Why use a REALTOR?

Why use a REALTOR?

Why should you use a REALTOR to buy or sell a home? The reasons are many.

If you are a buyer, the #1 reason you should be represented by a REALTOR is that MY SERVICES ARE FREE to you. You are about to buy a home - most likely the biggest investment you'll ever make - why would you want to go through that process alone? There are many aspects to home buying that can be confusing and a REALTOR can help you navigate the process, and find the home of your dreams.

As a seller, you may be wondering, what does a Realtor DO for their commission?

Many people think that the main reason you hire a real estate agent to sell a home is for MLS exposure. And, unfortunately, in some cases that may appear to be the primary service some real estate agents provide. However, a GOOD agent provides much more than simply a For Sale sign and a listing on an online database. A Realtor can guide you through the complicated process of selling a home, and exposure your home to the most qualified buyers in the market via many methods of advertising.

Connections
A good real estate agent has great connections in the real estate world. She has a readily available list of home improvement contractors (heating, roofing, structural, electrical, painting, plumbing etc.), one or two good handymen, a cleaning service, legal referrals and lawn service providers. You should never have to go to the phone book to find help during the marketing process.

Systems
A good real estate agent has systems in place to sell homes far more efficiently than a homeowner ever could. Selling or buying a home within the established real estate system is incredibly efficient compared to selling or buying a home outside of the system. Real estate agents have (or should have) a 7 day/week showing service, MLS access, a contracts library, lock boxes, signs and Internet sites.

Expertise
Obviously, one important reason you hire a real estate agent is because you expect him to know more about selling homes than you do. Selling real estate professionally requires a license and continuing education, but in reality, 99% of a real estate agent's expertise comes from on-the-job experience. And, the more experienced the real estate agent, the more expertise he has. Every real estate transaction is a little different, with its own little quirks, glitches and special circumstances. The best way to get in trouble is when you don't know what you don't know!

Time
Your real estate agent will spend a lot of time managing the sale of your home. There is far more going on behind the scenes than holding open houses and attending closings, although due to the above factors (connections, systems and expertise), a good real estate agent will be pretty efficient at their job. The time your agents spends handling the sale of your home will save YOU lots of time... and money!

Safety
Using a Realtor to sell your home may provide safety benefits to you, your family and possessions. A Realtor will make sure only qualified buyers are shown your home, and a Realtor will accompany buyers on a tour of your home. Do you really want total strangers entering and roaming your home without knowing their background? Having a Realtor show your home means having buyers see your home who are prepared to buy. This helps to protects you, your family and your belongings from scam artists, thieves and people who are "just looking".

A qualified, competent real estate agent will help you navigate the myriad of decisions that arise when buying and selling a home. In short, an agent provides value to the homeowner in many ways:

Pays for all marketing and advertising costs.
Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process including marketing, financing, negotiations and more.
Handles all showings.
Brings a network of known, trusted real estate professionals. If your agent doesn't have the answer, he or she likely knows someone who does.
Always has your interests in mind so you always have someone on your side.
Can handle and advise on all price and contract negotiations.
Provides you with all the possible options and opportunities without holding back.
Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your options. Unlike buyers and sellers, an agent has no emotional attachment to property.
Has the knowledge to help you ask the right questions.
Being a third party, potential buyers are more likely to tell your agent the truth about your home, even if it is unflattering. This objective viewpoint will help you make the necessary changes to get your home sold.
Your time is valuable. A real estate agent allows you to spend your time how you want.

Ready to sell your home? Contact me today!

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