Why You Should Hire a Realtor!

Buying or selling a home is a big decision and a big deal. Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase a person will make in his or her lifetime. Selling a home is emotional, stressful and can be overwhelming. Regardless of which side of the transaction you are on, hiring a qualified, experienced and professional real estate agent not only makes the process easier, it also provides peace of mind knowing you have someone looking out for you!

The real estate industry has undergone some significant changes over the last several years. Along with the market changes, regulations have changed too. Licensed real estate agents keep up with the changes so they can help you negotiate the best deal and take the mystery out of the multiple page contracts and addendums you need to understand and sign.

When you hire a real estate agent to work with you, you will sign an agreement with that agent. At that time, you become that agent's client and they have a fiduciary responsibility to you! They work for you and it is their job to keep your needs and financial interests their priority. This is true whether you hire a listing agent to sell your home or a buyer's agent to help you buy a home.

If you are in the market to buy a home, the advantages of having a good agent work with you can be invaluable. Looking for a home can be the most fun part of buying a home, but there is certainly more to the transaction than browsing internet pages for a home. Your agent can help you determine your priorities and your budget. A good agent will listen to your needs and wants and be able to narrow down your home search to a handful of properties that meet your criteria. Experienced agents are also familiar with the houses on the market and the pros and cons of the properties. Their insight into the properties can help you determine whether a property is right for you. Additionally, if you need a reputable lender or property inspector, a seasoned agent usually has a list of referrals they can share with you. Once you find the right home and want to submit a contract on the property, your agent will draw up the contract offer keeping your needs and best interests in mind.

When you consider the importance of a home-buying or home-selling decision, the cost involved, and the complexity of the transaction, selecting the right real estate agent to represent you is one of the most important decisions you can make. If you are selling your home, be sure the agent you choose has the experience you need and deserve. Whether you choose an agent because a friend referred them or you found them in the phone book, do your own homework. Interview a few agents. Ask them how long they have been a licensed agent in your area. What is the average number of transactions they complete yearly? How do they intend to market your home for sale so you get the best price? If you are buying a home, will the agent listen to your needs and how much time will they devote to finding you the home you want? How willing are they to negotiate the best deal for you? Have they worked with lenders and inspectors they trust? Whether you are looking for a listing agent or a buyer's agent, when you are interviewing the agents, ask them for references and call the references.