Do I Need an Agent?
why the heck do I need a real estate agent anyway?
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a property, you may be wondering if you really need a real estate agent.
Buyers and sellers are more educated than ever and property information, crime statistics, school rankings and neighborhood data is all available online if you know where to look.
But can the Zillows of the world really replace the knowledge and expertise of a licensed and experienced agent?
Buyers and sellers are more educated than ever and property information, crime statistics, school rankings and neighborhood data is all available online if you know where to look.
But can the Zillows of the world really replace the knowledge and expertise of a licensed and experienced agent?
Since opinions are like…well, you know, take a look at the facts and decide for yourself.
Remember, real estate is like any other profession.
There are shining examples of excellence and experience and there are lazy dogs who give the profession a bad name.
Remember, real estate is like any other profession.
There are shining examples of excellence and experience and there are lazy dogs who give the profession a bad name.
However, if you spend a little time vetting and hiring the right agent in the beginning you will save yourself time and headaches throughout the entire process and will insure your interests are protected and competently represented.
Here’s some things you can expect from a great agent regardless of whether you are a buyer or a seller:
An agent’s services and what they do for you will diverge at this point depending on whether you are buying or selling a home.
sellers
For sellers, it all comes down to money.
The seller pays commission most of the time and on the surface, it seems like it could be a huge cost savings to go it alone.
The thing is, the statistics tell a completely different story. Read on to find out more.
Here are a few things an agent will do specifically for a seller:
increase the bottom line
It all comes down to money and the data shows that using an agent will make you more.
more buyers
Better than 88% of buyers use an agent and this number increases each year.
Like it or not, agents are more likely to show houses that are listed by other agencies.
So if you don’t use an agent, you could be missing a huge sector of the market.
pricing
The importance of pricing your home correctly cannot be stressed enough.
Hitting that sweet spot is integral. Price too low and you leave money on the table. Price it too high and your home will languish, unsold for weeks and months.
A qualified agent will know how to price your home just right based on many different factors.
The longer your property sits, the longer you have to keep it “showing ready”. Buyers will start to wonder what is wrong with your house because it hasn’t sold, even if the only thing wrong is pricing or a lack of advertising.
Think you are saving money even if it takes longer to sell? How much is your monthly mortgage? Every additional month it takes to sell is that much more you have to pay.
value added
A great agent isn’t just going to stick a sign in your yard and schedule showings. They will also provide many other services you may not have thought of.
Did you know an agent typically works for free unless they sell your house? Since they don’t get paid until settlement, that means the cost of memberships, photos, videos, signs and marketing materials all comes out of their pocket up front.
Are you an expert negotiator? Are you familiar with all of the required disclosures and contracts in your state? Agents are well versed in both and can help you navigate the mountain of paperwork with ease. They will make sure you and your interests are protected every step of the way.
You will underestimate how many people will call you, day and night, if you list your home on Craig’s List.
I have a 400 credit score and no bank will look at me, will you hold the mortgage for me?
I’d like to buy your home, but I’m an investor and it needs $100K in work. I’ll pay cash, but I have to offer $100K less than asking…
Can I come to see the house…now? I’m outside…
An agent will qualify potential buyers and will buffer you from all the creepy Craig’s List trawlers and Lookie Lous.
I have a 400 credit score and no bank will look at me, will you hold the mortgage for me?
I’d like to buy your home, but I’m an investor and it needs $100K in work. I’ll pay cash, but I have to offer $100K less than asking…
Can I come to see the house…now? I’m outside…
An agent will qualify potential buyers and will buffer you from all the creepy Craig’s List trawlers and Lookie Lous.
Selling your home is likely one of the biggest financial transactions you will ever complete. The protection, experience, knowledge and guidance provided by a seasoned real estate agent is invaluable.
Statistics show that working with a realtor will actually make you more money in the long run and it is certainly less headache. You owe it to yourself to explore the possibility before you make a decision.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
buyers
Since sellers typically pay commission, and 89% of them hire an agent to list their home, one might wonder why a buyer would choose not to work with an agent who represents them.
The most important benefit a buyer will receive from hiring a great agent is, very simply, protection.
But beyond that, a great agent offers so much more.
Here are a few things an agent will do specifically for a buyer:
While it is almost always prudent to hire a real estate professional to represent you, there are a few select instances when you might choose not to.
Here are a few examples where a buyer or seller might not need the full complement of services offered by a real estate agent:
We know that buying or selling your home can be stressful and can feel complicated and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Let us help you simplify the process and offer you full service from start to finish.
As always, we are here to answer any questions you may have about the buying or selling process. Feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
