Buying a home can seem straightforward – go to a few open houses, find a home you like, put in an offer, and move in. Or if you’re selling, it could seem like enough to put out an advertisement and find a buyer.
But it’s not so easy. There’s more to buying a home than getting mortgage approval. You and a potential buyer or seller have different interests, and managing a big purchase can be high stakes.
Having a real estate professional on both sides of the selling-buying process helps things run smoothly in several ways.
1. Realtors Know the Market
Experienced realtors have a grasp of the ebb and flow of the housing market and can help time your purchase or sale to maximize the benefits. Keeping your home on the market too long without a sale makes the house seem undesirable to buyers. Getting the timing right is an art that realtors are constantly perfecting.
2. Realtors Know How to Negotiate
Real estate is all about negotiation – buyers want to spend the least money they can, while sellers want to come out on top. Not only will your realtor advocate for your best interests, but they have superior negotiation tactics that can help you save or make money.
3. Realtors Can Tell You the Fair Value of the Home
If you’re selling your existing home, the market could be different from when you first purchased, changing its value. Realtors compare other listings in your area with upgrades and renovations you’ve done on your home and get a fair price point.
If you’re buying without a real estate professional, it can be tough to determine if a home is overpriced. Their eye for detail will notice even small things that can affect the house’s value and get you the best deal.
4. Realtors Can Make Your Home Attractive to Buyers
Selling your home is just as much an art as it is a science. Real estate professionals know what buyers are looking for and how to appeal to potential buyers. Whether through staging, virtual staging, simple upgrades to do, or what paint to choose, realtors can help you elevate your property before you sell.
Bottom Line
Buying and selling a home without a real estate agent is a gamble you shouldn’t make. Beyond vetting buyers and sellers, they’re a sounding board, know all the legalities, and have contacts with lawyers and mortgage brokers to help ease the process.
If you want to discuss the sale or purchase of a home, contact us to start finding the ideal home for you.
