Why use a Realtor?

Good question.  Real Estate transactions are usually one of the largest investments a person makes in their lifetime.  The cost of a house usually exceeds $100,000.  Would you consider making any other $100,000 investment without the assistance of a professional?  Why should real estate be any different?  As consumers we should know some reasons to use a Realtor.  Here are a few:

1.  Your Realtor can help you determine your buying power.  When you give your Realtor basic information such as, available savings, income and current debt, they can refer you to lenders that are best qualified to help you. 

2. Your Realtor has many resources to help you in buying a piece of property.  Sometimes a property is available but not actively advertised in the market.  A Realtor has a network of Realtors they work with.  They have the ability to get in touch with multiple agents that work in the market area that interests you.

3.  Your Realtor can assist you in selecting property with objective information.  A Realtor can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc.  They also help to answer the questions:  Is this property in an area I would want to own a home and will the property have resell value when I am ready to sell?

4.  Your Realtor can help you negotiate.  There are many factors involved in negotiating.  Some of these include price, financing, terms, date of possession, and even the inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings or equipment.  The purchase agreement allows time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you complete the purchase.  Your agent can advise you on which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5.  Your Realtor can help you in the evaluation of a property.  Depending on the area and the property these evaluations could include inspection of termites, dry rot, a faulty structure, the condition of the roof, and other important elements.  Your real estate agent can help you in finding qualified professionals to do most of these evaluations.

6.  When selling your home, your Realtor can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the market.  They know the price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties.  These help determine the best price for your property as well as help it to sell quickly.

7.  Your Realtor markets to other real estate agents as well as to the public.  Realtors have a network of real estate agents they work with.  Buyers brought in by other Realtors account for about 50% of sales.  Your Realtor markets to other Realtors through MLS, emails, open houses or other marketing strategies. 

8.  Your Realtor knows when, where and how to advertise your property.  Advertising is not the only thing that sells real estate.  Studies show that most real estate sales are done through a realtor's previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.  Realtors also screen their prospects which keeps the process safer.

9.  Your Realtor can help you to evaluate a buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position.  There are a lot of possible pitfalls in the selling of your home.  These can happen during appraisals, inspections, and financing.  A Realtor can help write a contract that is legally binding as well as a win-win for both parties.  This makes it more likely to make it through the whole process.

10.  Your Realtor can help in the close of your home.  From the initial agreement to the closing there are many questions that may arise.  Your real estate agent in the best person to help you through these issues and help finalize the close of your home.