If you plan to buy or sell a home soon, you may be considering using a Realtor. This is a smart idea. A Realtor is a licensed real estate sales person belonging to the National Association of REALTORS®, the largest trade group in the nation. It’s important to note that every agent is not a Realtor but most are. They adhere to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents, following a strict Code of Ethics.
We thought it would be helpful to go over the benefits of working with a Realtor, especially when selling.
With a Realtor, you can:
Utilize the Pricing Expertise of Your Agent
Your Realtor® is an expert when it comes to home prices for your area, tracking the market and making note of any fluctuations that could affect your home’s value. That’s how they can ensure your home is listed for an accurate amount that piques interest in buyers but that also helps you sell the home at a strong price.
Many homeowners assume they know how much their house is worth, but oftentimes emotions and sentimentality can get in the way of their judgement. When you let a Realtor price your home, you are able to create an accurate, unbiased and realistic listing price. On the other side of the coin, some homeowners drastically undervalue their homes, so it’s helpful to have an honest, ethical and competent Realtor® to help owners optimize their selling price.
Save Time in the Research Process
As you go about the process of selling your house, you will likely work with many kinds of contractors, staging companies, home repair professionals, title companies, appraisers, and inspectors. If you hire a Realtor, you don’t have to research all these people individually and reach out to them on your own because that’s what your Realtor is there for. They have a vast list of vetted contractors and professionals – a helpful, proven network you can tap into.
Know What’s Selling in Your Area
Realtors stay on top of housing, design and real estate investment trends so you don’t have to. Maybe you were thinking of installing solar panels on your home. Going solar is certainly a popular trend nationally, but your real estate agent can let you know if this is the right investment for you. For example, maybe your roof is aging and will need replacing in a couple of years, making it counter-productive to add solar panels at this time.
Use the Multiple Listing Service
The multiple listing service (MLS) is a tool that Realtors and their clients can use to help them list homes and find others for sale. Not only does having your home on the MLS increase its exposure, it increases the chances that someone will see it and want to buy it. Plus, you can use the MLS to find homes you may want to buy. Access to this tool is invaluable.
Approach Buyers with a Level of Authority
Many sellers can be intimidated by the complexity of the transaction, when faced with timelines, legal disclosures, etc. When a Realtor® is involved in the process, the transaction has an effortless flow to it as they manage transaction complexities, buyer/seller emotions, marketing and expectations. You want this major life change to go smoothly, and Realtors can provide peace of mind, and show the other side that you mean business.
Work with a Professional Negotiator
Some people avoid working with Realtors because they don’t want to pay the commission fee. But what they’re failing to see is the underlying benefit of having a master negotiator on their side. Your Realtor not only fights for your interests but keeps the deal from falling apart due to legal snafus, missed deadlines or even hurt feelings.
Contact a Realtor® at Berkshire Hathaway
To experience the benefits of working with a Realtor, contact the professionals at Berkshire Hathaway.