You don’t need to know everything about real estate if you hire a real estate agent who does! The trick is to find the right person. Most realtor services cost roughly the same, and we’re all looking for more precious time in our lives………………..hiring pros gives us that time.
AGENTS ARE BUFFERS
Agents take the “spam” out of your property showings and visits. If you’re a buyer of new homes, your agent will keep the builder’s agents at bay, stopping them from nipping at your heels. If you’re a seller, your agent will filter out all the calls the lead to nowhere and try to get serious buyers to write an offer.
NEIGHBORHOOD KNOWLEDGE
Agents either possess vast knowledge or they know where to find information about your neighborhood. They can find comparable sales and show you how your house compares, in addition to showing you where you can find more information on schools, crime, or demographics.
NEGOTIATION SKILLS & CONFIDENTIALITY
Good agents negotiate well because, unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction and they are skilled. Good agents aren’t messengers, they are professionals who are trained to present their client’s case in the best light and agree to hold client information confidential from competing interest.
HANDLING VOLUMES OF PAPERWORK
In the early 1970s it one page contracts were prevalent, today purchase agreements can run ten pages or more. That does not include the federal and state mandated disclosures nor disclosures dictated by local custom. Most real estate files have an average thickness of 1-3 inches of paper. One tiny mistake or omission could land you in court and or cost you thousands.
ANSWER QUESTIONS AFTER CLOSING
Even when transactions go smoothly and close with no complications, things can come back to haunt you. For example, taxing authorities that collect property tax assessments, doc stamps, or transfer tax can fall months behind and mix up invoices, but one call to your agent they will straighten out the confusion. Good agents stand by ready to assist. Worthy and honest agents don’t leave you in the dust.
DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS FOR FUTURE BUSINESS
The basis for an agent’s continued success in real estate is good referrals. Few agents wouldn’t make it if it weren’t for referrals. This gives agents strong incentives to make clients happy and satisfied, it also means that an agent who stays in the business will be there when you need an agent’s services again.