Why You Need a Realtor When Buying
If you're planning to buy a home, it's probably crossed your mind to try to do it without a realtor so you can get a lower price since the seller will be saving on the commission. But, there are some very good reasons why that would be a mistake. If the home is listed in the MLS, the seller has already committed to paying a listing and selling commission. The seller pays your realtor's commission, so you get free expertise throughout the buying process! Keep in mind this is a large purchase- you want someone with expertise guiding you throughout the process. Real estate professionals offer many advantages:
- They're trained and licensed professionals
- They have experience in your neighborhood and your market
- They have oversight from brokers and state licensing officials
- Their job is to advise you the best way to reach your goals
- Their continuing education keeps them up-to-date on housing issues
- They know how to ask the listing agent the right questions and strategically present an offer on the home you want to purchase
- They know how to overcome typical snags that occur in all real estate transactions and closings
- They understand the unique characteristics of various neighborhoods and school districts
- They know the best resources to make transactions go more smoothly, from bankers to home-inspectors to contractors
- They have the most accurate data sources – the MLS, the only data repository that has the most up-to-date listing and sales information
- They know how to negotiate
- Their job is making real estate transactions successful