Real Estate Agents – Why Do I Need One?
Here are 7 reasons to have an agent
With the rise of popular listings sites like Redfin, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow, many homebuyers are asking themselves “why do I need a real estate agent?” In addition to having someone with incomparable experience walk you through the process, a licensed REALTOR® can offer seven key benefits. Here are seven excellent reasons to use a REALTOR®.
1. Help negotiate terms and price
REALTORS® are trained professionals able to get you the best prices on a house and to help you make an informed decision about the purchase price. Real estate agents have access to historical sales information in the MLS.
The negotiation skills of a real estate agent depend on a variety of factors, including their experience, knowledge of the local market, and their ability to understand and represent their client’s needs and interests effectively. Additionally, the purchase or sale of a property involves many other factors beyond just the price, such as financing, contingencies, inspections, and legal considerations, all of which require a thorough understanding and careful management by the real estate professional.
Therefore, while working with a REALTOR® can be beneficial in many ways, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced real estate agent who can offer you personalized guidance and support throughout the entire home buying or selling process.
2. Coordinate viewings/appointments
Buying and selling real estate can be a complex and time-consuming process, which is why many people choose to work with a professional real estate agent or REALTOR®. If you’re already working a full-time job, a professional can help you coordinate viewings and appointments with potential buyers, list your home in the right markets, and show you the listings you want to see.
3. Find homes with your specifications
REALTORS® have a deep understanding of the local community and housing market, which can be very valuable to buyers looking for a new home. They can provide insights into the features and characteristics of different neighborhoods, such as schools, amenities, transportation, and local attractions, which can help buyers make informed decisions about where to live.
In addition, REALTORS® often have access to detailed information about individual properties, such as property history, condition, and any potential issues, which can help buyers identify potential problems or opportunities and make informed decisions about whether a particular property is right for them.
It is crucial to do your research and find a REALTOR® who has a good understanding of the local market and can offer you personalized guidance and advice based on your specific needs and preferences. It can also be helpful to do your own research and explore different neighborhoods and properties to get a sense of what you are looking for before working with a REALTOR®.
4. Draft offers and contracts/handle the paperwork
There are many legal issues involved in buying and selling a home, and working with a licensed real estate professional or REALTOR® can help protect buyers and sellers from potential legal issues and litigation.
While some sellers may choose to sell their home without the assistance of a real estate agent, also known as a “for sale by owner” (FSBO), it is important to understand that the process of buying or selling a home can be complex, and there are many legal requirements and regulations that must be followed.
Working with a licensed real estate professional or REALTOR® can provide many benefits, including access to legal expertise and guidance throughout the transaction process. They can help ensure that all necessary legal documents and disclosures are completed and submitted correctly, and can advise buyers and sellers on any potential legal issues or risks associated with the transaction.
In addition, a licensed real estate professional or REALTOR® can help negotiate the terms of the transaction and ensure that both parties are satisfied with the outcome, which can help prevent disputes and potential litigation down the road.
Overall, while it is possible to buy or sell a home without the assistance of a real estate professional, working with a licensed professional or REALTOR® can provide many valuable benefits and help protect buyers and sellers from potential legal issues and litigation.
5. Have more up-to-date information on available properties
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the most valuable tool for real estate professionals and provides access to a comprehensive database of property listings, including details such as property size, location, amenities, and price. The MLS is a cooperative system that is overseen by a board of local brokers, and it allows real estate professionals to share information about properties for sale with each other and with potential buyers.
Access to the regional MLS system is a key benefit for REALTORS®, as it provides them with access to a much larger pool of properties than they would be able to find on their own. This can help REALTORS® find the right property for their clients more quickly and efficiently, and can also help them market their clients’ properties to a wider audience.
In addition to access to the MLS, REALTORS® also benefits from a variety of other tools and resources, such as training and education programs, networking opportunities, and access to professional designations and certifications. These resources can help REALTORS® build their knowledge and expertise, enhance their professional reputation, and ultimately provide better service to their clients.
6. Knowledge of market conditions
The knowledge and expertise of real estate agents can be invaluable when it comes to understanding the current state of the market. Real estate agents have access to a wealth of information about local neighborhoods and properties, including data on recent sales, current listings, and market trends.
While online resources such as Trulia, Zillow, and Redfin can be helpful for initial research, it is important to understand that these sites may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information. For example, online listings may not reflect changes in the market, such as recent sales or price reductions, and may not take into account important factors such as the condition of the property or the local neighborhood.
Real estate agents, on the other hand, have the training and expertise to properly evaluate properties and provide accurate and up-to-date information to their clients. They can also help clients navigate the complexities of the buying and selling process, including negotiating offers, preparing contracts, and coordinating inspections and other necessary services.
Overall, while online resources can be a helpful starting point for research, it is important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent who can provide personalized guidance and advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.
7. References for industry professionals
Many real estate agents, especially those belonging to professional organizations such as the Texas Association of REALTORS®, have a wide network of professionals that they work with on a regular basis. These professionals may include contractors, staging professionals, inspectors, appraisers, and other experts who can help buyers and sellers with various aspects of the real estate transaction process.
One of the benefits of working with a real estate agent is that they can refer clients to these trusted professionals, who they have worked with in the past and have built relationships with. This can save clients time and effort in finding and vetting these professionals on their own, and can also help ensure that clients are working with experienced and reliable experts who can provide high-quality services.
Real estate agents may also be able to negotiate discounts or other benefits for their clients, based on their ongoing relationships with these professionals. This can help clients save money on various aspects of the real estate transaction process, such as home repairs, staging, or inspections.
Working with a real estate agent who has a strong network of professionals can be a valuable asset for buyers and sellers, helping them navigate the complexities of the real estate transaction process and ensuring that they have access to the best possible resources and expertise.
Our Track Record
I’m excited to announce that after 18 years of providing dedicated service, our clients have collectively saved over $10,000,000 in commissions! Among these savings are over $1,100,000 for clients who found unrepresented buyers and were able to avoid any selling costs. On top of that, we’ve distributed more than $330,000 in incentive rebates to over 100 satisfied buyers. These remarkable achievements are a true testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective real estate services to our clients.
Tod G. Franklin – Realtor®, Broker, Owner, and multi-million dollar producer at DFWCityhomes
DFWCityhomes is an established and highly regarded Flat Fee MLS Listing Service company in Texas. We have been providing dedicated service for almost two decades delivering personalized service to each client. As the best Flat Fee MLS Listing Service in Texas, we offer affordable and excellent service, while our track record showcases our commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
Visit our MLS listing comparison chart and Flat Fee MLS Listing Services to see a detailed breakdown of the different plans and their features.
You can Contact Us or call (214)-207-0210 to speak with a Realtor® and find out how we can save you time and money.