Do I Need a Realtor?

 

Being a buyer or a seller, you are in a position to either hire a real estate agent for assistance or not. Others might not find it necessary to employ a realtor because they think agent fees are too high. Some could have had experience with working with realtors and prefer to handle the business on their own. If you are a first-time home seller or buyer, it is advisable to get as much help from someone with the expertise. Below are a few advantages and disadvantages of hiring a realtor.

 

Advantages 

1. They know what they are looking for: no one will know the real estate market better than your assigned agent. When you give them a certain criteria of what you want and vision in a home, they will then narrow down options for you based on the wish list given. Without a realtor, it will be time-consuming and stressful to look for homes based on what you have set your mind on. 
2. Saving time and money: You do not want to spend your extra time and energy staging, doing tours of your home or roaming around neighborhoods looking at potential homes. You would want to hire someone who will handle the groundwork to satisfy yourself or potential home buyers without wearing yourself out from all the hard labor. When it comes to financial guidance, realtors have the experience to know whether a house is overpriced or the opposite. They help sellers to have an accurate listing price by evaluating data that affects the home values. If you are buying, realtors will assist in choosing how much to offer on a house, based on their knowledge.
3. Negotiating Skills: To achieve the best estate deal possible, you need to have negotiating skills. Real estate agents have experience in negotiating home values and analyzing the area to back up the price you choose to sell or buy property. It is better to get straight to business without having an emotional connection that will cloud your negotiations. 

 

Disadvantages 

1. Paying commission: hiring a real estate agent can be expensive. You will need this person to be fully invested in helping you achieve the end goal of either buying or selling property, therefore needing their undivided time and attention. Depending on the contract you have with your broker, whether you make profit from your property or not, you will still need to pay the agent commission on everything they have done from the beginning. It may sometimes be better to hire a discounted realtor for lower costs. 
2. Working around a timetable: This means you both will need to work around your schedules to accommodate each other’s time. If your agent does not have all the time needed, your house may sit on the real estate market longer than it needs to. Agents may be working with other clients, giving your property less attention than it deserves.
3. Unstable credentials: it is important to do a brief background check before hiring an agent. Not all brokers have the same credentials. Some may not have the experience needed to meet your criteria in selling or buying a home. Research in their experience, credibility, recent deals, the amount of time they have been in the real estate industry etc. It’s important to have someone who will meet all of your expectations and lift the weight off your shoulders. 

Relying on a realtor is all up to you. If you believe that you will be able to handle the pressure, put enough time and energy into buying a home or selling your own, then go for it. Compare your own pros and cons with the assistance of the above to come to a conclusion of the route you wish to take. 

A talented and focused realtor who works beyond the call of duty, can assist with realizing your real estate needs in the shortest possible time, despite the nature of market conditions. Just remember, it’s best to hire a realtor!