The average buyer takes about 10 weeks to look at 10 homes for sale. Most people simply don't have the time or energy to visit endless options which can result in settling for the wrong home. Which is why having someone available to track down multiple options is just one of the many benefits of hiring a real estate agent.
If you are looking to buy a home and are on the fence about whether or not you should hire a real estate agent read on to learn more about the benefits of having an agent in your corner.
The Benefits of Hiring a Real Estate Agent
You may be surprised to find that the benefits of hiring a real estate agent can help you save money, relieve stress, and even provide a better education to your children plus make the conveyance process much easier.
When reading the following benefits, we suggest thinking long term to see how this decision can help your family.
Experience
Buying and selling a home can be a complicated deal, and you'll want to be sure you're making the right decision on where to look, how much to pay, and what to avoid. While you can scour the internet trying to find as much information as possible, in the end, nothing beats years of experience.
Real estate agents have been studying the real estate market for years and have the work experience and education to back it up. Experience that will help to solidify your decision.
Extra Buffering
Sometimes house hunters don't have the time or energy to speak with sellers and ask the same questions repeatedly. It can make the entire search for a home more time consuming and less efficient.
However, through a real estate agent, you have an extra buffer that can introduce you to only the options that match the criteria of what you're looking for.
Knowledge of Specific Neighborhoods
Online real estate sites can be a valuable resource to utilize, however, there are a number of downsides that come with choosing this method. One such disadvantage is not having the necessary knowledge of neighborhoods where a home may be.
However, by choosing to work with a real estate agent you can gain valuable knowledge on local school options, hospitals, noise levels, and traffic.
Guidance on Price Expectations
Think you've found a great deal? Don't jump the gun just yet, there are a number of factors that go into pricing a home, and a price tag that's too low or too high can be a major warning sign.
Fortunately, real estate agents know exactly what to look for in a home to determine the long term value of it. After all, you want your home to be an investment that will eventually pay you back.
Knowledge of Current Market Conditions
Sometimes it might not be the right time to find the specific type of home you're looking for, however, if you're a first time (or even second time) buyer, it could be difficult to tell when that's the case.
Real estate agents have a vast knowledge of market trends and can let you know when your expectations may not match the current market conditions.
Networking Opportunities
One great thing about working with a real estate professional is that they move through a wide social circle of other professionals. This is particularly helpful if you have just moved to the area and are looking for new employment opportunities or potential clients.
Real estate agents know that the ability to help your network brings added value to their services, and are often happy to make introductions to the right people.
Stronger Negotiation Options
Home buyers are constantly looking for the best deal but can find it difficult to know when it's okay to negotiate and by how much. Unfortunately, this can result in paying more for a home than you need to.
Real estate agents have a sixth sense about negotiating. They know what kind of offer to make, how long to wait, and the best negotiation techniques to utilize.
Confidentiality and Privacy
One aspect that gives your real estate agent an edge with negotiating is their ability to keep your identity confidential. This also brings an additional sense of privacy for homeowners that want their purchase to be more discreet.
You can speak with your real estate agents ahead of time to determine how much information you want to be shared with a home seller before you buy.
Less Red Tape
If you've bought a home before you know that heaps of paperwork are part of the deal and one that can quickly become a headache and can even prolong purchasing your dream home.
Fortunately, real estate agents know the drill, and many even have templates in place to make the process more easy and simplistic. Not only will this save you from having to go through all the paperwork yourself, but it will also get you into your new home before you know it.
Additional Questions and Guidance
Once you've bought your home, you may find yourself with additional questions to make your transition easier. These questions may include things like when the trash is picked up, local gardeners, or even where to find the water boiler or electric board.
Having a real estate agent on deck can help you get all of these questions answered so you are not left in the dark post-purchase.
Having an Ongoing Resource
If everything goes to plan with your Realtor, this new house will be a "forever home" for you and your family. However, if you find it's time to sell or buy another home it's great to already have a resource you can reach out to.
Having a real estate agent you already trust can make future buying and selling processes much easier.
The Financially Smart Move
While you may be hesitant to hire a real estate agent, the benefits of hiring a real estate agent far out way any extra expense that may come with them. The right real estate agent can save you time, headache, and money making it a smart move.
Looking for more tips on how to enhance your financial situation? Check out our wealth building strategies for the coming year.
