If you are currently in the process of buying or selling a home, you are most likely also weighing the pros and cons of hiring a real estate agent. Some people choose to avoid working with an agent because they think the fees are too high, or they’ve had a bad experience in the past. If the only reason you are not hiring an agent is to save money by not paying fees and commission, then you are most likely overlooking some of the main benefits of hiring a real estate agent in the first place! In this blog post we gathered some of the top benefits of working with a real estate agent when it comes to buying or selling your home.
Agents Know the Market and What to Look For
When you are in the market to buy a home, you most likely have an idea of what you want, from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to specific upgrades and other must-haves. If you’re buying a home without an agent, you are left to sift through all the available listings yourself which can end up being extremely time consuming. An experienced agent typically knows every house on the market and it’s their job to find the one that best fits your wish-list and budget. They also understand the current trends and conditions of the market and are well-versed with other factors like mortgage interest rates and other comparable prices so that you are able to make an informed decision quickly and efficiently.
Agents Have Access to the MLS
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is one of the most effective tools and resources when it comes to buying or selling a home and unfortunately you won’t have access to it unless you are working with a real estate agent. This resource is different than many of the online home search tools like Zillow which typically don’t always contain all of the available listings which could hurt your search in the long run. The MLS is a great tool that can alert agents to important things like new listings and open houses that can put you in the right place at the right time.
Agents Have a Professional Network
Most real estate agents are professionals at networking and typically know a lot of people involved in the home buying or selling process. Many will have a list of preferred providers they have worked with in the past who they trust like home repair professionals, contractors, staging companies, title companies, lenders, and so much more. This could really come in handy if you are considering buying or selling and save you a lot of time in the process instead of searching for each of these on your own.
Agents Have Negotiation Power
All buyers and sellers want one thing – to get the best deal possible, and in order to achieve this, you need to have savvy negotiation skills. Going out on your own and trying to negotiate directly with a buyer or seller can be challenging and this is where hiring a real estate agent can really benefit the process. Most realtors are skilled negotiators and know what works best and what doesn’t. It’s also your agent’s job to get you the best price possible and can use their analysis of current real estate comps in the area to build a strong case and get you top dollar, all while having no emotional stake in the outcome that could cloud their thinking overall.
Agents Can Save you Time and Energy
When it comes to closing a real estate transaction, the process can be long and lengthy, so when you choose to work with an agent, they can make the process as smooth and easy as possible. If you are looking to sell, agents can handle all showings, filter unnecessary calls, and help you identify the more serious and qualified buyers. When it comes time to close a deal, the paperwork is never ending. From contracts, to requests, counteroffers, settlement statements, and more, working with a real estate agent can make the process easier and ensure nothing falls through the cracks before you sign.
As you can see, choosing to work with a real estate agent has many benefits! Whether you choose to buy or sell a home, an agent can be your ally and save you valuable time and money. At Marsh Landing Realty, we believe our agents are some of the top in the industry. Contact us to get started on your buying or selling journey today!
