You don’t have to work with a real estate agent, but like changing the oil in your car,
it makes things run more smoothly. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the
scenes to make home buying and selling happen: calling, making appointments,
ensuring people have access to homes, getting paperwork into the right hands, and
ironing out wrinkles. That’s why it’s so important to work with someone who does
what they say they will do.
A good real estate agent will answer your questions and educate you on the process.
They’ll explain terms you may not recognize and tasks that seem confusing, such as
a “due diligence” period or the need for disclosure forms. They’ll also point you to
experts you might need, such as inspectors or attorneys. And they’ll negotiate in
your best interest — making sure you don’t overpay for a home or go beyond what
your budget allows.
Agents know the ins and outs of every neighborhood. They’ll find properties that
meet your needs and fit your price range and will even notify you of new listings
before they hit the market. They’re especially helpful in a seller’s market when the
competition is fierce. They’re able to weed out lookie-loos from serious buyers and
can set up in-person tours quickly. Also read https://www.newleafhousebuyers.com/
They’ll help you determine the value of a property by comparing recent sales in your
area and analyzing comparable properties that have sold recently. They’ll then use
that information to help you come up with an asking price for your home that will
encourage offers but won’t deter potential buyers. They’ll also be able to provide
you with the information and data you need to compare mortgage loans and find the
one that’s best for you.
Your agent can also point you to short-term or long-term rental housing options if
necessary. And they’ll schedule a final walkthrough of your future home just before
closing to make sure that nothing has changed since the initial inspection. They’ll
also double-check all the paperwork at closing to ensure that there aren’t any
mistakes that could delay or cost you money.
A broker is an individual licensed to manage other agents and can also act as a
buyer’s or seller’s agent or a dual agent (if allowed in your state). A broker can help
you save time by handling many of the administrative aspects of a transaction, such
as preparing contracts, collecting deposits and fees, and handling the escrow
account. They can also help you avoid expensive mistakes by ensuring that all
parties comply with laws and regulations regarding fair housing, environmental
issues and more.
