Working with a real estate agent when buying a home will save you both time and money. The more complicated the move, the more helpful an agent can be. Here are seven advantages to having an agent guide you through the home-purchasing process.
- Time saver. Searching for the right home is time-consuming, and your real estate agent’s job is to listen to your preferences, screen homes, and select the ones that most closely fit your needs and budget, making the process more efficient for you.
- Market savvy. Which neighborhood should you buy in? How are home prices, relative to surrounding areas? Agents watch the housing market as it shifts, meaning they can give you well-informed advice.
- Well connected. Part of a real estate agent’s job includes networking and business development. They build partnerships with key real estate professionals such as appraisers, inspectors, closing attorneys, and lenders. This is especially helpful to buyers who are moving to an unfamiliar area or who need information on down-payment assistance or a lender who specializes in financing options for veterans, teachers, police officers or firefighters like Hometown Heroes.
- Pricing expert. An agent will perform a comparable market analysis (CMA) that will confirm if the asking price is reasonable for the property in that locality. That information, along with your agent’s knowledge of the latest market trends, will help you formulate an offer. While pricing information is readily available online, remember those are estimated prices that have not been verified.
- Advocate. Home buying and selling take a high degree of attention to detail, and your real estate agent is trained to manage all the variables. If buying includes relocating to an unfamiliar area, an agent is a key resource for information on the community and schools. Agents also help buyers keep emotions in check when anxiety over a pending move makes it difficult to be objective.
- Expert negotiator. When it’s time to make an offer, your agent will handle all the phone calls, freeing up your time and energy. They will sift through and communicate the details you need to know, and will present your terms to the seller. As an intermediary, your agent will guide the negotiation process to get the best price and terms for you, including seller concessions to fix items.
- Transaction manager. An agent’s true worth shows in the ability to navigate the complicated documentation required to make offers, draw up contracts, catch errors, and successfully close on your purchase.
