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When it comes to home sales, buyers and sellers are on the opposite side of the fence, having different goals about what they want to achieve. Of course, the buyer wants to get the property as cheap as possible, while the seller’s satisfaction depends on how much he can get for his house or apartment.
Even if they prefer different outcomes, one thing’s for sure: both of them want to be on top when the deal is finalized. And for that reason, many don’t shy away from hiring a real estate agent. If you find yourself in the same position, whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a real estate agent can dramatically make things easier, assisting you through the whole process.
Still, having doubts about going with a professional? Let us give you four reasons why you definitely need the help of a real estate agent.
- A real estate agent can save you a lot of money
If you consider selling your home on your own, you usually do it because you want to save many, and you think hiring a real estate agent will cost a small fortune. However, the truth is, if you don’t hire a professional because you don’t want to part with that extra commission, you’ll end up losing more in the long run.
A study that focused on the for sale by owner approach (FSBO) from 2017 highlighted that people got 30% less for their properties if they listed theirs without an agent. Plus, you’ll probably have to pay commission, even without a pro, especially if your buyer has one. So, if you want to save money on selling your house, you need a professional’s knowledge and experience.
- Professionals know the game
Buying or selling a house is easy on paper. But when it comes to doing the actual work, reviewing all the documents that come with home sales, and paying attention to all the details, many give up. And it’s no secret why: finalizing a real estate deal while also having the upper hand is complex and challenging.
Of course, when you have a real estate agent by your side, you don’t have to worry about purchase agreements, federal, state, or local legal papers. A professional won’t make a mistake or omit anything in the documents, making sure everything is fine. Now that can save you a lot of money from a lot of headaches.
Also, a real estate agent can do a lot more for you than to help you buy or sell your home. Both of these involve moving, so a professional can help you find a moving company, too. If you want to move to or from New York, don’t get surprised if they’re recommending the Empire Movers .
- Confidentiality and privacy are guaranteed
Ask any real estate agent, and they’ll tell you about that fiduciary responsibility that makes them obligated to put their client’s needs first. This responsibility also involves total privacy and confidentiality. When you buy a house, you shouldn’t share any private information with a seller or their agent, who, of course, is not obligated to keep the financial details a secret.
It’s totally different when you’re the buyer, and the seller’s agent lied to you about a minor or major thing. In that case, you can report the agent to their professional association. For example, the National Association of Realtors deals with such issues. One thing’s for sure, if you have an agent, you’re protected from all the problems of handling information that comes with buying or selling a home.
- Experience will come in handy
If you’re a buyer, you’re probably well-aware what kind of property you need. You know exactly the style you’re looking for, how many bedrooms would make you happy, and must-have factors. But a real estate agent doesn’t only consider simple requests but looks for things that probably don’t cross your mind. An agent’s responsibility is to investigate the property in-depth, analyzing many things, such as roofing issues, problems with the furnace, leaks, insect infestation, or mold.
A real estate agent’s experience and knowledge are also crucial if you’re a seller. If you want to sell your home, you know what price would make you happy. But you must ask yourself this: is it reasonable? Can you sell your home for that price? An agent knows the market like the back of his hand. A professional is a master of comparative market analysis, an essential part of real estate dealings.
