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What Do I Need a Real Estate Agent For!?There's a lot of information and advice out there on how to sell a home. Some of it sounds so simple, you're certain you could sell with your eyes closed. …Maybe.Consider the pros of having a professional assist you. Real estate agents have a lot to offer and experience is first and foremost. If you hire someone who knows the ins and outs of buying and selling, you'll be spared hours (if not days) of researching details and figures. If you're a buyer, the agent can streamline the who's who and keep unwanted salespeople at arm's length; if you're a seller, the agent will ensure only the most serious of buyers get through. Think of the time saved and the headaches avoided. The agent knows neighborhoods and communities. He or she can comparison shop for you and provide valuable insight and information (such as market conditions, the factors or causes that affect the sale or purchase of a home at a specific point in time). Additionally, he or she can show you where to find additional facts and news about the area(s) you may be interested in. Don't be afraid to request as much information as you need to make a viable decision. As a seller, get the statistics and facts on prices and recent sales of similar homes in the neighborhood. As a buyer, get a comparative market analysis. Know what you're up against and negotiating for. Speaking of negotiating, that oft tricky act of "discussing" sales or purchase arrangements, an agent can do that for you-home prices are not set in stone and utilizing an agent's negotiating experience/talent is in your best (financial) interest. And what about the reams of paper that come with the buying/selling process? Have you read a Purchase Agreement or Condominium Act recently? Pretty daunting, hmm? Your real estate agent may not be a lawyer, but chances are he or she can help you with interpretations and concerns. Let him or her lower that stress level a notch; you don't have to cope with overwhelming documentation alone. When all is said and done (and signed), the agent will be there to answer forgotten questions and concerns, and help with potential hiccoughs. Because an agent's income is based on business transacted, the only way for him or her to thrive and succeed is to be the best agent possible-i.e. making sure you are a satisfied seller or buyer. As such, that agent will likely depend on your referrals to further develop a client base. Provide them when merited. Where can you find a qualified and effective real estate agent who knows the market? There's always the Internet. Newspapers and magazines. You could always close your eyes, point a finger, and there you are: you have your new agent-partner. Okay, you may wish to research further-find out what sort of experience and qualifications that individual possesses. Testimonials, recommendations and references are worth checking for, too. The previously mentioned referrals work both ways-give referrals, get referrals. Ask friends and family and people selling in your community who they have used and would recommend. Go to open houses. Here you can observe real estate agents at their best (or worst-stay away from these unless "Trouble" is your middle name). What sort of presence do they exude? Are they open, cheerful? Or are they dismissive, bored? Investigate sales by the agent you're considering; see how quickly his or her listed homes sell. Ultimately it's your choice whether to opt for a real estate agent. If you have the time, energy and savvy, to serve as your own, all the power to you. If you don't, find an agent you believe is the right one for you; together you can establish the best approach to marketing your home. |
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