Understanding the Role of a Real Estate Agent
Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting idea. Maybe you’ve looked at several homes online and are now envisioning yourself in one of them. Maybe you have no idea where to start, but want to experience that new homeowner joy. Wherever you are on the journey to owning real estate, you will soon discover, if you haven’t already, that the path to buying a home is not as simple as it seems. It can often be a bumpy road with unexpected twists and turns. Navigating that road requires some expertise. That’s why having an experienced real estate agent on your side makes a lot of sense.
Of course, you can spend hours online looking at home listings and browsing through the pictures of homes you’re interested in, but that is just a small piece of the real estate buying puzzle. A great real estate agent will do so much more for you. Here are some of the most important ways a real estate agent helps you buy the perfect home, easily.
They guide you.
Because real estate agents understand how home buyers think, they will learn more about your specific wants, needs, budget, dreams, and the “why” behind your home shopping. An experienced real estate agent will help you find a home that is a great fit for your priorities.
They educate you.
A good real estate agent will take the time to include you in the process and explain things along the way. They understand the local home market and can help you make informed decisions based on comparable home sales and market trends. At the end of your journey you should have a much deeper understanding of the often complicated home-buying process and feel comfortable about the decision us you’ve made.
They use their network for you.
The more experienced a real estate agent is, the more connected they will be with others in the real estate market. This means they often know about homes for sale before they are publicly listed. They can also work well with other real estate agents in the area, resulting in smother transactions and a more enjoyable home buying experience. Your real estate agent’s network reaches beyond just other realtors. They also have strong connections with trusted lenders, home inspectors, and contractors.
They negotiate for you.
It’s no secret, even to first time home buyers, that the listed price is not always the final sale price. It can end up higher or lower by the time the sale is completed. A good real estate agent can negotiate the price of the home using their expert knowledge of the real estate market and their understanding of the home for sale. They can also handle the preparation of all the necessary offer forms, and counter-offer forms. Negotiating the sale price is only part of it, though. A good agent can also negotiate for home repairs with the seller so you don’t have to.
They handle the details.
Buying a home often results in extensive paperwork, all of which comes with deadlines. If you miss a detail or forget to initial something, it can be costly and time consuming in the long run. A good real estate agent can help you navigate the complexity of paperwork. They understand all the little details involved in real estate transactions and can walk you through the process smoothly.
They have your back.
There are so many things that can derail new home purchase from closing. Perhaps the seller hasn’t disclosed a problem with the house that needs repair, or the lender missed a deadline, or the title of the house has isn’t clear. Whatever the case, an experienced real estate agent knows how to detect and handle troublesome issues before they cause too many problems. They can handle unexpected problems that can pop up out of nowhere and they walk the home buying path by your side.
So, if you’re thinking of buying a home by yourself, you may want to reconsider. Work with a professional real estate agent who understand you and wants your happiness as much as you do. Ready to find the perfect home? Let’s talk today and get you started on the path to living in your dream home.
