With spring approaching quickly, many buyers and sellers are beginning their journey of either finding their dream home or selling their property. With so much information seemingly available on the internet, people begin to wonder if they can do it themselves.
While yes, there have been people who have bought or sold their house themselves or through discounted service providers, many don’t succeed at all, or as quickly as they imagined. On average, properties that are sold without professional Realtor services close for considerably less which leaves the sellers feeling discouraged and burnt out. We’ve put together an outline that will help you to understand why hiring a Realtor is advantageous for you.
No Up-Front Cost
The biggest concern people often have is the cost of hiring a Realtor to sell their house. What many people don’t consider is the upfront costs that go into listing a property. Expenses such as professional photos, required measurements, MLS listing fees, and marketing resources are up-front costs that a Realtor will take on, with no obligation to the seller.
They Understand Market Values
The real estate market is in a constant state of change and a Realtor’s job is to stay on top of the market. Yes, there are overviews of monthly and yearly statistics online, but a Realtor has more in-depth access to market information and a deeper understanding of the effects it will have on your situation.
Many factors are taken into consideration when helping clients reach their ideal selling or buying price. Data such as the average cost-per-square-foot, median sale prices, average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices are all calculated and impact the final number.
Knowledge & Experience
Hiring a Realtor with many successful sales and many years of experience gives you access to expertise that otherwise you most likely would not have. Having seen hundreds of properties every year, they have a trained eye to assess the outstanding features of a home, as well as the ability to point out potential concerns for the future.
Agents also have in-depth knowledge, or at least know where to obtain the information, about your neighborhood. They can investigate comparable sales as well as provide data about nearby amenities, schools, crime rate, and other important demographics.
They Represent Your Best Interest
Your Realtor’s main job is to be your advocate along your buying or selling journey. This means negotiating the best possible price and terms for your situation. They know what is ideal and settle for nothing less.
Not only do they have relationships with the best inspectors in town, but they also have an index of other professionals they can refer you to. Everyone from mortgage brokers, lawyers, contractors and anyone else you might need along the way.
Peace of Mind
The purchase and sale of your house are among the biggest transactions you will make in your life. With this in mind, a Realtor adheres to a strict code of conduct which ensures you will receive honest and ethical treatment throughout the entire process.
Lastly, most people these days are crunched for time. Paperwork, legalities, and acting as a buffer for property showings will be your Realtor’s responsibility. Take back your free time!