7 Reasons Hiring a Real Estate Agent is Worth the Cost
It’s something Realtors hear all the time: “Do I really need a Realtor? Is hiring a real
estate agent worth the cost?” After all, Google offers a treasure trove of information,
forms, and advice, so why can’t you close your real estate transaction on your own?
We are here to tell you that hiring a Realtor can save you thousands in the long run.
A do-it-yourself real estate deal isn’t something you want to deal with. Hire a licensed
Realtor; you’ll be glad you did.
Here are seven reasons why your agent is worth their weight in gold.
1. Access to Multiple Listing Service.
One of the most valuable resources a Realtor can offer is unlimited access to the
Multiple Listing Service, or MLS. This database shows real estate agents detailed
information about properties in and around every city in the U.S., and the insight
from the MLS can be invaluable when buying or selling your home.
When you hire a broker to sell your home, it will be added to the MLS, giving other
agents instant access to your listing. More exposure means a faster sale. As a buyer,
hiring a Realtor provides you access to real-time listings in your neighborhood. If you
wait for them to post on your favorite real estate website instead, you could be
missing out.
2. Realtor-Broker Homes Sell Faster.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 87% of buyers purchase homes
through a real estate agent or broker, up from only 69% in 2001. This upward trend
shows that buyers prefer to work with sellers who use a licensed Realtor. When you
list your home for sale using a licensed professional, you’re likely to sell your home
faster.
3. Word of Mouth Marketing.
Real estate agents know other real estate agents, and word of mouth is often the
best advertising. Both your Realtor and other Realtors will see your home, keep it
cataloged in their memory, and bring it to the attention of potential buyers. In some
instances, your listing agent might have a buyer in mind before the house even hits
the market. That social and professional network isn’t something you can create on
your own, and it’s priceless.
4. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!
If you’ve ever participated in a real estate transaction, you know there is an immense
amount of paperwork involved. Even one wrong keystroke can send the entire deal
into a frenzy. That’s why it’s so important to hire an experienced, knowledgeable
A Realtor who knows how to fill out every form correctly. As a bonus, if something does
go awry, your Realtor will know when it’s time to call a lawyer for backup.
5. Your Realtor Can Act as a Buffer.
A “For Sale By Owner” sounds like a great proposition from a financial standpoint
until you begin to consider all the things that could go wrong. Chief among them?
Demanding or difficult buyers. A real estate agent or broker can act as a buffer
between you and the problematic buyer/seller should the situation become
complicated. Without an agent, you’re navigating that mess all on your own.
6. Tips That Can Help Your Home Sell.
An experienced agent can help you make your home sale-ready by offering specific
staging advice, suggesting repairs, or pointing out code violations. This expert
guidance will save you both time and money; you’ll appeal to buyers more quickly,
and home inspectors are less likely to find unwelcome surprises that could
jeopardize the deal.
7. Price Comparisons and Negotiation.
Real estate agents know how homes are priced in your area. If you’re a homeowner
looking to sell, a licensed Realtor can look up other comparable properties in your
area and make sure you’re priced competitively. If you’re a buyer, your Realtor can
help you negotiate with a seller based on price comparisons, time on the market, and
other factors. If you’re going it alone, you may end up losing thousands of dollars on
the sale of your home simply because you don’t have access to the same
information a Realtor does.
Yes, you can do it alone. No one is stopping you. But should you?
Some homeowners choose to sell themselves and avoid paying commission fees.
But when you consider how much a professional real estate agent can save you on a
deal – not to mention the time, effort, and frustration you’ll avoid by hiring someone
to do much of the legwork for you – the fee suddenly seems like a bargain.
Do you really need a Realtor? The answer is clear. Hiring a real estate agent is the
best choice.
By Becca Stewart on Oct 18, 2018 04:44 pm
