From getting you the best deal to keeping you on the right side of the law, there are only upsides as to why use a Realtor
Buying a home is stressful. Showings.. Open houses. Taxes. Closing costs. Paperwork on top of paperwork on top of paperwork.
And those are just the things you’ve thought of off the top of your head. While it’s easy to think you can handle it all yourself, thanks to the abundance of information readily available on the internet (and from the Property Brothers!), the fact is that a real estate transaction is time-consuming and complicated, and, if not handled properly, could end up costing you money. Just like you wouldn’t represent yourself in a court of law, it’s simply not in your best interest to represent yourself when you’re buying a home. It’s worth it to work with someone who knows real estate inside and out – a Realtor.
Here are just a few of the compelling (and sanity-saving) reasons why to use a Realtor:
1. Realtors abide by a code of ethics. While we believe most real estate professionals are honest folks, those who belong to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have agreed to conduct themselves according to the Realtor Code of Ethics, 17 rules that ensure standards of practice to promote honesty and fairness. What this means is that your Realtor is looking for you – and only you. Plain and simple.
2. They have insider information. Every industry has its own special language, its own vast networking system, its own trade secrets, and the world of real estate is no different. Realtors network constantly with other real estate pros and have exclusive access to market data through the National Realtors Association that help them keep up with what’s happening in the housing market. They know the trendy subdivisions and the up-and-coming blocks, and they watch like hawks to find great deals for buyers. Realtors know CMAs, EIKs and FSBOs. Amortization, appraisals and assessments. Collateral, co-mingling and cash reserves. If you don’t understand this lingo (and most people don’t), consider getting a Realtor on board to help you translate. Their relationships with other real estate pros that can help you get a fair representation of the property as well as the best final sales price.
3. They’re tough negotiators! It’s all about that final price. Plus, Realtors aren’t emotionally invested in your property. And that’s a good thing, because more than likely, you are. Human beings simply don’t make the best decisions when they’re emotional. A Realtor can be a common-sense constant who negotiates with his head instead of his heart.
4. Realtors keep you on the right side of the law. Does a seller have to tell you about that water leak they never had repaired? Do you need to test an older home’s paint for lead before purchasing it? Are there any deed restrictions on the property you’re hoping to buy? When buying a home, dozens of questions will come up that you simply won’t know the answer to — and an internet search won’t quickly answer. This is where a Realtor comes in particularly handy. Realtors keep up with the ever-changing rules and regulations that govern the sale of property, thanks to a constant flow of up-to-date information from the National Association of Realtors and related state Realtors associations, so you don’t have to.
