Do I Still Need a Realtor in 2017?
As the digital world evolves, there are a wide variety of resources online to aide your home buying or selling process. Because of the large array of tools available, and mostly for free, there can be some questions as to whether or not a Realtor is really necessary. Regardless of the tools available however, Realtors are still extremely helpful and a necessary part of selling or buying a home in 2017.
Here’s why you still need a Realtor in 2017:
1. Realtors have access to potential homes before anyone else
When searching for a new home, especially when the market is a strong seller’s market, it can be challenging to find the time to look at potential homes before they’re swiftly off the market again. That’s why a Realtor can be an incredibly helpful tool. Realtors will have access to homes immediately, and sometimes even before they hit the market. This gives them a chance to assess their customer’s needs and exclusively show them homes before others have the chance to submit offers. Realtors have strong relationships with other Realtors and community members making this a possible option during your home search. If you were to forego a Realtor, the chances of you having access to potential homes wouldn’t happen nearly as quickly, dragging out your home buying process even more.
2. Realtors know the ever-changing market
A large piece of buying or selling your home is to be able to assess the state of the real estate market. Understanding the state of the market will give you imperative information about when the best time to list your home or search for homes is. For example, during a seller’s market where there are a ton of buyers and low inventory, this is a great time to put your home up for sale to get top dollar. Seeking the assistance of a Realtor will help you expertly assess the market and will give you key information about when the right time to buy or sell is. This will help you get top dollar for your current home, or buy a home at a great price.
3. Realtors have expert negotiation skills
When purchasing a home, it can be overwhelming to consider potential work that needs to be done. On the other hand, when selling your home you want to get top dollar in order to afford your next house. Hiring a Realtor will help you get more house for your money or a higher price for your home by using their expert negotiation skills. Realtors who are experienced consider many factors, including past experiences, when finding a fair price for a home and know how to negotiate with other Realtors. Not all negotiations are straightforward monetary negotiations either. For example, let’s say you’d like to purchase a home but the carpet throughout the home is in bad shape. A Realtor will be able to, in this instance, negotiate either a lower price for the home or updated carpet as a contingency for the seller. These case by case situations are commonly identified by qualified Realtors, making them a valuable resource for your home search.
4. Realtors handle the behind the scenes work for you
Another reason to hire a Realtor in 2017 is for the work they do behind the scenes. There are many steps that take place throughout the process of buying or selling a home that a Realtor handles throughout the process. They will typically have relationships with mortgage lenders, title companies and other Realtors which will help them aide you throughout the entire process. There are many pieces of crucial paperwork that are ultimately required throughout the process from the initial sellers agreement to lead based paint disclosure agreements for example that a Realtor knows like the back of their hand. Without their help it can be extremely cumbersome to ensure each detail is taken care of on your own.
Realtors are needed now more than ever to help you navigate the real estate market. Whether you’re buying your first house, or are a move-up buyer, a Realtor can be a great asset to your home buying journey. Without an agent you could find yourself in a lengthy and stressful process to buy or sell a home.
