Why Use A Real Estate Agent or Broker

Why Use A Real Estate Agent or Broker: "

REAL ESTATE AGENTS and REAL ESTATE BROKERS

For most people, real estate transactions are the biggest investment they will make in their life. It’s only wise to invest a bit of money on the services of proven professionals.

Structuring transactions, arranging financing and finding the right buyers are some of the keys to success. There are few entities that know as much about the trends in today’s market as your local real estate agent or broker.

Selling or buying a home can be one of the most important financial transactions in your life. That’s why it pays to work with a real estate professional who specializes in this field. Hiring a licensed real estate agent or broker will save you from costly mistakes and provides you access to resources you otherwise don’t have.

Becoming a licensed agent or broker requires thorough training and examination. Several states require continuing education in real estate for license renewal. These specialists are compensated on their ability to sell properties quickly and cost-efficiently — and their expert abilities are chargeable only when a transaction is complete.

Why It Pays to Use a Real Estate Professional

• When you use an agent, you’ll get the benefit of professional experience from the moment you consider selling your house. Your agent will help you establish a fair market value from his or her daily dealings in your neighborhood, and arrange financing terms that make it easier to obtain a quick sale in today’s market — helping you receive the equity in your home.


• If you wish to participate in financing the purchase of your property, your agent or broker can structure a workable plan that helps reduce risk from unusual terms — and give you an estimate of the anticipated yield from carrying a property-secured financing plan.


• Real estate agents are professionals at marketing properties — that’s their job. They can choose the media — and the message — that brings interested prospects to your home. They’ll interview and qualify buyers for you. They’ll use their sales skills and negotiating techniques to help you receive the best possible return on your sale.


• Every brokerage office has a steady stream of prospects that no individual can match. National referral networks and multiple listing services also help to reach buyers from out of town — or out of state. Many corporate relocation clients may be working with a broker before a move is made.


• When you work with an agent or broker, they will follow-up with other agents who have shown your property and share their constructive comments on cosmetic repairs, financing arrangements, or re-evaluating your list price.


• An agreement between buyer and seller is just the beginning of a final transaction. From that point on your agent or broker can handle the details and paperwork necessary to make it complete: from building and termite reports to fire insurance and closing arrangements with the escrow company, title company or closing attorney.


• As an expert in real estate, your agent or broker will give you advance estimates of your closing costs and net proceeds from the sale, as well as keeping you informed of the details to assure a smooth and timely closing.

Buying a Home with a Realtor

For most of us, a home is the single biggest purchase in our lives. The enormity of the financial transaction aside, finding the right home to fit our particular needs and wants is no easy undertaking. Just as you wouldn’t buy a car, computer or camcorder without doing some research into various models and prices, you shouldn’t consider purchasing a home without some expert advice and guidance. Though some people may think of using the services of a Realtor only when selling their homes, a Realtor can be invaluable when buying one as well.

A Realtor can help you determine how much home you can afford based on your financial situation, help you get prequalified for a loan, and even inform you about available financing options. A Realtor also is an expert on the neighborhood, and can provide detailed information about schools, transportation, local taxes and community characteristics.

Using a Realtor also means gaining access to homes listed in Multiple Listing Service (MLS), an important marketing tool used by Realtor to inform other Realtor about available properties. That means a Realtor can give you information about a wide range of available homes from which to choose.

When it comes to finding out if you’re paying too much, a Realtor can provide you with market analysis comparing asking and selling prices of homes in the neighborhood. Finally, a Realtor can serve as the liaison between you and the seller, bringing to the table negotiating expertise and knowledge about required disclosures and the housing market.

A Realtor as a Buyer’s Agent gets pay commission from the Seller. So, take advantage of a Realtor’s expertise, resources, and avoid costly mistakes when buying a home.

A Realtor is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, which adheres to a strict code of ethics.

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