6 Reasons working with a real-estate agent is worth it!
“From Contract to Keys”
It might be tempting to navigate the home-buying process on your own in an attempt to save money, but the value you’ll get from working with an agent will quickly become apparent. Whether it’s an investment property or your new home that’s on the radar, below are 6 ways working with an agent will benefit you in the buying process!
1. EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE:
A real estate agent will skillfully guide you through the buying process, helping to make sure you find the right property, and spot any risks, (financially or structurally) with each property you are interested in. An agent can help advise you on terms of the contract, helping you understand complex legal jargon involved in the buying process. An agent can provide a comparative market analysis in determining the equity in your home purchase. Ongoing educational requirements ensures compliance with legal and up to date aspects of real estate.
2. ACCESS TO MLS:
Not every home for sale may be publicly listed. Realtors have access to the MLS - Multiple Listing service, a database network available only to agents and brokers which gives you real time access to every possible listing with most current information. There are more than 900 MLS systems in the United States. An agent can find properties that meet your budget and needs, as well as provide valuable insights into each property to help you make an informed decision.
3. MONEY & TIME-SAVINGS
Many first-time buyers attempt to navigate the home-buying process on their own in hopes of saving money. However, the truth is most properties already include the cost of a real estate agent and the commission a realtor makes is already baked into the price.
They can help you determine your needs and budget. It’s important to know what you’re looking for in a property and how much you can afford. This cuts down on time wasting in looking at properties that are not suitable and helps in staying focused in your search.
Many people start diving into the process on their own and soon realize how quickly the time, research, and stress start to add up! A real estate agent takes this burden off your plate, while giving you peace of mind that the home buying process will have all boxes checked, and your new home investment is protected.
4. NEGOTIATION POWER
Making an offer can be a delicate process. Time of the year, current market conditions, home condition (repairs needed, updates desired e.g new roof), time on market can all affect your offer.
Based on your budget, an agent can be an asset. Based on a comparative market analysis, which is info obtained from the MLS, an agent can guide you on an overpriced home and negotiate for the best possible buying price. This will ensure you get your desired price that will meet you and your family’s needs in the years to come. If you need a mortgage, an agent can advise on loan options available to suit your needs and help navigate you through the loan process.
5. NETWORK OF RESOURCES
An agent has a network of professionals who can assist with various activities that will be part of the buying process:
Mortgage Lender: Assist with prequalifying process and can offer many loan types to suit your need.
Home Inspector: Can guide you to the existence of major issues or reveal minor repairs or renovations.
Appraiser: Provides an appraised value for mortgage lender and you. Ensures that home is not valued below asking price.
Title Company: Performs all relevant due diligence on the title of property ensuring the owner has the right to transfer title and there are no other issues preventing change of title. The title company will also provide your title insurance.
6. PEACE OF MIND
All real estate agents are bound by a code of ethics – getting to know your agent in the introductory stages is a great time to ask qualifying questions to make sure you feel confident and safe about the professional who will be helping to navigate the process. In Florida real estate agents have a fiduciary responsibility to clients, that is a legal duty to act in their best interests.
Overall, working with a real estate agent can make the home buying process easier, more efficient and more successful.
As an EXP Realty agent, I have access to the best technology, most up to date marketing tools and support system with access to local and national market statistics that easily puts me out front as leaders and experts in the industry.