate market and figuring out how much your house should sell for or how much you can buy. Your real estate agent can be there for you to advise whether a home is above or below its market value so that you know when to put in an offer and when to hold off.
4. Neighborhood expertise
When you want a house in a neighborhood with good schools, low traffic, and lovely parks, it’s hard to know where to look. Hiring a real estate agent will ensure that someone will tell you which neighborhoods offer what you are looking for. You don’t just want the perfect house; you want it in a friendly community that will give you and your family a high quality of life.
5. Home search support
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A good agent is going to expedite your home search. They know all about the houses that are on the market. Your real estate agent will consult you about what you want in a house, including the characteristics and features you are hoping for and what kind of neighborhood. They will show you the places that fit your desires, ensuring that you save time skipping homes that are of no interest to you. Sifting through listings can be very time-consuming, so hiring a real estate agent will save you a lot of time.
6. Access to trusted referrals
When buying or selling a house, many projects come up that will require professionals. You might need an inspector for a home inspection, a mortgage lender, a title company, appraisers, general contractors, and more. Researching reputable companies can take up even more of your time. However, with an experienced agent, you can get trusted referrals for knowledgeable professionals who can do anything. Real estate agents know who to hire and who to avoid.
7. Paperwork management
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Homeownership is not the time to skip contracts and simply sign on the dotted line. You will encounter extended agreements, addendums, disclosures, and other documentation. If that doesn’t sound like something you’d like to do or would be proficient at, then it is worth hiring a real estate agent to take care of the paperwork on your behalf. There is so much to juggle when buying or selling that it’s nice to have a real estate agent to guide you through it all.
8. Point out red flags in a property
It can be challenging for first-time or even experienced buyers to find the red flags in a property. Only skilled realtors will see every problematic feature of a house. If you are buying, you want to avoid getting a house with something wrong with it. Similarly, if you are selling your home, your realtor can tell you what needs to be repaired or renovated to get a better selling price.
Are you ready to start the buying or selling process?
Having an experienced real estate agent on your side can ensure that you get a better price, and someone will be on hand to answer any questions you have. If you are looking for homes in Stamford, C.T., reach out to Dannel Malloy. He is an experienced realtor who will help you find single-family, condo, or multi-family homes for sale in Stamford, CT.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
