Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions you can ever make in a lifetime. When buying, it becomes one of the biggest financial decisions and investments you can have. When selling, it comes with all sorts of emotions and memories. It is therefore critical to make several considerations when buying or selling a home. One of them is whether to use an agent or not.
Buying or selling a home yourself may sound like a great way to save some good money. After all, you can pocket the 5% to 10% commission to be paid by a real estate agent. This amount to $12,500 to $25,000 on a $250,000 home. That’s a lot of money that can cater to some other important expenses, right? However, there is more to buying or selling a home, and here are some reasons to use a real estate agent during the process.
Reasons to use an agent when selling a home
While for sale by owner (FSBO) sounds like a great idea, here are reasons to hire a real estate agent.
Saves you potential legal battles
Selling a home comes with several legal requirements and regulations. From negotiations to closing the deal, several pieces of paperwork are required to make the transaction valid. When selling the home yourself, you may lack the needed expertise and experience to handle all the paperwork including seller’s disclosures. As a seller, you are mandated to disclose all facts about the building in defects, which can affect its value. The buyer should know if they may need a home improvement project after the purchase. Failure to disclose all these details can result in legal consequences after the sale.
Hiring any of the Top Real Estate Agents to spearhead the transaction can help avoid all future consequences. With years of experience in the industry, real estate agents know all the legal requirements of selling a home. They will guide you through all the necessary paperwork for a smooth transaction.
To sell your home faster
Real estate agents have several contacts and networks to sell a home easier and faster. They work among themselves and have a wide range of potential buyers. That aside, every agent has social media platforms, websites, and other digital means for posting and marketing homes. As such, an agent can sell a home faster and easier than selling it yourself.
Have a good price
Real estate agents are skilled negotiators and have very good communication skills to drive the interest of buyers. With just an inspection, they can price your home right taking into consideration all critical elements, like location and available amenities. They do this as professionals with no sentiments or emotions attached.
However, you may not have such qualities; hence, you may overprice or underprice your home. Most home sellers sell with emotion and usually overprice their homes. Those who want a quick sale may end up underpricing their home or accept any price from a buyer. The real estate agent comes in with the right estimation for your home and sells it at the right price.
When considering the construction quality and overall value of your home, it’s crucial to have an expert eye. This is where platforms shine, providing comprehensive insights into home construction standards and industry trends, ensuring your property is accurately assessed and priced for its true worth.
If you are in a hurry to sell your home, you might have come across ‘cash for houses Long Island‘ services (or similar services in your area). These services specialize in buying homes quickly for cash, which can be a suitable option when time is of the essence. However, it’s crucial to evaluate whether this route aligns with your goals and financial expectations
Scrutinize buyers
If you are selling yourself, you will end up wasting time and energy on every “so-called buyer” who tries to make inquiries. Most of these time wasters may even request a home inspection, leading to you allowing strangers in your home. Real estate agents are good at weeding out such time-wasters and unserious buyers. They know when a potential buyer is serious and when someone is just trying to window shop. This saves you time and energy.
Reasons to use an agent when buying a home
Find a home faster
Real estate agents are very well connected with various networks of sellers. They also work with other agents who may have a home for sale. Agencies like https://oylerhines.com/ can even assist those looking to build their own home with things like finding the perfect lot, and the best home builders in the local area who can bring their vision to life. As such, hiring an agent makes your home search and purchase easier and faster.
Have a better deal
If you are buying a home for the first time, you need an experienced hand to guide you through the process. Someone to help you with your choice of home and give critical recommendations. Another important thing is someone who can help you in negotiating with the seller.
Hiring a real estate agent can help you get a better deal. With their negotiation and communication skills, coupled with knowledge of the market, an agent can negotiate for a reasonable buying price you the home.
Help with paperwork
Buying a home involves a lot of paperwork and documentation. As a new buyer, you may feel overwhelmed with the various cumbersome process. If you hire a real estate agent, the person will step in and help you through all the paperwork.
Saves You Time and Energy
Shopping for a home takes a lot of time and energy. Moving from one location to the other to inspect potential homes can be time-wasting. An agent can however manage this easily since it is their full-time job. They can even have homes available that may meet your search criteria. professionally and when you aren’t even around, they can take care of the inspection process.
The bottom line
Since selling or buying a home is one of the biggest transactions in a lifetime, you need to be on top of the game. You need someone who knows the nitty-gritty of handling real estate transactions. Of course, you can learn on the job, and have a good sale or purchase. But, why try when there are experienced persons available to make the process hassle-free?
