Using A Realtor

Here are a few reasons why you should consider using realtors:

1. Save Time - How much time do you have on your hands?  Real estate agents have knowledge which will save you lots of wheel-spinning and wasted trips.  They will save research time as well.  Ask about local schools, comparable properties, etc. and they will have the answers for you.
2. Experience – You might be able to identify a house on a particular street that is selling for $375,000.  A realtor will know that houses on that street haven’t sold for more that $325,000.  An agent will be able to tell you if the house had upgrades or not, and how long it’s been on the market.  He/she will know about comparable houses on other streets that will sell for less.
3. Market Knowledge – Your buying or selling decisions will be governed by current market conditions.  Realtors can give you access to information about average-dollars-per-square-foot of comparable houses, median or average sales prices, comparisons between listed prices and actual sold prices.
4. Pricing Help – You determine the price – not your broker.  However, agents can provide guidance so that you can make the appropriate pricing decision.  Once you’ve established a price, your agent will formulate a strategy based on supply, demand, and market conditions.
5. Networking – Realtors will network with other real estate professionals.  In addition to the obvious advantage of access to more information, your agent can provide a list of vendors which are competent, efficient, and competitively priced.  By telling you who they have worked with in the past, and some background information, your realtor can help you make good choices.
6. Negotiating – Real estate agents are removed from the emotional connections to price and property.  They can therefore logically present their case with their client’s best interest in mind.  In addition, they are bound to hold their client’s information confidential from competing interests.
7. Help With Bureaucracy – taxing authorities and other bureaucracies will be looking for information before, during and after your closing.  Any questions that you or your attorney can’t answer, just call your realtor.

A real estate agent’s success is based on referrals.  Few agents would last very long if they always had to rely on finding new business.  They definitely have lots of incentive to keep their clients happy.  They might make an effort to stay in touch after your business is concluded.  If you were happy, and might using realtors again in the future, you should consider making the effort as well.  It could be mutually beneficial.