In today’s world when so much information is available on the internet , you may be asking yourself  ”Why Should I Have a Real Estate Agent?”  You might be thinking that you could complete your own real estate transactions with relative ease.  Thus using a real estate agent is a thing of the past.

However, it’s important to recognize that although in the short run you may feel like you are saving money by not paying a commission; it may not always be that simple.  It might actually end up costing you even more in the long run.  Actually statistics show that selling your home with the assistance of a professional real estate agent will garner you a higher profit, enough to cover the commission as well as put more money in your pocket. According to the National Association of Realtor’s 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the average For Sale by Owner sales price was $174,900, while the average price for a home represented by an agent was $215,000, a difference of $40,100.

The process of buying or selling a home is not only a major financial commitment but also quite an emotional undertaking.  It’s often a complex situation that can be easier to navigate with an agent by your side. It’s helpful to have someone who is familiar with the process to assist you in navigating through the incredible amount of paperwork that comes with real estate transactions. And transactions aren’t just limited to paperwork; there are also the hiring inspectors, negotiating over who pays for needed repairs, keeping up good relations with the sellers (through their agent) and more. All of this is almost innate and comes natural to an agent with much experience. What's more, real estate agents usually have contacts with good inspectors, mortgage loan brokers, and others who can make your buying process easier.  As an agent, they can negotiate the terms of the contract without being emotionally involved. The goal is trying to help all parties reach a mutual agreement. 

Where are you going to advertise your home?  Are you going to be available to show your home when the potential buyer wants to look?  Is the buyer going to feel uncomfortable looking around while you are present?   Are you going to let anyone that wants to look at your home come, or how you verifiy everyone coming through your home is pre-approved?  What about security, sasting your time, or taking a time away from your personal activities?   What about additional mortgage payments that affect your net the longer you are on the market?  There are lot of decisions that need to be made.

In other words, realtors have the knowledge, experience, education as well as a network of contacts to provide maximum exposure and provide solutions for any bumps throughout the journey.

In an upcoming blog we will examine the top reasons why having a licensed real estate agent is not only important but also imperative.