What Is the Value of a Real Estate Agent?

While many home buyers are distressed in today’s market with the lack of inventory, believe it or not, finding the house is the easy part. It is only the beginning of a very complicated and time-consuming process, and buyers and sellers alike should have a real estate professional in their corner, who can look out for their interests.

Realtors are members of the National Associations of Realtors and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. 

When you are buying a home, here’s what a Realtor can do for you.

Act as an expert guide.

Buying or selling a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. You want to work with a professional who can speak the language. A knowledgeable real estate agent will know what is required in your market, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes.

Offer objective information and opinions.

A great real estate agent will guide through the process with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying or selling objective. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.

Give you expanded search power.

As a buyer, you want access to the full range of potential properties. As a seller, you want your property to be exposed to the maximum number of potential buyers. Using a cooperative system called the Multiple Listing Service, an agent can help buyers evaluate all active listings that meet their criteria, alert them to listings coming soon to the market as well as provide data on recent sales.

Stand in your corner during negotiations.

There are many factors up for discussion in a real estate transaction – from price to repairs to date of possession. A professional who is representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate an agreement that meets your needs and allows you to do due diligence before you are bound to the purchase.

Ensure an up-to-date experience.

 Most people buy only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years between purchase. Even if you have bought a home before, laws, regulations, and the process changes regularly depending on the locale. Real estate practitioners may handle hundreds or thousands of transactions over the course of their career and stay up to date to protect you.

Be your rock during emotional moments.

A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most buyers, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you when emotions threaten to sink an otherwise sound transaction. They provide a buffer between you and the other party so that you don’t feel pressured into agreeing to something that you aren’t 100% comfortable with.

Provide fair and ethical treatment.

Whether buying or selling, when you are interviewing agents, ask if they’re a Realtor, a member of the National Association of Realtors. Every member must adhere to the Realtor Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism, serving interests of clients, and protecting the public.