Why You Need a Real Estate Agent When Buying And Selling A Home

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent When Buying And Selling A Home 

With so much information readily available, you may wonder whether using a real estate agent is becoming a relic of a bygone era.

While you can certainly do it alone, the professional value of a competent real estate agent brings to the table is simply invaluable.

In this article by Scott of AAMGT.com, you’ll learn why you should not discard the notion of hiring a real estate agent.

1. Not everyone can save money. 

Saving money is the main reason why a lot of people eschew hiring an agent. However, it’s not likely for both parties (seller and buyer) to reap the benefits of not paying the fees.

For instance, when selling your home, you’ll price it according to prices of comparable properties in your neighborhood. A majority of these properties have been sold with an agent’s help.

This means that the seller gets to keep the percentage of the same price of the home that would otherwise have gone to an agent.

Buyers, too, may believe that they can save some money by not involving an agent.

However, unless the seller and the buyer agree to split the savings, it’s unlikely both will save the fees.

2. Real estate agents are licensed professionals.

This means that they can’t engage in an un-fiduciary relationship. Simply put, this means that the agent must act in the best interest of their clients. He or she is bound by common law (in most states) to do so.

If they fail to do so, repercussions can be dire.

Additionally, many agents peg on repeat business and referrals to build a good clientele base. Essentially, this compels them to do their best to make sure their clients are happy with the transaction.

Also, if they don’t act professionally, you have many avenues for recourse. For instance, through the court, professional associations or through your agent’s broker.

If you buy or sell a property without an agent, you could easily get duped. And, there is little you can do once you realize it. And if you do decide to get a lawyer, you’ll end up paying far more than what an agent would have cost you.

3. Contractual language can be confusing.

An experienced real estate agent deals with the same contracts and conditions on a regular basis. He or she is familiar with how to use the contract to protect your interests, whether you are a home buyer or seller.

Without an agent, you could lose your deposit on the home. The seller could also sue you for failing to fulfill your end of the contract. This is especially true if you fail to make financing one of the conditions of the sale – and you aren’t approved for the mortgage.

4. Agents have better access.

A real estate agent’s full-time job is to act as a liaison between buyers and sellers. This means they have access to all other properties listed by other agents.

If you are looking to sell your home yourself, you’ll have to track down homes on your own. You’ll have to make appointments, answer questions and solicit calls from interested parties.

Remember, if you don’t respond quickly enough or tend to be busy, potential buyers are likely to move on. On the other hand, you may find yourself rushing home for an appointment, only to find that no one shows up.

Similarly, if you are buying on your own, you’ll have to play the telephone tag yourself. This may particularly be difficult if you are shopping for homes that are for sale by the owner.

5. Agents have good negotiation skills.

Unlike most buyers and sellers, competent agents negotiate well as they don’t have any emotional connection to the transaction.

Competent agents are professionals who are trained to act in their client’s best interests. They are not mere messengers, delivering buyer’s offers to sellers and vice versa.

In addition to good negotiation skills, good agents keep client information confidential.

6. Agents are knowledgeable about the local real estate market.

You may know that a neighbor’s home was on the market for a set amount of dollars. But, an agent will know more details. He or she will know which upgrades it has had, how much it was sold for, and how long it stayed on the market.

In addition, they can point you in the direction where you can find more details. For example, data on schools, crime, or demographics.

7. They can act as buffers.

If you are a seller, your agent will filter all those phone calls that lead to nowhere from lookie-loos. And, they will try to induce serious buyers to write an offer immediately.

If you are a buyer of new homes, your agent will whip out her sword and keep the builder’s agents at bay, preventing them from biting or nipping at your heels.

So, no, real estate agents haven’t become a relic of a bygone era. They are still as useful today as they were decades ago before the internet was a staple in many people’s everyday lives.