It’s a slow Sunday morning and you’ve just brewed a strong cup of coffee and opened your laptop to check out the latest home listings before you hit the road for a day of open houses. You’re DIYing this real estate thing, and you think you’re doing pretty well—after all, any info you might need is at your fingertips online, right? Here’s the deal, we know you can do it on your own, but you really, really shouldn’t. This is likely the biggest financial decision of your entire life, and real estate transactions have become increasingly more complex to navigate….especially in our current market. It’s best to have a Realtor®. Here’s why:
1. We have
loads of expertise- Want
to check the MLS for
a 4B/2B in a PUD with
a W/D included that will go FHA? Or how about hearing instructions from a
listing agent that all offers need to be submitted on a C.A.R. RPA, including a
POF and pre-appproval. Huh? Real Estate is full of acronyms and
your
Realtor® is trained to speak that language fluently.
Plus, buying or selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports,
disclosures, and other technical documents. Realtors have the expertise to help
you prepare a killer deal—while avoiding delays or costly mistakes that
can seriously mess you up.
2. We
have turbocharged searching power- The Internet is awesome and with online real
estate listing sites you can find up-to-date home listings on your own, any
time you want. But guess what? Realtors® have access to even more listings. Sometimes
properties are available but not actively advertised. A Realtor® can help you find those hidden gems. Plus, a good local Realtor® will know the search area way better than you ever could. Have
your eye on a particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range?
Your Realtor® is equipped to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood, so they can
direct you toward a home in your price range that you may have overlooked.
3. We are
skilled negotiators- Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter
negotiations—and with the hot temperature of our current market, the stakes are
high. You can expect
lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all cash offers and bidding wars. Don’t
you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal
for you and to look out for you while doing so? And it’s not just about how
much money you end up spending or netting. A Realtor® will help draw up a purchase agreement that
allows enough time for inspections, contingencies, and anything else that’s
crucial to your particular needs.
4. We are connected to almost everyone- Realtors® might not know everything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, escrow services, interior designers—the list goes on—and they’re all in your Realtor’s® network and can be a great resource to you.
5. We adhere to a strict code of ethics- Not every real estate agent is a Realtor®. A Realtor® is a licensed real estate salesperson or broker who belongs to the National Association of Realtors®, the largest trade group in the country. What difference does it make? Realtors® are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to a code of ethics.
So,
while it may be tempting to try your skills DYIing your way through your next
Real Estate Transaction, just remember, the stakes are high and contacting your
local Realtor® is the best way to go!
