So you’re in the market for a new home, and you’re probably spending all of your free time combing through real estate listings, ensuring each option fits your criteria. You may wonder if you should go on the journey alone or work with a real estate agent. The short answer is that you don’t have to work with an agent to buy a home, but there may be several perks of working with one you haven’t considered.
Buying a home is a major financial investment, and a Realtor can help you navigate the process with less hassle. Read on to learn four reasons why you should work with a real estate agent when purchasing a new home.
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Pricing Expertise
Because of their professional experience, many Realtors have an accurate idea of how much a home is worth when they enter the door. Agents with market experience can quickly identify how well a neighborhood may hold long-term value.
While it’s possible to go online and research comparable home prices to determine if a home is priced fairly, a real estate agent can better evaluate if a home is overpriced or underpriced. If you decide to purchase a home, a Realtor has the tools to help you prepare a killer deal — all while avoiding delays or expensive mistakes that can mess up your plans.
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Turbocharged Searching Power
Most homes on the market are widely available for interested buyers to search online. However, some sellers are reluctant to widely publicize that they’re selling their homes. Sometimes, personal matters, financial struggles, and divorce will make a seller decide not to advertise their home on the internet. When properties are difficult to find because a seller is hesitant to place them on the open market, a Realtor can help someone on the buying side find those hidden gems to expand their options.
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Handling the Paperwork
Many documents are required in both the selling and purchasing of a home. A simple mistake can make a huge difference in whether the transaction goes smoothly or becomes a nightmare. That’s where an experienced real estate agent can step in and save the day. A Realtor can assist with documents like:
- The written offer
- The written counteroffer
- Details like specific repairs or stipulations
- What exactly is or isn’t included in the sale
When you work with a professional, the odds of making mistakes, missing important details, forgetting to check a box, and other mishaps are significantly reduced.
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Negotiation Experience
Any time you purchase a home, you’re bound to run into negotiations. Negotiations can easily become more intense in today’s heated real estate market. Even if you’re a levelheaded person, when you’re arguing with the seller over a leaky faucet that’s caused water damage to the floor, it can be easy to lose your cool. After all, buying a home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make.
Negotiations aren’t just about going into a bidding war or determining how much money you’ll spend. A Realtor can handle all aspects of negotiating on your behalf and allow extra time for contingencies, inspections, and any other detail crucial to your needs.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or have experience in the past, a Realtor can take the stress out of purchasing a home. Hopefully, the reasons above will show you just how much a real estate agent can do to get you through the process with greater ease.