Why Work With a REALTOR®?
You may wonder if you can buy or sell a home by utilizing online resources, without the help of a professional. You might do okay, some people do…most people need help.
A REALTOR® gets paid their commission only when there is a successful transaction. Out of that commission, the REALTOR® has to pay fees: broker fees, taxes, marketing, e & o insurance, etc. Here are some ways REALTORS® are the best tool when it comes to buying and selling Real Estate:
Education and Experience
REALTORS® are required to obtain a certain amount of education hours annually dealing with Real Estate Law. Rules regarding home sales are always changing and it’s a REALTORS® job to stay on top of those market dynamics and pass along their knowledge to their clients.
Market Conditions & Community Knowledge
A REALTOR® can help a buyer save money and help a seller to make the most money. They go through the home buying and selling process daily, they see the potential dangers and looming changes in the market and can warn their clients. Data such as: average per square foot cost of similar homes, average sales price, average days on market, etc., will determine how you will proceed with your home sale or home purchase. A REALTOR® possesses detailed knowledge about the area you live in. They can identify comparable sales and provide you with a market analysis.
Management of Paperwork
Legal and binding purchase agreements, property disclosures, along with other paperwork when it comes to selling or buying a home can be overwhelming. One tiny mistake or omission could land you in court or cost you thousands of dollars. Let a REALTOR® take on the liability and allow him/her to make sure all necessary paperwork is filled out and complete.
Price Counseling
A REALTOR® does not select prices for sellers or buyers, however a REALTOR® helps guide a client to make the right choice. A selling REALTOR® will bring a seller comparable homes in his/her area that have recently sold. It is ultimately up to the seller to set the price of their home. If you are a buyer, your REALTOR® will gather data on other homes that have sold comparable to the one you are making an offer on and allow you to choose a price to offer. Based on market supply, demand and conditions of the property, the REALTOR® will devise a negotiation strategy.
Professional Networking & Marketing
REALTORS® network with other professionals. REALTORS® have access to the MLS. Within and outside their companies, REALTORS® will network and make sure other REALTORS® see your property for sale so they can show it to their clients, or communicate to other REALTORS® if there is a specific type of home you’re looking for. Out of town buyers prefer to work with a REALTOR® because they do not know the area and they want to utilize the knowledge of a professional. Simply put, your home will have more potential buyers if it is listed with a REALTOR®.
REALTORS® are Facilitators
Your REALTOR® is the person you talk to and ask questions throughout your entire home buying or selling process. Your REALTOR® filters phone calls and emails for you. You won’t have to worry about people calling you for showings, other REALTORS® calling you, mortgage lenders, etc.
Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality
Top Producing REALTORS® negotiate well because unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and they are skilled in negotiating. Good REALTORS® are professionals who are trained to present their client’s case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential for competing interests.