Having a real estate agent can help take the mystery out of shopping for your new residence. Many folks think that it is easier to shop for themselves.

However, having an agent provides a significant advantage over trying to search on your own.

Realtors Have In-Depth Knowledge

When it comes time to choose a realtor for your real estate purchase look to friends and family for help in your selection.

Many of the people you know may have a realtor on their contact list. Make sure the experience for them was positive and then research the agent.

Realtors are more responsive to referrals since their reputation is the factor that put their name forward.

Firstly, a realtor will have in-depth knowledge that goes beyond how much square footage is in a house or how many rooms it has.

This can include an understanding of the type of piping that is used in the bathrooms and what types of schools are in the area.

Your realtor can also tell you about the community, which can be especially helpful if you’re moving from out of state.

Before buying a property, make sure you walk through the home a few times. This will help you to really get a feel for it.

Nowadays, due to the internet and ‘virtual tours’, people are tempted to make an offer, simply by what they see on a realtor’s website.

This is a big mistake, as you only get to see the positive aspects of the home.

Realtors Have Ethics to Stand By

If you trust the realtor you have chosen for your real estate purchase, it can be in your interest to ask about service providers for other aspects of the purchase.

Realtors work with mortgage lenders and others on a regular basis and can recommend those that they have a professional relationship with.

By doing so, much of the guesswork can be taken out of the process.

Another reason to feel confident about using a real estate agent is that all realtors must conform to the Realtors Code of Ethics.

This requires all individuals working with a realtor to be treated equally, professionally, and fairly, no matter what their background.

You can go into a realtor’s office knowing you are entitled to a professional experience.

A down payment is not the only out of pocket fee that you are going to face when taking out a mortgage on a home.

There are additional fees such as the closing cost, and some fees that may be charged by the realtor, that you may be charged before the home is yours.

Realtors Protect Their Clients

If you are trying to find a realtor to buy or sell your home, be sure to interview them.

The realtor is going to be your employee and you will be paying him or her several thousands of dollars.

Make sure that they will do an adequate job for the money that they will be paid.

Realtors also have a fiduciary responsibility in helping you.

Realtors protect buyers when doing transactions on their behalf, guiding you away from someone who might try to take advantage.

Your realtor can offer you their opinions and guidance on whether a house is a good buy or not.

Choose a real estate agent that is dedicated to working for you.

A good Realtor should be available before, during, and after a sale.

Ask the Realtor for references before making a decision.

This person will be your eyes and ears in this process so make sure they are someone you can trust to stick with you.

Your Realtor Knows the Current Laws

Don’t be caught off guard by hidden fees. Ask your Realtor upfront for an estimate of what the closing costs will be.

Items like commissions, attorney fees, and homeowner association fees should be disclosed upfront.

Review the settlement and all the terms before you are ready to close.

Realtors make it their job to keep up with the latest rules and regulations surrounding house buying.

Since they are required by law to stay abreast of any changes, your real estate agent can advise you on current laws about buying, from helping you with contracts to understanding different types of rider signs.

Because laws vary by the state if you are relocating from a different area, having an agent can be a major asset.

Potential buyers should be sure to get everything in writing.

This is especially important when working with a builder, as options and upgrades which are verbally promised may not end up being honored.

Ask your Realtor to draw up a very specific contract and be sure both parties sign it.

This can help you to avoid frustration and confusion on closing day.

A Realtor Will Help You Get the Right Price

If you find a house that you really love, do not make an offer that is too low. Some sellers are not willing to negotiate if they become insulted by a low-ball offer.

A realtor is the best person to make an offer on your behalf. They will know what is fair to offer for it and likely will not offend the seller.

Finally, your realtor will be able to assist you in coming up with a price that is right for you. Your real estate agent can negotiate a price on your behalf.

Since your agent will have experience in doing this, it will come more naturally to them.

If you are shy when it comes to bartering, you can rest easy and let them act on your behalf.

They will work to get you the lowest price possible and make sure that your buying experience is as pleasant and enjoyable as it can be.

Check out your real estate agent’s history.

A good realtor will provide you with the names and phone numbers of previous clients.

Be sure to call them, and find out their experience with the realtor.

A good question to ask is if they would list their home with the same agent in the future. If not, that may be a red flag.

Once you start working with an experienced real estate agent, you will be amazed at how easy it is to find the home of your dreams.

Conclusion:

Using an experienced Realtor can be beneficial to you. When you are in the market to purchase your next home consider using a professional Realtor.

When you choose an agent, the agent can take a lot of the guesswork out of purchasing a home.

Remember, there are a lot of steps involved when you are ready to buy.

Always think about how you would save valuable time by having the right Agent on your team!

If you are in the Dallas FT Worth Area and you are in search of an agent feel free to contact me.