We all know browsing the internet for your next home can be easy, but buying a home is different. A real estate agent can make a big difference. A buyer’s agent will help you find the right home and guide you to homeownership.
With many real estate agents available, you can find one that fits your personality and needs. They will help you get exactly what you want from your next (or first) home.
Here are 10 reasons why working with a real estate agent is a good idea.
1. They’ll Get You a Better Price
When you use a real estate agent to buy a home, they help you get the most for your money. They know if a home is priced right, too high, or even too low for the neighborhood. Your agent wants your purchase to be a great investment so you can enjoy the financial benefits of being a homeowner. They understand what certain features are worth and how it will affect your finances in the long run. Best of all, your agent ensures you don’t overpay for your home or the neighborhood it’s in.
2. They’ll Save You Time
If you’ve ever started your home search online, you know how long it can take. Searching for homes can be a never-ending, time-consuming task. Once an agent knows what you’re looking for, they can filter out homes that don’t match your criteria. Agents also attend events and open houses for their buyers, saving you time. Working with a real estate agent is the best way to avoid looking at homes that won’t work for you.
3. They Have Access to MLS
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is one of the best tools for buying and selling homes. Unfortunately, you can’t always access it unless you work with a real estate agent. It’s different from online home search tools, which may not show all available listings and could limit your search. The MLS alerts agents to open houses, new listings, and other useful information, helping you find the right home at the right time.
4. They Have an Inner Professional Network
The real estate professional network is unique compared to other business networks. Real estate agents constantly interact with each other about properties and often find hidden gems. This network is not one you typically have access to, so being part of it can be very valuable when buying a home. Don’t hesitate to ask your agent about the professional real estate associations they are affiliated with. Having access to this network can greatly benefit your home-buying journey.
5. Their Ethics and Expertise
The fundamental benefits of working with a Realtor are encompassed by the two big “E’s”: Ethics and Expertise. Realtors hold themselves to higher standards, similar to how doctors take the Hippocratic Oath and attorneys follow a Code of Ethics. They are professional fiduciaries, guided by principles, responsibilities, and rules that prioritize the client and uphold the dignity of real estate as a profession. Realtors demonstrate expertise in many ways, including finding homes that meet specific needs, accurate pricing and valuation, knowledge of building codes, writing binding contracts, unemotional negotiation, and coordinating smooth closings. In what is often the most significant purchase of your life, having an experienced Realtor by your side is crucial. With proper representation, you can expect to sell for more, buy for less, and avoid major mistakes.
6. They Know the Lay of the Land
One of the best features of working with real estate agents is their deep understanding of the city they work in. For you, this means market knowledge, neighborhood background, and real estate insights you might not otherwise have. This is helpful when you have specific needs, like the type of neighborhood, commute distance, or school preferences. For example, if you find a home you love, an agent can provide details about the neighborhood, including school quality, crime rates, and upcoming commercial developments.
7. They Know the Market
The real estate market changes from week to week. Some changes are small, like minor price fluctuations in a neighborhood, while others are significant, like interest rates. Each state, city, and municipality has its own real estate market trends beyond national changes. Real estate agents constantly monitor these changes for their buyers, keeping you informed of all the details. This helps you purchase your new home at the best possible time.
8. They Understand Complex Transactions
Real estate agents understand all of the complex processes that take place in a real estate transaction. For instance, the home inspection and being able to interpret unfamiliar details effectively to you. An agent will also understand communications from your loan officers and underwriters which will help you feel organized and highly aware of what is happening in your property transaction. As issues arise, or information is needed from you, your agent can quickly advise you on how to retrieve anything needed so your purchase can progress with less stress.
9. They are Motivated to Find You a Home
Real estate agents are highly motivated because their success depends on finding you a home. If they don’t help you buy the home of your dreams, they don’t earn a living. Most real estate agents are independent contractors, not salaried employees, so they control their own financial destiny. You can trust that your real estate agent is motivated to find you the perfect property so you can live happily ever after.
10. You Have Nothing to Lose!
When you hire a real estate agent to help you find your next (or first) home, you aren’t making a financial investment to do so. The seller pays all the fees, so you get a qualified professional representing you without spending a dollar upfront. This person will work hard for you from the moment you sign a contract to the moment you get your keys.
We hope you’re motivated to find the right real estate agent for your next transaction. Ask friends and family for referrals and do some online research to find an agent that suits your personality and needs. Some agents specialize in niches that may be helpful depending on the type of property you’re looking for.