7 Reasons Hiring a Real Estate Agent is Worth the Cost

It’s something Realtors hear all the time: “Do I really need a Realtor? Is hiring a real

estate agent worth the cost?” After all, Google offers a treasure trove of information,

forms, and advice, so why can’t you close your real estate transaction on your own?

We are here to tell you that hiring a Realtor can save you thousands in the long run.

A do-it-yourself real estate deal isn’t something you want to deal with. Hire a licensed

Realtor; you’ll be glad you did.

Here are seven reasons why your agent is worth their weight in gold.

1. Access to Multiple Listing Service.

One of the most valuable resources a Realtor can offer is unlimited access to the

Multiple Listing Service, or MLS. This database shows real estate agents detailed

information about properties in and around every city in the U.S., and the insight

from the MLS can be invaluable when buying or selling your home.

When you hire a broker to sell your home, it will be added to the MLS, giving other

agents instant access to your listing. More exposure means a faster sale. As a buyer,

hiring a Realtor provides you access to real-time listings in your neighborhood. If you

wait for them to post on your favorite real estate website instead, you could be

missing out.

2. Realtor-Broker Homes Sell Faster.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 87% of buyers purchase homes

through a real estate agent or broker, up from only 69% in 2001. This upward trend

shows that buyers prefer to work with sellers who use a licensed Realtor. When you

list your home for sale using a licensed professional, you’re likely to sell your home

faster.

3. Word of Mouth Marketing.

Real estate agents know other real estate agents, and word of mouth is often the

best advertising. Both your Realtor and other Realtors will see your home, keep it

cataloged in their memory, and bring it to the attention of potential buyers. In some

instances, your listing agent might have a buyer in mind before the house even hits

the market. That social and professional network isn’t something you can create on

your own, and it’s priceless.

4. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!

If you’ve ever participated in a real estate transaction, you know there is an immense

amount of paperwork involved. Even one wrong keystroke can send the entire deal

into a frenzy. That’s why it’s so important to hire an experienced, knowledgeable

A Realtor who knows how to fill out every form correctly. As a bonus, if something does

go awry, your Realtor will know when it’s time to call a lawyer for backup.

5. Your Realtor Can Act as a Buffer.

A “For Sale By Owner” sounds like a great proposition from a financial standpoint

until you begin to consider all the things that could go wrong. Chief among them?

Demanding or difficult buyers. A real estate agent or broker can act as a buffer

between you and the problematic buyer/seller should the situation become

complicated. Without an agent, you’re navigating that mess all on your own.

6. Tips That Can Help Your Home Sell.

An experienced agent can help you make your home sale-ready by offering specific

staging advice, suggesting repairs, or pointing out code violations. This expert

guidance will save you both time and money; you’ll appeal to buyers more quickly,

and home inspectors are less likely to find unwelcome surprises that could

jeopardize the deal.

7. Price Comparisons and Negotiation.

Real estate agents know how homes are priced in your area. If you’re a homeowner

looking to sell, a licensed Realtor can look up other comparable properties in your

area and make sure you’re priced competitively. If you’re a buyer, your Realtor can

help you negotiate with a seller based on price comparisons, time on the market, and

other factors. If you’re going it alone, you may end up losing thousands of dollars on

the sale of your home simply because you don’t have access to the same

information a Realtor does.

Yes, you can do it alone. No one is stopping you. But should you?

Some homeowners choose to sell themselves and avoid paying commission fees.

But when you consider how much a professional real estate agent can save you on a

deal – not to mention the time, effort, and frustration you’ll avoid by hiring someone

to do much of the legwork for you – the fee suddenly seems like a bargain.

Do you really need a Realtor? The answer is clear. Hiring a real estate agent is the

best choice.

By Becca Stewart on Oct 18, 2018 04:44 pm

7 Reasons Hiring a Real Estate Agent is Worth the Cost

Andi Dyer Real Estate