You might be asking “Why do I need a Realtor®? I mean seriously I can search for homes on my own.” It is true that the real estate world has come a very long way. Even though for sale signs and word of mouth still exist, there’s a strong possibility that your next real estate transaction will at least start at your fingertips. There are tons of choices when it comes to searching for a home. Surely you know someone, who knows someone, who just mentioned to someone, about a home for sale three streets over. Most frugal and deal savvy individuals can spot a good deal from a mile away. Those habits and abilities are extremely helpful in the real estate world. In your home hunting adventures there are several things that a Realtor® can help you with that you might find beneficial. We’ll briefly discuss a few here.
Realtors work for you
Realtors are there to truly work, fight for you and help you get the best deal possible. Besides all the legal jargon and paperwork that your representative should be familiar with, a solid Realtor® will also offer you the best insight and good information regarding the community, price comparisons and solid offers on the table. As of November 2020 up to 88% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker. Going into a real estate transaction without good representation, and no prior real estate experience, is not recommended and could cost you thousands in the end.
In the process of buying or selling a home there will be financial negotiations. You always want someone with your best interest in mind helping with the transaction. If you’re selling, what offer should you choose? If you’re buying, Is this a good price? The Realtor® usually will investigate and compare comps to help you get a good competitive price on the table. Once you are in contract the Realtor® will be there to help with home inspections, repairs needed and other unique circumstances that may arise from your specific home hunting adventure. Furthermore, while touring homes your representative should know key things to look for while inside and outside the possible home you desire.
DQTs (Diana’s Quick Tips)
- Find good solid representation
- Ask the questions: “How long have you been in the business? Is this your only job?”
- If this is their primary profession usually their energy, expertise and experience will be made manifest in how they are conducting themselves with you and your real estate transactions. They will have and know what resources are available to get the job done.
- True Realtor® experience gives you the confidence you can count on going into the hunt and the deal. If they haven’t been in the business long they can definitely do a good job, but when this person is split between other professions this could, in some instances, prevent them from helping you properly.
- Ask the questions: “How long have you been in the business? Is this your only job?”
- Look for someone that enjoys doing what they do
- If they don’t like their job, at times the negativity can bleed into your home hunting activity. Patience and determination will need to be involved, not just from you, but also from your representation. If the person you’re conducting real estate business with doesn’t like their job, not always, but usually, you will not have an enjoyable house hunting experience.
- Understand the person you have chosen as your Realtor®
- Read reviews and make sure what’s expressed lines up with your principles. There are many message boards available for you. Look for words in the reviews that describe the person’s character. Did their prior clients find that they acted honestly? Did they show integrity? Is he or she knowledgeable, dependable, patient, etc.
The exposure and help that the Realtor® gives to their client is invaluable. Never underestimate the desire of the public to take advantage of you. When buying or selling there is nothing like having someone working on your behalf.
Remember: Realtors® provide knowledge based on their community resources, much needed contract guidance and historical information that can affect the price and value of the transaction.
Next steps
Now you have your Realtor®. What can you truly afford? We’ll tackle this in our next article.