This post is part of an ongoing series, “ABC’s of Real Estate.” Stay tuned for more posts as I run through the a-z of real estate and provide helpful tips for home buyers and sellers alike.
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If you are considering buying or selling your home, you might be asking yourself if you really need to use a real estate agent. After all, with the internet at your fingertips, why not do it yourself and save on that commission? While plenty of people to manage to buy or sell on their own, the expert knowledge provided by a real estate agent is an indispensable service in your home buying or selling journey.
What does a real estate agent do?
So, what will a real estate agent actually do for you? The simple answer is that we help you buy or sell your home and make it as pain-free as possible. Whether you’re working with a listing agent to sell your home or a buyer’s agent to find a new one, your real estate agent will provide you with industry knowledge and guidance throughout the process.
Real estate agents are local area experts. We know the ins and outs of our local property market and the geographical area we work in. We understand competitive pricing and the intricacies of local laws that must be followed when buying or selling a property.
In many ways, your real estate agent is also your advocate, helping with negotiations between buying and selling parties. We’ll handle all the forms, reports, and other technical documents involved. By lending our expertise and experience in this area, we work to help you get the best deal with the least amount of headache.
In return for our services in delivering value to you, your real estate agent takes a commission. This is how we earn a living, and it also means we don’t get paid unless you are able to buy or sell.
But do I really need one?
It’s true that you could go it alone, but why would you? Your real estate agent is an expert guide who knows how to navigate the buying and selling process and get you the best deal. Your real estate agent will also help you avoid delays and keep you from making mistakes that could end up costing you in the long run.
For buyers, real estate agents can also provide valuable information and objective opinions about a property and the surrounding neighborhood. They also have access to listings that are not always actively advertised on sites like Zillow and the like. This will provide you better access to finding your new home.
For sellers, your real estate agent is going to handle all conversations with interested parties. Your agent will help filter through the noise to find serious buyers ready to make an offer. Your agent will also handle your showings, so you don’t have to.
Let’s talk about pricing. Your real estate agent will be able to provide you expert guidance on where to set a price for your home by looking at comparable sales. This is invaluable in helping you sell your home at best value. Real estate agents will also provide you with market conditions, which will help you in making decisions about what you are willing to buy or sell a home for.
Perhaps more than anything, licensed real estate agents are bound by a strict code of ethics. That means it’s our job to be as honest and up front with you as possible, or there can be repercussions. This means you can trust your real estate agent to have your best interest at heart and to do everything we can to get you the best deal possible.
